Fireballs Short Circuit Power

Courtney Chmil turns the corner.

The U15 girl's had to travel out to Center Moriches last week in the early morning to try to keep their terrific season going strong. And the Fireballs took it to the Power and came away with a 2-1 win. Up and down the lineup the Fireballs played solid soccer throughout the match, taking a 2 goal lead early in the second half and holding off Center Moriches for the victory. In the first half, the Fireballs tried to get out on top but had several chances stopped by the Power keeper who seemed to have extra hands and legs. In the first minute she stopped Christine Malhame from inside the box, then it was Monique Roberge and Christina Cesarini each from the top of the box, Kim Verderber from just inside the 18, and probably her best save came on Meaghan Walsh, as Cez put a perfect cross onto Meaghan's foot for a one timer into the corner of the goal only to have the keeper come from no where to grab it - a great shot stopped by an amazing save.

Knowing that the Power were a team that matched up well with their speed and footwork, the Fireballs started to use quick switches and counterattacks in the midfield to gain the advantage; as well as using the aggressiveness of the keeper to catch her out of position and finally drive a couple of balls past her. Each goal was scored on a similar play, strong runs to the end line, a perfect ball across the box and a soft finishing touch for a goal. The first combination was Courtney Chmil driving the ball across to Victoria Aldrich for the one timer out of the air and into the net. And then about ten minutes later, it was Daniela Sampram making the run and putting a ball across the goal that Erin Dean was able to finish off.

Daniella Sampram moves around the outside.

On the other side of the ball, the Fireball defense was anchored by keeper Joanna Matuza. Jo made several outstanding stops to shut down the Power and was very active coming out for any loose ball. Supporting her today and all season with confident, steady play have been the duo of Michelle Rotondo and Amanda Murolo; who after a terrific JV season of playing next to each other both read the game and each other like they've been partnered for years. Add to them the strong play of backs Jackie Wiszniewski and Kim Verderber and stoppers Shannon McWilliams and Christine Malhame and you have a very formidable defense. But with only 4 goals against for the season you need the whole team to be behind the ball at all times - and the Fireballs are committed as a team to doing so when needed.

Joanna Matuza grabs the shot.

The victory kept the Fireball record spotless with six straight wins. They play two tough matches this weekend, first they travel to Valley Stream on Saturday at 2:40 to face the Liberty and then come home to St. Paul's on Sunday to take on the Commack Spirit at 10:00. Good Luck!

Christina Cesarini looks for Meaghan Walsh Amanda Murolo flies through the air with the clear