New Canaan Girls U9 Red prevail over Wilton 4-2

Both teams started out cautious, not wanting to make an early mistake. However it was New Canaan that capitalized first when Lexie Tully blocked a rebound off the goalie and drilled the ball into the corner of the net. This got the offense going with New Canaan controlling the ball well with several passing sequences and shots on goal. The Red scored again when Kelly Polacek received a pass and launched a hard shot from the outside wing.

Wilton’s defense then started to get much more physical, not wanting the game to get away from them. Mid-fielders Summer Achille, Kathryn Norton and Katie Quill were relentless and gained possession for the Red several times to win back control of the game. A tripping penalty just outside the box resulted in a free kick for New Canaan. Tema Wagner took the kick and delivered a scorching line drive that deflected off a Wilton defender into the net.

Wilton’s offense finally came alive and made several drives up the field, but Maggie Murphy and Fiona Mueller made many key steals and defensive tackles to disrupt their momentum. Wilton was able to put several shots on net, but first half goalie Lila Volpe was fantastic. She made many tough saves and distributed the ball well, while allowing only one goal just before the half.

In the second half, New Canaan’s mid-fielders Ava Pertusiello, Isabel Cavanagh and Alexandra Gelvin came out strong, pressing the ball into Wilton’s end and creating offensive opportunities. However, it was Polacek who once again converted for New Canaan when she weaved through the defense and drilled a low shot into the corner to give the Red a three-goal lead.

Wilton started to turn it on at this point hoping to get back into the game. They moved the ball deep in New Canaan’s end and were able to generate some offensive opportunities. However, Kailee See and Devon Russell did a fantastic job thwarting many attacks on the goal. Second half goalie Tully was dynamic making many aggressive saves and quickly delivering the ball up the field. Wilton managed one late goal, but it was too little too late as New Canaan chalked up a 4-2 win.

Photo: Tema Wagner looks to pass the ball to Alexandra Gelvin in Wednesday’s win against Wilton.