The New Canaan Soccer Girls U10 Red Team Shuts Out Fairfield 2-0

The New Canaan Soccer Girls U10 Red Team traveled to Fairfield on Sunday to take on the FUSA Red 2 team in what turned out to be a real nail biter. More often than not the offensive play during a game gets the glory but the unsung heroes of Sunday’s game came from the defensive side of the field.

The first half began with the very strong Fairfield team controlling the ball and field position. Making repeated runs on the goal, Fairfield was consistently thwarted by the outstanding defensive play of Kate Caione and Katharine Byrne. The pair managed to break up coordinated offensive attacks and the superb goal tending of Katie Polacek anchored the defense to keep Fairfield from scoring. Polacek frustrated the Fairfield offense with her goal keeping skills that sent Fairfield to the sidelines demoralized as the half ended with a 0-0 score.

Energized by the defensive play in the first half, the New Canaan offense came to life in the second half and scored the first goal of the game. Ava Gizzie stole the ball at midfield and broke away past the defenders to blast a shot past the Fairfield goal keeper.

Up 1-0, the defense continued its stellar performance with Addie Cannon in the goal. Blocking every shot sent her way, Cannon with the help of Ella Patterson, Evelyn Slatoff and Kate Caione shut down Fairfield and turned the ball up field for the offense. As the offense attacked in front of the Fairfield goal Katharine Byrne recovered a rebound and buried it into the back of the net for an insurance goal.

As time ran out, Fairfield was still scoreless and New Canaan went on to their second consecutive win and shut out.

Pics

1. Addie Cannon punts the ball down field after making a save.
2. Caroline Underwood battles for the ball.
3. Grace McManus charges up field.
4. Evelyn Slatoff beats a Fairfield defender.