The New Hyde Park GU9 Cat Pack spent the holiday weekend on the soccer field playing in the Commack Memorial Day Tournament and came away with a fantastic come from behind first-place finish. The Cat Pack were playing without five of their teammates but were lucky to have Emily MacKnight, Isabella Bigeni, and Melanie Kahn from the NHP Thundercats playing on the team for the weekend.
The Cat Pack started game one on Saturday versus the Northport Twisters on the attack. The Cat Pack’s offense, led by Lily Becker, Maria Poulos, and Mary Langan took control of the game early on and rolled to a 3-0 victory.
One hour later the Cat Pack, playing with only nine girls on this day, took the field against the Commack Chaos. It was an extremely physical game that was locked up at 1-1 at the half.
The second half was much the same with plenty of contact as the referee was letting them play. An unfortunate non-call led to Commack scoring a late goal to give them the win 2-1. The Cat Pack left the field late Saturday down, but not out. There was still a day of soccer to be played the next day.
Sunday bought the Cat Pack new life as they came out and played their best soccer of the weekend when it counted most. With Catriona Smith joining the team for day 2, the Cat Pack looked totally rejuvenated and they took it out on the Smithtown Cobras. The defense led by Amanda Garcia, Jenna Neu, and Nicolette Caneda were all over the Cobras, allowing the offense to play their game. Caitriona Smith was awesome scoring two goals and assisting Mary Langan’s goal to give the Cat Pack a 3-0 victory.
With one game left, the Cat Pack were still in it and would have to come through against the Samba FA Sizzle who had won their first three games and were tied for first. The game started with the Sizzle playing extremely physically and the Cat Pack matched it with their own physical play.
At the half, the score was tied 0-0. The Sizzle were looking to at least tie this game and dropped four girls deep. A tie would give them first place overall, but the Cat Pack had different intentions. The Cat Pack rode two big goals sparked by Mary Langan to a 2-0 championship victory.
-This was the Cat Pack’s last tournament in pre-travel play and they came away champs.
They played with the heart and soul that has defined their success over the last two years. Thank you to all the girls and families who joined us on this great weekend of soccer.
Special thanks to Jackie Jara, who could not play due to injury, for joining and encouraging her teammates on both days. Congratulations champs!
