New Canaan Girls U10 Red shut out Trumbull Lightning 4-0

Photo: Katie Quill beats the goalie during New Canaan’s win on Sunday against Trumbull.

The New Canaan Girls U10 Red put in a solid performance this past Sunday afternoon against Trumbull Lightning. The final score does not tell the whole story, as this was an aggressive opponent that sent all their players into the box and spent a majority of the game in New Canaan’s end. First half defenders Devon Russell and Kathryn Norton were constantly disrupting Trumbull’s attacks and advancing the ball up field. About midway through the half, Trumbull’s forward position caught them when Lila Volpe connected with Lexie Tully who broke down the left side and scored the Red’s first goal.

Trumbull continued their strategy of sending all their players up and it definitely led to some chances on net. However New Canaan first half goalie Ava Pertusiello was tough as steel making dynamic saves on point blank shots, a free kick and even making a face save on a hard line drive. The Red’s efficiency converting in their opponent’s end once again came through when Maggie Murphy intercepted a goal kick and drove straight down the middle delivering a rocket to the high left corner of the goal at the end of the half.

The action turned around pretty quickly in the second half as New Canaan controlled more of the play in Trumbull’s end. The Red got back on the scoreboard right away when Isabel Cavanagh passed to Kelly Polacek who broke past the defense and beat the goalie with a high line drive.

Midfielders Fiona Mueller, Charlotte Walter and Tema Wagner were a constant force dominating the ball and keeping their opponents from moving into New Canaan’s end. The pressure finally got to Trumbull as they were called for a tripping penalty in the box and the Red were awarded a penalty kick. Katie Quill took the shot and drilled the ball into the low left corner to close out the match.