Patriettes Take On Oceanside

Maddy Stone races for possession

On Saturday the Garden City U12 Patriettes continued their fall season with a match versus the Oceanside Wave Runners at Soccer Park. The Patriettes opened up the game by winning the coin toss and immediately going on the offensive. Leading the halfbacks at center was Alexis Leighton who worked hard with outside halfbacks Claudia Caracciolo, Maddy Stone, and Margot McTiernan to set up the forwards for shots on opposition goal. The strong passing allowed the forwards of Caitlyn Kaczynski, Erin Rode and Kelly McDonnell to pressure the Wave Runner goalie with a number of shots. The persistence lead to a solid shot and first goal of the game by Becky Reifler. Near the end of the first half an indirect kick was awarded to the Wave Runners. They took that opportunity to tie the game up at 1-1 and the half ended that way. The second half started out with the Patriettes taking charge of the middle of the field leading to a number of opportunities. In this half Mary Kate Kenny, made a number of strong moves up the sideline crossing the ball into the 18 to her teammates Annie Kane, Laurel Nothel and Jillian Gregory. Unfortunately, the girls were unable to find the back of the net in the half. However, the 2nd half was owned by the always strong Patriettes defense. The outstanding play of Jillian Curtin, Christie Pflume, and Julia Biscardi in the middle constantly halted many strong rushes from the pressing Oceanside team. With less than 3 minutes to go in the game Oceanside made one more advance towards the Patriettes goal. A well placed shot was taken towards the top corner of the Patriettes net. However, when it looked like the Wave Runners were going to go ahead the Patriettes goalie Isabel Balady made a miraculous save to keep the ball out of the net. Moments later the game ended in a hard fought draw 1-1. With this finish the Patriettes are alone in 2nd place in their division with 3 teams tied for first only 2 points ahead. Congratulations girls and good luck Saturday in your home opener.

Christie Pflume wails one upfield

Isabel Balady comes out for a save!