Xtreme Battle Hurricanes In Season Opener

Shannon Tierney battles for possession.

The U-11 girls Garden City Xtreme opened up their spring season in East Meadow this past Saturday. The Xtreme and the East Meadow Hurricanes had two classic battles last fall, and this match followed suit. End to end action, one counter attack after another. Although the team gave an enormous effort, East Meadow won the match 1-0.

Considering the two teams were playing each other for the fourth time within a 12 month period, each knew their opponent very well. The East Meadow Hurricanes are a physical team, who has players who can put the ball in the net from anywhere in their offensive half. The Xtreme rely on speed and skill, linking and combining passes to create scoring opportunities. The contrast in style leads to very entertaining matches. At the start of the first half, Kelsey Whitney, Shannon Tierney and Alison Holfester were in at halfback. They had their work cut out for them in the middle third, the Hurricanes exerted every effort possible to push people off the ball. Lauren Miesemer and Isabel McKeown were the two target players. Lauren and Isabel worked hard to receive the ball and play their halfbacks in on goal. The East Meadow back line were quick to pressure the Xtreme forwards, making it difficult to move the ball into the offensive area. About 8 minutes into the match, the Hurricanes scored the only goal of the game on an unstoppable shot from the corner of the 18 yard box. Four minutes later, our keeper Sam Derby made an incredible save on a blast from mid-field, reaching as high as possible to deflect the ball from hitting the net.

Jenna Codignotto holds her ground.

Down 1-0 going into the second half, the Xtreme had to dig deep to try to come up with an equalizer. Cara Adams, Sam Miesemer and Katie Roscoe were in a halfback. Cara, Sam and Katie continued with the relentless battles for possession. As the half progressed, the team started winning a majority of the 50/50 balls, putting the Hurricanes under pressure. Joanna Sokolovic was in at forward. The team played the long ball to Joanna often, trying to capitalize on her speed. Having given up an early goal, the Xtreme defense knew they couldn't allow another East Meadow goal. Backs Alicia Mueller, Jenna Codignotto and Deanna DiPierro had their hands full as the Hurricanes had multiple scoring threats. Together with second half keeper Shannon, the backs kept the match close with super defensive play.

Lauren Miesemer goes on the attack.

Disappointed with the 1-0 loss, the team looks forward to their home match this week against Massapequa.

Sam Derby clears the ball. Alison Holfester tracks down the player.