New Canaan Girls U10 Red edge out FUSA Red 1 by a score of 2-1

Photo: Maggie Murphy controls the ball while Kathryn Norton looks on during New Canaan’s win over FUSA Red 1.

From the beginning it was clear this would be a close match as both sides showcased defensive strength. The advantage early on was definitely with Fairfield as they spent a large amount of time deep in New Canaan’s end. First half goalie Kelly Polacek had to make several excellent saves, but defenders Maggie Murphy and Devon Russell were brilliant, preventing Fairfield from getting many quality chances.

After a few thwarted drives down the field, New Canaan was finally able to break through Fairfield’s defense and get on the scoreboard. Russell stole the ball around midfield and passed up to Ava Pertusiello who connected with Lexie Tully racing up the middle. Tully got just enough space, and launched a hard shot into the high right side of the net. At no point though did Fairfield roll over, and they quickly evened the score off a corner kick that just made it over the line after a scramble in front of the net.

New Canaan stepped it up and regained the momentum as they peppered Fairfield’s goal with shots, even hitting the post on one attempt. The tie was eventually broken when Fiona Mueller placed a perfect throw-in midway inside Fairfield’s end and got it to Pertusiello near the top of the box. Pertusiello fought past a couple of defenders and delivered a line drive to the high left corner of the goal.

Looking to protect a slim one-goal lead going into the second half, New Canaan would need to be perfect at both ends of the field to come away with the win. Their main strategy seemed to be the best defense is an aggressive offense as forwards Polacek and Tully, supported by midfielders Isabel Cavanagh, Katie Quill and Tema Wagner, charged down the field again and again keeping the play in Fairfield’s end. New Canaan got close to scoring with several close range shots but was unable to find the net.

While New Canaan’s offense had the advantage for most of the second half, there were plenty of times when Fairfield could have evened the score. Defenders Lila Volpe, Kathryn Norton and Charlotte Walter worked tirelessly to disrupt multiple attacks and were successful in chasing down several breakaways that looked certain to capitalize. Fairfield was also able to put the ball on net, but second half goalie Pertusiello was dynamic and made a huge point blank save late in the game to seal the win.