The New Hyde Park GU12 Cheetahs soccer team took on tough competition in the East Meadow Tournament at Mitchell Field.
The first game against Lindenhurst Fusion was a 7:30 a.m. start but the girls were up and ready to go.
The Cheetahs started off strong. Kimberly Loyer opened up the scoring with a beautiful goal about 15 minutes in. The defense was rock solid and held off the competition long enough for Kassidy Keefe, using her speed, put a second goal in to seal a 2-1 victory.
The second match ended in a draw 1-1 against a fine Garden City Centennials Vipers squad. The defensive core of Olivia Lappin, Daniela O’Modie, Cecilia Jozef and Paulina Papadoniou were at their best along with star goalie Irene Krische.
The final match of the day was against the Smithtown Kickers Dynamite and the Cheetahs were up for the challenge. Kassidy Keefe took the ball down the left side using her foot skills and speed to avoid the defenders and put one in the back of the net in the third minute of the game.
The strong center mid field, led by Brooke Christman, controlled the game with precision passing and ball distribution. The Cheetahs’ second goal was set up by an excellent free kick from Olivia Lappin to Kassidy Keefe and then Andrea Waldron to finish off the game in a 2-1 victory.
Sunday’s schedule was again an early start. The first match was against an undefeated Plainedge team. An excellent effort by midfielders Juliana Cangemi, Ellen O’Dwyer and Julia Rega forced the opponent to stay out wide and unable to cross to the center of the box. There were chances but NHP could not find a way to break through. The Cheetahs put up a great fight in a 2-0 loss.
The final match against the New York Hota Rebels was for the second-place trophy. Each team came out strong with a desire to win the challenge. Fine passing and good teamwork led to a goal for the Hota squad. The Cheetahs battled back but could not penetrate the opposition. The second half was more of the same and Hota took the match at 2-0.
The NHP Cheetahs are a proud team of young ladies who played their hearts out, taking third place with only one substitute all weekend.
The cheering section was led by Samantha Bravo who attended all five games but could not play due to a broken wrist.
Others who were sadly missed were Channing Woo and Victoria Cavallaro. Thanks to all who attended the tournament and supported the Cheetahs.
Thank you to the coaches for all your time and dedication.
