New Canaan Soccer Girls U9 Red Defeat Westport White 5-3

It was a gorgeous Mother’s Day, and the NC Soccer Girls U9 Red were determined to notch another victory, and give their moms one more thing to celebrate.

The Red exploded from the start when Kelly Polacek connected with Lexie Tully, who fired a hard shot into the corner of the goal. Fiona Mueller scored next on a masterful break down the middle and delivered a line drive past Westport’s goalie.

Despite a stellar defensive effort led by Devon Russell and Kathryn Norton, Westport managed to tally two late goals to tie the score at 2-2 at the end of the first half.

In the second half both teams came out gunning for the win, but the NC Red proved to be stronger. They executed superior ball control and an impressive passing game despite a physical Westport who fought hard to advance the ball. Summer Achille was a force on defense taking on multiple players at times, and Maggie Murphy blocked several tough shots on goal.

The NC Red were the first to capitalize in the second half when Tully intercepted a Westport goal kick and beat the goalie to put New Canaan ahead 3-2.

NC remained hungry for the win, and consistently challenged Westport’s defense. Ava Pertusiello scored next with a skillful shot off the left post that was assisted by Isabel Cavanagh and Tema Wagner.

Westport managed one more goal on a scramble in front of the net, but it would be their last. Norton quickly answered with an impressive breakaway past two defenders to put NC Red up by a final score of 5-3.

Pictured: Lexie Tully controls the ball during the NC Girls U9 Red win on Sunday against Westport White.