New Canaan Girls U9 Red Soccer Defeat Westport Blue 3-1

Looking to avenge their only loss last year, the New Canaan Girls U9 Red Soccer Team traveled to Westport on Sunday and played to win.

From the start both teams fought hard for possession and it was clear to New Canaan that they needed to be physical and intense to get on the scoreboard. Lexie Tully struck first when she charged up the right sideline and fired a bullet despite pressure from several Westport defenders.

On defense, Maggie Murphy, Devon Russell, and Fiona Mueller were tenacious, and turned back Westport’s multiple attacks on goal. Kelly Polacek masterly protected the net, and made many tough saves to keep New Canaan ahead. However, Westport was hungry for the win, and proved that they were an offensive threat when they scored to tie the game.

The Red did not back down and kept up the pressure with an offensive effort by Kathryn Norton, Lila Volpe and Isabel Cavanagh who made many impressive drives up the field. But they were unable to capitalize, and the score remained 1-1 at the end of the first half.

Determined to chalk up the win, New Canaan came out fighting in the second half. Polacek was an immediate force on offense and skillfully connected with Tully who found the net again when she launched a hard shot off the goalie’s hands.

Westport was determined to come back once again. Their offense was relentless and physical, and made several attacks on goal, but New Canaan’s second half defense, anchored by Alexandra Gelvin, Kailee See and Tema Wagner proved to be too strong. Despite multiple scrambles and shots, goalie Katie Quill was fearless, as she held Wesport scoreless for the entire half.

Late in the second half the Red were able to add an insurance goal. Tully received a corner kick in the box and passed to Ava Pertusiello who buried a shot in the corner to seal the win.

Photo: Kathryn Norton controls the ball as Devon Russell looks on.