Jenna Codignotto goes up the field On the turf fields at Skelos Park in Rockville Center, the GC Xtreme continued their streak of playing very competitive and exciting soccer last Saturday. It was a 10 of a day and the team and their fans were looking forward to the neighborhood rivalry against the RVC Rage.

As the opening whistle blew, the Xtreme had the Rage under pressure. Winning balls in the middle third, Colette Seel, Isabel McKeown and Alison Holfester got possession and aided their team to control the match in the opening minutes. Playing upfront, Lauren Miesemer, Cailee McCarthy and Joanna Sokolovic distributed the ball amongst themselves and to their attacking halfbacks, which kept the ball in the RVC defensive half of the field. The Xtreme got dividends from applying this pressure 7 minutes into the match. Sam Miesemer sent a perfect ball through ball past the Rage back line to Joanna. Joanna, quick to the ball, forced the defender to back pass it but the keeper misplayed it and the ball rolled into the goal, the Xtreme had the early lead. Throughout the half, Katie Roscoe engaged in some monumental battles for possession where Katie came out on top on most occasions. Midfielders Cara Adams, Kelsey Whitney and Laurel Fisher brought great intensity to the field. This unit helped control the play for their team. Shannon Tierney was in goal and played with great intelligence. Every decision Shea made was perfect, when to come off her line and when not to. The Rage did get an equalizer late in the first half and the match was 1-1 at halftime.

Laurel Fisher carries the ball to space The RVC team featured some very strong and fast-forwards. Stoppers Alicia Mueller and Jeanna Codignotto used speed and agility to contain these players. The always-dependable Danna DiPierro anchored the Xtreme back line. Deanna never failed to be in perfect position to cover her stoppers if needed. In the second half, the Rage came forward with everything they had. The team had never beaten the Xtreme in league play and they were determined to do so. The pace became incredibly fast and as the sun heated the turf field, the players had to dig deep to get up and down the field. The Xtreme played outstanding defense, lead by Laurel in the goal. The Fish stood up to the 30 minutes of pressure, including a Rage penalty kick. Even with their great defensive play, things got interesting when the Rage scored an unstoppable goal with 12 minutes remaining. Never a team to give up, the Xtreme battled back. They knew winning an unpossessed ball was an opportunity to go on the attack. Colette and her teammates starting winning one 50/50 ball after another and had the Rage backing up. With about 2 minutes left, Joanna was sent in down the right side. she out ran her defender and sent in an awesome cross to the 6-yard box. There Lauren made a run in front of the defender, put a great first touch on the ball and then put it into the corner of the goal to tie the match. A great effort by both teams and a splendid match to watch.

Cara Adams holds her ground

Alison Holfester gets forward with Isable McKeown in support Shannon Tierney, Joanna Sokolovic and Kelsey Whitney