Pressure doesn't stop Laurel Nothel from getting off a good pass This past week the Garden City U12 Patriettes were set to play two league games. The first was Thursday afternoon against the always tough Manhasset Rebels. The Patriettes had been practicing hard the past two weeks on their footwork and moving the ball around to look for the best opportunities. All the hard work was evident with the starting midfield of Alexis Leighton, Christie Pflume, and Jillian Gregory controlling the middle of the field leading to a number of chances for the Patriettes. Throughout the first half the Patriettes were clearly the stronger team. However, they were stymied for the half and at halftime the score was 0-0. Knowing the first goal may be a game changer the Patriettes came out with determination to keep the pressure on their opponents. Early in the half the forwards of MaryKate Kenny, Laurel Nothel and Annie Kane made a number of early runs at the goal. Less than 5 minutes into the half the Patriettes had another chance and Kelly McDonnell put a ball by the keeper for a 1-0 lead. Quickly though, the Rebels came back to tie the game with less than 10 minutes left. Not to be denied the Patriettes kept pushing towards the goal. With 5 minutes left Julia Biscardi from her center halfback position took a shot from outside the 18 and it went in right under the crossbar. The whistle blew and the Patriettes came away with a well deserved and hard fought 2-1 victory. Saturday morning the girls had their 2nd league game of the week. This time the Patriettes were taking on the Floral park Fusion, a team they have played 4 times in the last 3 seasons. The game started like so many others with both teams trading opportunities early in the game. As the Patriettes had done the last 4 games, they struck first. After 2 strong passes up the right had side Becky Reifler knocked the cross into the back of the net. Quickly after the goal the Patriettes forwards led by Erin Rode and Margot McTiernan kept putting pressure on the net. All the pressure lead to a second goal for the Patriettes put in by MaryKate Kenny from her forward position. The half ended with the girls up 2-0. The start of the second half the Fusion put a lot of pressure on the Patriettes goal. However, their chances were constantly pushed away by the defense of Jillian Curtin, Claudia Caracciolo, Maddy Stone and Caitlyn Kaczynski in goal. Upon pushing out the attempts of the fusion the Patriettes made more advances towards the goal. Isabel Balady applied constant pressure on the Fusion goal. The Patriettes scored their third goal with a quick shot by Alexis Leighton assisted by MaryKate Kenny's corner kick. The game ended and the Patriettes were victorious for the 2nd time in the week. By winning the game the Patriettes stayed on a tie for first place in their division. CONGRATULATIONS girls and keep up the good work.

MaryKate Kenny uses good footwork to turn the ball away

Alexis Leighton leans in to send the ball upfield

Julia Biscardi charges through the Manhasset defense Becky Reifler moves the ball forward Isabel Balady is focused during a offensive drive to goal Erin Rode pressures the Fusion goalie