Shannon Tierney fights for possession. This past weekend the U12 Xtreme hosted two matches. On Saturday the team was at St. Pauls against the LI United Reds. The United are a select team from LIJSL. The roster consists of players throughout Nassau and Suffolk. On Sunday the Xtreme played the Syosset 96 Arsenal at the Community Park. Both matches were well played with lots of great skill and athleticism.

For the match on Saturday against the United, the usual stiff wind at St. Pauls and the temperature in the 40's, had the teams playing in the elements for the first time this season. After playing defensively for the first five minutes, the Xtreme started to get forward with numbers and put pressure on the United defense. The wind was favorable for the team, and as each minute passed, it seemed a sure goal was coming. But the team was quite unlucky and at halftime actually was down 1-0. The second half had the wind in the Xtreme's face, making a comeback even more difficult. But as always, the Xtreme showed great determination to get the equalizer. Putting pressure on the United, the team forced a corner at the thirteen minute mark. Deanna DiPierro then sent the corner into the 6-yard box where Shannon Tierney one timed the ball into the net for a brilliant goal. The United did have a few counter attacks in the second half, however goalkeeper, Laurel Fisher, came up big with a couple of miraculous saves. As the match wound down, the Xtreme attacked the United defense with all the energy it could muster, but couldn't catch a break and the match ended 1-1.

Alison Holfester goes forward. On Sunday the Xtreme played the Syosset 96 Arsenal. The Arsenal gave the Xtreme problems during the U11 season. Within one minute of this match, the Xtreme's problems against the Arsenal continued as their opponent got a quick goal. With plenty of time remaining, the team stuck to their game plan and had the ball for long durations of time in the Syosset defensive end. the Xtreme had the Arsenal keeper under all kinds of pressure. The team had shots in the 18-yard box, outside the 18 and from the sides. Unfortunately, none hit the back of the net and the match was 1-0 for most of the time. With about 10 minutes remaining in the match, the Arsenal scored their second goal. Down 2-0, the Xtreme still worked hard and aggressively to get back into the match, but time ran out on the team.

Laurel Fischer is first to the ball.

Isabel McKeown carries out of pressure. Colette Seel looks for a target player. Cailee McCarthy goes 1 v 1. Joanne Sokolovic races up the field.