Front row l-to-r: Marlee Rich, Emma Wieland, Kelly Donovan, Megan Seel, Taylor Gladd Middle row l-to-r: Jackie Brattan, Devon Heaney, Celia Concannon, Maggie Casey, Claire Gallic, Gabby Rogers, Katherine Galzerano, Kelly George Top row l-to-r: Coach Rogers, Coach Wieland, Covanta Trophy, Coach Gladd The U-11 Garden City Centennial Wildcats opened the 2009-2010 season in excellent form by taking 1st Place in the Premier Division at the 31st Annual Covanta Soccer Tournament sponsored by the East Meadow Soccer Club. The girls battled thru 5 games during the 2 days against some of the top teams from Nassau and Suffolk and one team from the Bronx. The team won four and tied one outscoring their opponents 17-3 in the process. On Saturday the team had impressive wins over Bayport 3-0, Riverdale 5-1, and Northport 4-1. The team was anchored in the back by very strong play from outside backs Maggie Casey, Kelly Donovan, and Gabby Rogers who provided width and support for the forwards while marking opposing forwards closely. Combined with Devon Heaney at sweeper who settled, distributed, and tackled the ball at a high level all weekend, meant that a lot of good things happened for the team out of the back. The attacking midfield combination of Katherine Galzerano and Jackie Brattan made great plays all weekend, scoring and setting up goals. Katherine G opened the Wildcats tournament, scoring a nice free kick from 20 yards to put GC up on Bayport in Game 1. Megan Seel and Emma Wieland, playing in defensive midfield roles, also showed a team first attitude with solid ball winning and passing all weekend, denying space to some strong players the team came up against. The backs and midfield showed great support and provided strong opportunities for the attacking players who thrived during the tournament. Taylor Gladd and Claire Gallic, rotating at center striker, gave the opposing sweeper a lot of problems. Taylor's footskills and Claires speed and shooting kept the defense off balance, with Celia Concannon and Kelly George very strong on the ball shielding off defenders and unleashing some nice shots and crosses from the wide angles. On Sunday the Wildcats defeated the Smithtown Fury 4-0 and secured the 1st Place trophy with a 1-1 draw in a hot 5th game v the Merrick Force. Marlee Rich was a welcome addition joining the action on Sunday, scoring a crucial tying goal and playing solid goalie in the second half of the tournament clinching game against Merrick. The team wishes Kate Farrell, last seasons top scorer, a speedy recovery from the foot injury. The Wildcats open the regular season this weekend with a tough away game v the East Meadow Stars 98, Go GC Go GC Go!!