New Canaan Red (U-9 Girls Soccer) Quench Greenwich Sparks 6-1

The New Canaan Red U-9 Girls soccer team returned to their winning ways on Sunday with a decided 6-1 victory over the Greenwich U9G Sparks.

Under a gorgeous late summer sky, the NC Red girls took to the field with a spunk and swagger not normally seen in opening play. The Greenwich Sparks were quickly pushed on the defensive as the NC Red girls served up round over round of offensive attacks on goal. Within five minutes, the Greenwich Sparks succumbed to the unrelenting pressure as Madison “Maddy” Hartnett rocketed a shot into the far corner of the goal on a well-timed assist from Madeline Tully. Sydney Patten followed up five minutes later with a dazzling march up the right side of the pitch and a brilliant cross-over shot that found the opposite corner of the net. After several more feints and thrusts by the NC Red offense, Hartnett broke from a pack of defenders near the goal to push one past a surprised Greenwich keeper. The NC Red girls spent the rest of the half launching several more assaults on goal including a stealthy “Nutmeg” (through the legs) roller from Julia McPhillips and a stolen goal kick from Lila Gizzie that she planted in the back of the net. The NC Red defense, anchored by keeper Kallie Patterson, remained unchallenged through the first half.

With a dominating 6-0 lead going into the second half, the NC Red team invoked the mercy rule and spent the rest of the game practicing their passing and recycling maneuvers at the expense of a befuddled Greenwich team. Many of the girls could also be seen practicing an unnamed soccer move – sort of a modified Maradona – purportedly on the promise of an ice cream reward for success. With less than two minutes of play remaining, the Greenwich team finally found success, bringing the game to its ultimate final score of 6-1.

Photo Caption: U9 Red shows Greenwich how to hustle toward a ball