After the Windsor Weekend that saw a 4-0-1 record the Garden City Wildcats were on the road at I-Park facing their toughest opponent to date, the highly ranked Albertson Red 98 Fury. With Fall weather having arrived the game conditions were windy and dry with a burst of sun. The two teams appeared evenly matched in the standings. The Fury proved strong in both midfield and up front where their attackers showed vast skill in ball maneuvering and passing. As is the case with the top teams, the girls are aggressive on the ball, maintain their shape and distribute the ball quickly. The Wildcats came close to establishing a lead when the ball found Maggie Casey on the Fury left post whose one time shot was quickly grabbed by the goalkeeper. GC goalkeeper Kelly George was fantastic in the net; staying high in her area to prevent any through balls. Working with the wind in the first half Kelly G's punts sailed beyond midfield numerous times but the Wildcat strikers were unable to time their runs onto the ball. Defenders Celia Concannon, Gabriella Rogers, Megan Seel, Marlee Rich and Kelly Donovan showed grit and much skill as they consistently kept opposing Fury strikers away from the GC goal and matched speed for speed. Albertson had moments on attack as well and hit the post on one chance midway through the half. Their attempts at crossing the ball to the far post were well-defended by right backs Celia and Marlee. Attackers Taylor Gladd, Emma Wieland, Devon Heaney, Jaqui Brattan, and Kate Farrell battled hard for 50/50's. Jacqui B and Kate created some tense moments for the Fury defense and the Fury goalie turned away a high shot at the near post from Emma off a pass from Taylor. Albertson scored roughly 7 minutes from the half which ended 1-0. During the second half, the Fury threatened to build on that lead but Seel, Rogers and Donovan were there to protect Devon Heaney in the net. Like Kelly George in the first half, Devon was terrific in goal and helped keep the score close by making a couple of fine saves. The Fury eventually netted one more two minutes from time for a 2-0 win handing GC their first league loss. The Wildcats are home this Saturday against the Levittown Xtreme. Go GC !