NHP Lady Pumas: 2
South Merrick: 1
In a rematch of the LiveSpot and NY Cup games of three weeks ago, the NHP Lady Pumas squared off in LIJSL against a very tough and physical South Merrick Cyclone team eager to make it three in a row.
The Pumas would have none of it, and after having come up just short in overtime against South Merrick three weeks ago in LiveSpot (despite pretty much dominating the game), the girls came out flying and never let up in route to a very hard fought an much deserved 2-1 victory.
The score was deceptively close as NHP had the better of play throughout the match.
The offense was led by Eleni Spiratos (one assist, great physical play, and countless wins of 50-50 balls in the center midfield area), Izzy Glennon (one goal for us, one goal for them on a header own-goal, and one nudge of the other player to kick it in her own goal – so it evened out), Katie Krems (one assist, several great shots on goal and some terrific dribbling moves to set up centering passes), Cara Becker (very hard running and fighting for the ball as well as some near misses close to goal), Sophia Leeds (several nice throwins and hard fighting for the ball), Theodora Papadoniou (nice trapping an winning 50-50 balls), Casey Conners (great tackling for 50-50 balls, but a sprained knee for her efforts), and Kira Crehan (nice trapping of balls in the air and some great combination passes).
The defense was rock-solid with Mackenzie Griffin (no one getting by her and great traps), Steph Karczewski (great tracking back and clears up the line), Casey Sanders (super winning of 50-50 balls, nice passes up the flanks, and super throw ins), Isabel Ugolini (some great trapping, passing to feet, changing the field, and tough D). In goal was Ellie Eisenberg (who only got beat by a header from her own teammate on a corner, great punting and giving up no rebounds). Edna Dudek took a quick stint in goal but had to exit shortly thereafter due to a bum ankle. Clare I (ankle), Casey C (knee), Enda D (ankle) – we hope you all feel better! Fantastic game ladies – keep up the good work!
