By Helen Lind
For the first time in the OBEN Soccer Club's history three travel soccer teams finished the fall season at the top of their Long Island Junior Soccer League division. Congratulations to players, coaches and parents and supporters. The successful teams were the Hurricanes (U-11 girls), the Blizzards (U-10 girls) and the Wildcats (U-15 boys). Meet the winning Blizzards team of Under 10 Girls:
The Oyster Bay Blizzards tied for first place in their division with a victory on Nov 10 over Mineola. Their final record for the season was 6-2-1.
The Blizzards took an early lead thanks to a goal scored by Lizzie Abbondandolo assisted by Kelsey Todd but then fell behind 2-1 by half time. Midway through the first half goalkeeper Kat Fressle had to leave the field due to illness and was replaced by Molly Kirkpatrick. Still trailing a goal, and with first place on the line, Kelsey Todd beat Mineola's netminder to tie the score.
With time running out Rebecca Orlich shot a blast off the near post and the rebound was directed into the net by Addie Reilly for the game winner.
The midfield was controlled by Addie Reilly, Emily Prey and Monique Kelly while the defense was as solid as ever with great efforts from Maddie Howes, Denise Neuendorf, Courtney Collins and Nicole Podpirka. Molly Kirkpatrick was spectacular in goal.
Coaches Todd and Fressle could not have been more proud of the team's effort for this final game and throughout the season. They would like to thank the parents for their support and commitment.