GC Force Jumpstarts Fall Season

Garden City U-11 Girls Force team arrived at the Covanta Tournament ready to play. The first game the girls were matched against the Lady Panthers. The team came out strong and with a lead off goal by Caroline Kenny on a direct kick, the girls were off and running. Solid defense held the panthers scoreless in the first half. In the second half, the offense led by Catherine Honan and Lizzie Rieger kept the pressure on. Alicia Cristoforo moved to goal, and made numerous saves, including one dramatic diving effort. Annie Walsh, after playing goal in the first half, was full of energy, and actually scored twice in the second half, with one goal on an assist from Shelby Rivelle, Katie Gillen then scored on a penalty kick. The Lady Panthers responded with a goal, making the score 4-1. Maddie McCabe then sealed the win with an unassisted goal with minutes remaining. The final score was 5-1, and the Force moved confidently to their second game.

In the second game, the Force faced the Babylon X-Treme. The offense led by Annie Randazzo, immediately started pressuring the Babylon defense. Several shots on goal were narrowly deflected, and the score remained 0-0 at the half. In the second half, the Force offense kept the pressure on, and were rewarded when Kerry McCarraher scored with a shot to the left corner. Katie Gillen was goalie in the second half and made several diving saves to keep the Force in the lead. The defense continuously denied the X-Treme's pressure, but one shot on goal connected, and the game ended in a well played 1-1 tie.

Day 2 of the tournament found the Force facing the West Islip Pride. The Force offense, led by Caroline Kenny and Janine Schwendemann, connected early with Catherine Honan scoring an unassisted goal. West Islip answered quickly, and the score at the half was 1-1. In the second half, Shelby Rivelle and Katie Gillen kept the offensive pressure on, but each shot on goal was rejected, and the game ended once again in a 1-1 tie.

The Force then faced the Massapequa Twisters in a very physical contest. Maddie McCabe scored on a free kick after a handball in the box,.and the Force led 1-0 at the half. Annie Randazzo and Alicia Cristoforo kept the offensive pressure on, and the Force defense held the Twisters to three shots on goal. Then, with seconds remaining, the Twisters scored on a solid kick to the left corner, and the game ended, yes, once again in a 1-1 tie.

On Day 3 of the Tournament had the Force squaring up against first place Rockville Centre. A win would seal first place at the Tournament. Unfortunately, it was not to be for the Force this time. Even though all the first half action was in front of the Rockville Centre goal, the Force was unable to put one in the net. Rockville Centre did manage to find the net with a crisp shot just under the crossbar and they led at the half 1-0. The Force were still in the game, with defenders Caroline Kenny and Kerry McCarraher, consistently clearing the ball. The offense, led by Katie Gillen, Lizzie Rieger and Annie Walsh kept the pressure on and hopes alive. Then, with just a few minutes remaining RVC found the net once again, essentially sealing the victory and the eventual championship trophy. The final score was 3-0, but the Force left the field with their heads high, knowing they had given their best effort. The Force is looking forward to beginning their regular season on September 6th right here in Garden City at 2:30pm. Here they will also welcome the return of Erin Pasquale, Caitlin Cunningham, and Lily Shannon to the lineup.