One could not have asked for a better day to play soccer. The weather was ideal and the stage was set for the competition in a state cup game for the U-11 girls division. The teams were The Garden City Strikers versus the West Babylon Hurricanes in a match that only one word could describe - awesome! The two teams were matched in both defense and offense. The game was not predictable until the final whistle was blown.

The Strikers came out with their best foot forward showcasing a possession and passing style of play. The forward/middle contingent led by Taylor Hennig, Jenna Fuchs, Colleen Metzler, Megan Martinelli, Katie Trimmer, Maggie Comiskey, Jillian Yoo, Jesse Stein, Catherine Montgomery and Kathleen Galgano provided the offensive fuel throughout the game.

Once again, the "brick wall defense" led by Elizabeth Malhame, Maggie Kiley, Darcy McGuire and Marisa Cameron turned back all the threats repeatedly in the game. Sharing the goaltending duties were Kattie Trimmer and Maggie Comiskey selflessly. Both were challenged many times and made many fearless stops to prevent a high scoring game.

Every time the Strikers went down the field they moved the ball well within the range of the goal. The West Babylon Hurricanes seem to always get the defensive block when it was needed the most. The Hurricanes stopped the shots on goal and robbed the Strikers on many counts of a score. This also held true when the Hurricanes tried to score.

The sidelines were screaming, cheering their perspective team on. Other people in the area came over to watch as well. Right down to the whistle only one goal decided the match. Both teams really played their hearts out.

Congratulations to the West Babylon Hurricanes as they advance in the State Cup to the next round. As for the Strikers, they moved on to participate in the Paul R Cody Tournament in Windsor Locks, Connecticut for a three-day event.