Top row: Coach Rode, Erin Rode, Maddie Stone, Kelly McDonnell, Christie Pflume, Claudia Caracciolo, Mary Kate Kenny, Laurel Nothel, Coach Nothel Bottom row: Annie Kane, Alexis Leighton, Caitlyn Kaczynski, Jillian Curtin, Isabel Balady, Becky Reifler, Julia Biscardi Missing from photo: Margot McTiernan, Jillian Gregory Over the Columbus Day Weekend, the Garden City Patriettes U12 girls' soccer team participated in the 23rd Annual Paul R. Cody Columbus Day Tournament in Windsor, Connecticut. The weather was great, however the soccer was exceptional!

On Saturday morning, the Patriettes began the tournament by playing the West Hartford Huskies. Despite extremely physical play by the Huskies, the Patriettes scored early and managed to hold onto a 1 to 0 victory in a well matched contest. In their second game, the Patriettes were pitted against the Suffield Wildcats. Garden City scored early and often, cruising to a 5 to 0 victory. Despite the lopsided score, the Patriettes showed great sportsmanship and ended the opening day with two well deserved victories.

On Sunday, the Patriettes found themselves facing the Garden City Extreme, also undefeated. In a game that forced friend to play against friend, the Extreme scored early and unfortunately defeated the Patriettes 3 to 0. Despite the setback, the Patriettes showed great determination and teamwork in their next game against the Glastonbury Blue Galaxy. Although there were several early scoring chances by Glastonbury, Garden City jumped out to a one goal lead, which they managed to hold onto until halftime. Glastonbury was not going to go quietly and began the second half with a furious attack on the Patriettes' net. For a brief moment, it appeared as if Glastonbury was going to tie the score, however, the Patriettes would not allow this to occur and redoubled their efforts both on offense and defense. The hard work paid off, as Garden City scored a second goal with approximately 10 minutes to play to take a 2 to 0 lead. Glastonbury scored a late goal to cut the Garden City lead to 2 to 1, however it was to little to late as the Patriettes won the game and their third overall victory in the tournament.

In their final game on Monday, the Patriettes played the Farmington Fire, whose record was also 3 and 1. Despite Garden City managing to score an early goal to take a 1 to 0 lead, Farmington continued to apply pressure. Once again, the Patriettes' teamwork and strong resolution carried the day as they managed to stop each and every Farmington attack. Late in the second half, the Patriettes pushed the game out of reach with a second goal to secure a 2 to 0 victory and a second place finish in the tournament.

Congratulations to the Patriettes on a fantastic soccer weekend! Thank you to Coach Rode, Coach Nothel and all of the parents for their guidance and support. The Patriettes' next game is in Merrick on October 18th, followed by the second round State Cup game on Sunday, the 19th at the community park. Let's go Patriettes!