Meaghan Walsh battles for possession. The Fireballs have burst out of the gate this Spring season. Two weeks ago the girls matched up against the Oceanside Freedom in the first round of the U15 Waldbaum's Cup. Playing in the single elimination tournament, the girls battled to a 1-1 tie in regulation, as well as two 10 minute overtimes, to put them into a shootout. In PK's, GC won the match 3-2 with Christina Cesarini, Monique Roberge and Courtney Chmil driving home the goals and Joanna Matuza standing strong in the goal. It is now on to the second round against fierce competitor the Albertson Fury on April 12th .

Then it was on to opening day of the regular season last Sunday against the Sachem Liberty, a perennial top tier team. The match started with plenty of midfield play and some good back and forth action. But at about the 15 minute mark the Fireballs, specifically Daniela Sampram, broke through on a counterattack. And Daniela didn't hesitate to take advantage and buried her shot into the back of the net for the first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. The Liberty didn't back off and continued to attack the GC defense but Joanna Matuza held strong in the goal, with Michelle Rotondo, Amanda Murolo, Shannon McWilliams and Kim Verderber providing solid support in front of her. Taking advantage of their speed the midfield of Meaghan Walsh, Christina Cesarini and Katie Reilly continually put pressure on the Liberty. It paid off again for Daniela as she got behind the defense for a second time and finished off a nice shot over the outstretched hands of the Sachem keeper for a two goal lead.

Daniela Sampram breaks through. Closing out the first half, the Fireballs came up with their third goal of the match on a set piece as Christine Malhame served a pretty free kick over the top and onto the foot of Christina Cesarini who smoothly took the ball down and went one on one with the keeper. Beating the keeper with a great move, Christina easily dropped the ball into the empty goal. The first half ended with the Fireballs holding a commanding 3-0 lead.

The second half was tightly played with the two defenses stepping up their play and the midfielders again working off one another fighting for any advantage. Staying strong on the ball and maintaining control, the Fireballs were able to add to their lead with Daniela scoring her third goal of the match for her first career Fireball hat trick.

Amanda Murolo clears the area. What a well played game by both teams with the Fireballs getting the most out of their attack and coming up with a well earned victory. The girls play on the road tomorrow against the Smithtown Liberty.

Christina Cesarini fires into the net. Joanna Matuza grabs the loose ball.