Alicia Mueller contains the ball carrier On an overcast and windy day, the U12 Xtreme traveled to Pelini Park in Levittown to face the Levittown Panthers. The Xtreme had never beaten the division one powerhouse Panthers in three tries. But on this day, the team overcame two deficits and stunned the Panthers with a 3-2 victory. An absolute awesome effort in the second half on the part of all the players and Joanna Sokolovic's three-second half goals lead the team to victory.

Even though the Panthers had the wind at their back in the first half, the Xtreme were able to put some early pressure on the Levittown team. Isabel McKeown, Joanna, Kelsey Whitney, Colette Seel and Katie Roscoe where connecting on multiple passes, building scoring chances. Although the Xtreme caused some penetration near the Panthers 18 yard box, their two center backs were very skilled and aggressive, stopping the Xtreme from scoring. When the Panthers got forward, defensive mid-fielders Cara Adams, Laurel Fisher and Sam Miesemer where there to squash any scoring chances. Sam Derby was the first half goalkeeper. Sam made some great saves and was able to clear the ball well with a strong wind in her face. The Panthers did score the only goal of the half on a quick counter attack.

Sam Miesemer dribbles up the field Down 1-0 at the start of the second half didn't seem to bother the Xtreme. They knew now the wind was to their advantage and as the whistle blew, the team took immediate control of the match. Making one combination pass after another, the Xtreme had the Panthers under pressure. Lauren Miesemer was in as a target player; she often sent her counter-part or an attacking midfielder in on goal. Cailee McCarthy, Kristin Adams and Shannon Tierney were in at midfield. This group won numerous unpossessed balls, aiding their team's attack. Sam Derby was now on the field. Nine minutes into the half, Sam caught the Panther's back line pushed too forward and sent a perfectly weighted ball over the back line. Smelling a scoring chance, Joanna out ran the backs, got control of the ball and put it past the keeper to tie the match. The Xtreme quickly had the momentum. Unfortunately, the Panthers scored the next goal three minutes later. Never in doubt or panic, the Xtreme went right back at the Panthers, playing a fabulous possession game, the team connected on one pass after another to get the ball in the Levittown defensive end. About 4 minutes after the Panthers took the lead, after five or six consecutive passes, Lauren found Joanna open at the top of the box. There again Joanna got space and blasted the ball into the net for the equalizer. Eleven minutes remaining and the Xtreme could taste victory. Working the left side, Isabel beat two Panther defenders and sent a great ball into the box. Joanna out sprinted the Panther's keeper to ball, pushed it past her and slid the ball in the goal for the lead. Now it was up to keeper Laurel Fisher and her backs, Alicia Mueller, Jenna Codignotto and center back Alison Holfester to secure the victory. As they had done throughout the match, the backs worked relentlessly to push the Panther's forwards off the ball and turn the ball back up the field. With any deep threats, Alison did an incredible job of sweeping the ball out to safety whenever needed. Laurel as usual used her quickness to get to any loose balls in her box. It seemed forever, but when the final whistle blew the team rejoiced in their fantastic comeback.

Nobody pushes Kelsey Whitney off the ball

Lauren Miesemer goes 1 v 1 Cara Adams takes the ball forward Sam Derby about to clear the ball