In a terrific battle between two evenly matched teams, the New Hyde Park Tornado Tigers beat the previously undefeated Bethpage X-Treme 2-0 to finish alone in second place.
The win ensures the Tornado Tigers will move up a division for the second straight season in the Long Island Junior Soccer League.
Center midfielder Maggie Donnelly scored a goal in each half for New Hyde Park. At the 10 minute mark Donnelly stole a goal kick about 30 yards out, made a move to her right and fired a shot over the keeper to give New Hyde Park the early 1-0 lead.
Hannah Arkin, the team’s leading scorer with 18 goals this season, made several good runs down the left side pressuring the defense and keeping the ball on the Bethpage side of the field. Arkin just missed twice, the keeper made a few good saves and the Tornado Tigers had a few chances on crossing passes but could not capitalize as they went into the half up 1-0.
The defense for New Hyde Park was outstanding against a talented Bethpage team which had scored 32 goals in their first eight games this season.
Natalie Schlueck was outstanding playing sweeper. Schlueck frustrated the Bethpage forwards all day as she was constantly in the right spot to eliminate scoring chances.
Mariela Facibene and Debra Keller combined for their third shutout of the season together, each making a sparkling save to preserve the shutout. The save of the game though goes to Abby Wizel who alertly defended the goal after Facibene had made a spectacular save and was down near the top of the 18-yard box. Wizel kick saved a tough shot to end the scoring chance and keep New Hyde Park up a goal.
Late in the second half Donnelly had a free kick from about 25 yards out which went in off the keepers fingers to give the Tornado Tigers the 2-0 lead.
Kim Keblish was terrific again for the team at Stopper while Danielle Gerbe, Karina Gotz and Milla Skugor all played strong games at midfield and defender.
Maya Castro and Julia Gordon each played terrific at midfield.
The forwards, Natalie Kariotis, Andrea Castro and Nicole Farishian, were relentless keeping the pressure on the Bethpage defense.
The team played without Emma Blancher and Kristen Granieri who both had excellent spring seasons for the Tornado Tigers.
