New Canaan Girls U10 Red defeat Wilton Blue 4-1

Photo: Isabel Cavanagh wins the ball for New Canaan during their victory against Wilton on Sunday.



New Canaan Girls U10 Red were on the road this past Sunday to take on Wilton Blue. The Red was confidant going in, but this is an opponent that has been a challenge in the past. Early on, the action was pretty even with both sides making runs down the field. However, it was New Canaan that scored first when Lexie Tully passed up to Kelly Polacek just over midfield. Polacek broke past two defenders and beat the goalie with a hard close range shot to the corner. 



Being a tough competitor, Wilton stepped up the intensity with several attacks down field. Defenders Maggie Murphy and Devon Russell repeatedly stole the ball from Wilton’s offense and pushed the ball back up the pitch. First half goalkeeper Fiona Mueller made several beautiful saves, with Wilton only scoring on an own goal off a corner kick.

New Canaan answered quickly when Katie Quill connected with Isabel Cavanagh who crossed through the box and drilled a high shot to the left corner of the net. The Red continued their assault, hitting the post on one attempt, as Wilton started to back pedal. They were caught once again when Polacek sent a crossing pass in front of the net that Quill played perfectly with a one-timer rocket past the keeper. 



With a 3-1 lead going into the second half, New Canaan looked to preserve their lead and seal the win. Wilton obviously had other plans, which their coach feverishly worked on with a blackboard during the break, and they came out on he offensive. Now in goal, Cavanagh had to make several difficult saves, including an impressive leaping save, to prevent a Wilton comeback. But the Red quickly turned the momentum around with forwards Ava Pertusiello, Polacek and Quill controlling the play in Wilton’s end. Each had multiple shots on net with one ringing the post. 



As the half progressed Wilton had their chances, but New Canaan’s defense was too strong. Kathryn Norton, Tema Wagner and Charlotte Walter expertly handled each advance and even blocked a free kick. Never giving up until the final whistle, New Canaan made a final push to get back on the scoreboard. Norton passed to Tully at midfield who broke free down the right side and added an insurance goal to close it out by a score of 4-1.