The New Canaan Soccer Girls U10 Red Team Defeats Newtown Blue

The New Canaan Soccer Girls U10 Red Team added another victory to their season record when they defeated Newtown at home, on Sunday afternoon.

Under the threat of rain, the game began with most of the action in the New Canaan zone. The strong Newtown Blue Team’s offense was unrelenting with the pressure they applied but the New Canaan defense was not to be overcome.

The defense led by Kate Caione and Ava Gizzie repeatedly repelled the Newtown advances and Ellie Gallois made a number of saves while tending goal. Around the 15 minute mark the momentum started to swing as the New Canaan offense revved its engine and began its charge.

The first goal of the day came when Ella Patterson placed a crossing pass on the foot of Ava Gizzie, who obliged by finding the back of the net. With the score 1-0, Newtown scored the equalizer on an indirect free kick that was just out of Gallois’ reach. The game play was very evenly matched up to this point, but then the New Canaan offense began to roll.

Gizzie scored her second goal with a beautiful left footed volley. Moments later Natalie Owsley perfectly positioned herself to score on a rebound off the goalie. With the score now at 3-1, Gizzie got the Hat Trick, for the game, when she scored on a breakaway just before the half time whistle.

The second half began with a comfortable 4-1 New Canaan lead, however Newtown was not ready to give up. The Blue team battled back and scored a goal 3 minutes into the second half cutting the New Canaan lead to 4-2.

Just minutes later, New Canaan’s Katharine Byrne responded by breaking down the length of the field to beat the Newtown goalie, adding an insurance goal. With a 5-2 advantage, the New Canaan defense led by the strong goal tending of Katie Polacek held Newtown to just one additional goal and the game ended in a 5-3 victory.

The combination of a powerful offense, tight defense and strong goal tending was what led to the Red Team’s success against this formidable opponent.

The Red Team will be on the road next week to face the Trumbull United Heat.

Pictured Above : Katharine Byrne breaks away on a scoring run.