Cailee McCarthy uses her strong left foot to send the ball forward. This past Saturday the Garden City U11 Patriettes played the next to last league game against the Rockville Centre Red Hots, a very aptly named team for the weather that day. The gamed started in 90 degree weather with the Patriettes working hard to control the offensive side of the field. The Patriettes forwards kept making strides to the goal with Laurel Nothel and Kelly McDonnell pressuring the RVC goalie. The strong efforts of Jillian Curtin and Christie Pflume to push up the ball out of the defensive zone and to their teammates allowed Cailee McCarthy to make a strong play to the net and she scored the first goal of the game from her left midfield position. The half ended with the score 1-0. The girls got a much needed break from the sun with halftime of taking water and Gatorade under the shade of a nearby tree. The Patriettes came out determined to start the second half with the midfield of Margot McTiernan, Claudia Caracciolo and Maddy Stone constantly intercepting the Red Hots passes and sending the ball ahead to the forwards. These well executed runs set up the teams second goal which was scored by Caitlyn Kaczynski to make the score 2-0. The Patriettes now had to hold the lead in the heat with only 3 substitutes. True to the team spirit the stingy defense of Annie Kane, Julia Biscardi and Isable Balady in goal did not allow the opponents to put the ball in the back of the net the whole 2nd half. The Patriettes ended up with their second shutout in a row and a hard fought 2-0 victory. The Patriettes have their final league game this Saturday as they challenge Port Washington for sole possession of 2nd place. Their last game is Sunday as they battle Lindenhurst in the finals of the Waldbaum's Cup. GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND GIRLS.

Laurel Nothel cuts ahead of her opponent

Maddie Stone leans in to take possession Claudia Caracciolo battles a tough player