In their last game as a team, the New Hyde Park GU19 Kool Kats defeated the East Meadow Diamonds by a score of 2-0. Parents from past and present Kool Kat team braved the heat, to see the Kool Kats put on a wonderful performance to end their careers on the soccer field. The girls gave their all against a tough East Meadow Club.
The play went back and forth with both sides trying hard to score the first goal of the match. The teams were deadlocked in a 0-0 tie until the 41st minute. On a beautiful layout pass by Casey Naab (assist), original team member Kim Brown scored the game winning goal, striking the ball into the back of the net. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of the Kool Kats.
Team Trainer Shane Flannegan and coach Wheeler kept the girls focused at the half despite the heat. The second half started with the Diamonds placing a lot of pressure on the New Hyde Park defense. The defensive unit came up big holding East Meadow to only one shot on goal in the second half. This helped to secure the shut out for Kool Kats goal keeper Kaitlyn Biscotti, who tallied seven saves for the game.
Although the Kool Kats were able to shut down the East Meadow offense, they were not done scoring themselves. On a clearing pass, sweeper Emma Innella (assist) found forward Casey Naab streaking down the left side of the field. Naab gathered the ball and drove to the net, finishing the play by burying the ball into the right corner of the goal.
The Kool Kats continued to play inspired soccer for the next 20 minutes and secured their fourth victory of the year. Players of the match were Jenna Madonna, Naab and Kim Brown.
The season was a successful one, finishing 4-4-1.
Since coach Wheeler took over the team in 2006, the girls have won two sportsmanship awards and two division championships.
The Kool Kats overall record was 59 wins, 34 losses and 25 ties.
The coaches would like to thank all of the parents for their support and wish the girls much success in the future. Good luck in college.
