Girl's "Force" Remains Unbeaten

The Garden City Girls U-10 Force kept their unbeaten streak alive last Saturday with a hard fought 3-3 tie against the powerful Plainview Old Bethpage Wildfire. With two games remaining in the season, the Force has proven themselves to be a real contender to battle for top spot in their division in this, their first season as a travel team.

Cold air and wind chill had the game time conditions at about 25 degrees, but the spectators, players and coaches were heated up quickly as all recognized this matchup was going to be the Force's biggest challenge of the season. Parkas, sweats and hats came off and the battle was on. Plainview came out flying and dominated the early action, but their early attempts were turned aside by the rock solid net minding of keeper Maddie McCabe. Defensive stops by Annie Randazzo and Alana Macleod helped settle the game down and give the Force offense confidence that their defense was up to the task.

That confidence was on display moments later as Jillian Minda calmly took possession of a clearing pass, drew the defenders into a double team and led winger Gabby Marcoux perfectly down the left side. The Plainview defender attempted to run the ball down but was no match for the speedy Marcoux who blew by her, settled the ball and ripped a left footed shot past the Wildfire keeper to take a 1-0 lead.

All in attendance knew this game was far from over and it didn't take long for Plainview to show the fans what they were made of. Two consecutive goals by the Wildfire put the Force down 2-1 and reminded the Force that this contest was going to be a slugfest. The inspired Force players decided that they were not going to let the Wildfire dictate the action and took the field in the second half with the same fire that have displayed all season.

After playing a very solid first half on the wing, Catherine Honan put her leadership on display, grabbing the goalie gloves and rallying her teammates for the second half. The cheerleading "cast" of injured players Janine Schwendeman, Olivia Giarraputo and Annie Walsh kept spirits up, and players warm as they roamed the sidelines supporting their teammates as they rest broken bones.

Defensive stalwart Lily Shannon was moved forward to help spark the offense in the second half and responded immediately with a tying goal down the right side. Scrappy Alicia Cristoforo dug deep and disrupted the Plainview offense throughout the game, creating opportunities for her line mates. One of those opportunities came when Gabby Marcoux took a pass from Shelby Rivielle, threaded the defense and fired a shot that looked destined for the top of the net. Unfortunately, the kick sailed over the cross bar and the score remained knotted at 2-2.

The Wildfire turned up the heat with multiple scoring opportunities, but all were turned away by keeper Catherine Honan. Once again, the Force defenders showed why they are the "least scored upon" team in their division as they calmly cleared their zone with outlet passes to the waiting offense.

After rotating between defense and offense in the second half, Lily Shannon decided offense was where she was needed most and responded again with a nifty go ahead goal past a diving Wildfire keeper. Tensions remained high as the seconds ticked off this nail biter. The Force had their chances, the Wildfire had theirs and the crowd was treated to some really intense play from both sides. It almost seemed unfair that one team might actually lose this game. Justice was served on that point when, with seconds on the clock, a lose ball found its was onto the foot of the Wildfire winger, who converted for the tying goal. The ball no sooner hit the back of the net, when the referee blew the whistle signaling the end of this thrilling game.

The Force returns home Saturday 11/17 for their much anticipated matchup against the unbeaten, first place Syosset Eagles. Come on out and support the Force, you wont be disappointed!!