TOPSoccer

It was a beautiful day on Saturday for our top soccer program. Billy and Stephanie led the warm-ups and then after 20 minutes of dribbling and shooting, the players were ready for a game. The Seniors once again played the coaches and of course, the seniors showed who were the better players. The final score was 8-7 but I think the seniors helped the coaches with a few goals. Alex, Deven, Adam, Matt, Stephanie and Billy each put in one goal with Patrick scoring two. Of course, the coaches wouldn't say who scored on their team and did they really score seven goals. The juniors are advancing with their skills and the coaches are trying to ease them into game situations. The juniors were working on their dribbling and shooting skills with various drills and some game play. The Wildcats would like to welcome our new players: Lara Janoson, Justin Almonte and Nicholas David.. And just a reminder, we are going to a new tournament this year hosted by Rockville Centre. The tournament will take place on May 19th at Skelos Field in Rockville Centre. So mark it on your calendar, come to practice next week and let us know that you are coming to the tournament.

Girls Travel

U-11

Lady Leopards 3 Plainview 1 - If a college soccer recruiter had been at this game, the recruiter would have immediately signed each and every Lady Leopard playing. It was a wonderful team effort at no point better demonstrated than in the team's "collaborative" goal when about five players each got a foot or a head on the ball in the penalty box before it finally went into the net. Playing with only one sub seemed to give the girls added determination. Their first goal came about half-way through the first half with a nice shot by Kaitlin Shea. Once the momentum started, two additional goals quickly followed. The second goal was also Kaitlin's with an assist from Danielle Michaels. The third goal was drilled in by Danielle after receiving a beautifully executed pass by Rebecca Lewis. Meanwhile, the defense kept Plainview scoreless through the first half. Nice work from goalie Celeste Lyons who anticipated shots, and positioned herself well to block. Everyone played an exceptional game. Strikers Kaitlin and Danielle, our dynamic duo, were in great form, weaving, dodging, and outrunning defenders. Dylan Livers rushed to the scene of trouble, seizing possession of the ball when it was threatened, effectively playing offense as well as defense. Madison Cascio carried the ball well at midfield, and had a shot on goal. Alana Cohen, also playing midfield, charged the net and sent over three shots that had Plainview's goalie scrambling. Eve Rigas, a relentless and agile defender, had expert throw-ins that advanced the ball for the team. Caroline Weinberg, leaping and blocking, a graceful and precise defensive player, and Rebecca, a wall of resistance with powerful passing, complemented each other's skills on the field. Hannah Zeitlin, as always, a force, played all three positions with equal energy and proficiency. It was a truly exciting game with well-matched opponents, and civil sideline conversation. Once again, we were fortunate in our referee, who ensured a clean game. The Lady Leopards wish Coach Gavin Shea could have seen this game, and wish him a speedy recovery.

U10

Lady Tigers 5 vs. Hicksville United 2 - It was a beautiful day for soccer and for The Lady Tigers. It started with Betsy Tanenbaum who charged down the right side running at full speed and then made an excellent pass to Julie Kennedy. Julie cut perfectly in front of the United's goalie and scored the Lady Tiger's first goal. The Hicksville United responded quickly with a high shot in the top corner on the net. Jasmine Bustos had two attempts that deflected off the goal post. Then with a beautiful pass from Keely McGrath, Jasmine charged up the field and scored our second goal. The United responded quickly again with shot that hit the goal post and defected into the goal to tie the game just before the half. Then in the second half it was all Betsy. She came out strong scoring 3 more goals for the Lady Tigers. Betsy charged hard on every loose ball towards the United goal. She simply outran all the defenders and split the defense in scoring her goals. A hat trick and an assist for the day. Betsy also made some beautiful corner kicks and passes to Julie, Gianna Ferrante and Jennifer Louie that were near misses. Betsy really elevated her game today. Erin Rivera, Laila Chadli, and Bridgette Stacom continued their strong defense to keep the Hicksville United away. Sabrina Posadas and Martha Keller played a strong midfield and defensive game, keeping the pressure on the United. Lisa Pellegrino continued her outstanding goal tending, blocking and diving across the goal to hold back the United. The Lady Tigers controlled the ball for most of the game. All the girls played hard with high energy. Just a great all-around game for the Lady Tigers. Great day! Great game!

Bonnet Division

U-9

Princesses-1 Angels Power-0 - The Princesses played a Friday evening rainout makeup game against the league leading, talented Angels this week. This contest was supposed to take place two weeks ago but was postponed due to heavy rains. Both teams seemd to enjoy getting out on the field and playing their game after a long week of school work. The Princesses combined an attacking offense and a solid defense to combat the powerful Angels. The Princesses offense was led by Catherine,who kept pressure on the Angels goaltenders with strong moves to the goal. Ashley made some pretty passes to her appreciative teammates. Daniella was outstanding once again and received an assist on the lone goal of the game. Keri was the benificary of a pretty crossing pass and found the net for the game winner and only goal of game. Kayla gets better each week and really had some nice plays on the ball. Lauren played both offense and defense and was very and aggressive attacking the ball. On the defensive side of the ball the Princesses really excelled. Jessica, once again lead the charge. She always picks the right time to carry and control the ball in her end. Brittany patrols her side of the field with confidence and never backs down from an advancing opponent. McKenzie also has developed into a steady defender and is always willing to advance the ball when the opportunity presents itself. Nicki saved the victory for the Princesses with a fingertip save, making a difficult shot got just wide. Tara finished the game in goal and made a couple of great saves to secure the victory. It was a wonderful effort as the girls continue to come together as team. The girls really get along well and seem to enjoy playing together. The Princesses and Angels have a rematch this weekend and I'm sure both teams will put on quite a show. Great work girls! Happy Mother's Day to all of the supportive mothers of all of the girls.

Cabbage Patch Division

Game Summary: GU7 Grizzly Bears V. Jets. In a battle of 2 powerhouse teams, the G-Bears squared off with the Jets on Sunday May 6. It was a brisk day for May soccer, but the teams were fully warmed up and ready for action come game time. The G-Bear attack was led by Kaitlyn Krems who relentlessly attacked the goal, scored 2 in the second half and just missed on several other chances. Little Katie used her quickness and dribbling moves to great affect in this game and sent a couple rockets just wide of goal. Kaitlyn was set up by the hard-charging Sophia Leeds - who just missed on several of her own chances in the first half before taking a very impressive turn on D in the second. Very nice game, Sophie! The other G-Bear goal was scored by Jackie Diffley who started the game playing stellar D and finished with her second goal in 2 weeks off a nice rocket shot that found the side netting. Jackie is showing a tremendous knack for barreling in on goal and either centering the ball or sending laser beams on goal. Katie Meegan also had several chances so score, coming in hard from the left and setting up at least one of Katie K's goals - really like what we are seeing from Katie M. On D, Erica Lorenzana stepped up big several times to break up attacks on goal and then clearing the ball up the forwards to set up breakaways. Same deal from Alyssa Macher who did a super job on the left side breaking up attacks and clearing the ball up the wings. At midfield, Bethany Ambrosio made several outstanding quick-turn passes to spring the forwards down the line. Same thing for Kathleen Toscano who got in the mix and made several nice passes to her teammates. Hannah Varghese played a lot of left fwd and did a nice job of racing up the middle on the attack down the wing and was just not quite able to catch up to some very nice centering passes from Kaitlyn and Alyssa. In goal, both Edna Dudek [3 saves] and Kristin Granieri [5 saves] did a super job and did not allow a goal. Great playing ladies! - keep up the great work. Bratz - It was another beautiful day for soccer and the Bratz came and had a fun day of soccer. The girls trained hard and worked on their shooting skills. The girls focused on shooting with both their feet with both power and accuracy. After about an hour of hard training the girls scrimmaged and showed everyone some of their great shooting technique along with all the other great things that they have been working on all season. The Bratz were powered by Emma Aquino, Olivia Baez, Kira Crehan, Camryn Finkel, Deirdre Lynch, Emma Quinn, Sarah Reigrod and Victoria Tarrega. We missed you this week Camryn D., Marissa and Marcela. As usual I am proud of all my soccer Bratz.

Kitty Kats vs. Lightnings

The Kitty Kats started off the game with great offensive moves by Daphne Siozios, Julia Feldman, Cayla Mikowski, and Caroline Nuttall. Kaitlyn Louie, Lauren Vowinkel, Andrea Waldron and Stephanie Zovich blocked the breakaway balls with lots of power. Naomi Diaz and Gabriella Caicedo were excellent in goal with unbelievable saves. The girls played extremely well. Congratulations to both teams.