Twisters Nip Golden Eagles For Title

On Saturday November 6, brisk winds and cold temperatures tried to thwart the U10 girls from playing their postseason tournament. This bunch of girls wouldn’t let the conditions deter them and a rewarding and fun tournament was had by all. The Twisters, coached by Ray Gallagher and Dave Galassi, won the championship game with a 2-1 victory over a very strong Golden Eagles team coached by Eric Paradis.

In the World Cup-style tournament, the Golden Eagles, finished atop their bracket with two wins and goals scored by Zoe Freedman, Simone Paradis, and Emma Curtis.

Despite missing key players Lindsay Gallagher and Liz Weisgerber, the Twisters also won their bracket with two wins, with goals scored by Jackie Matthew and key saves by goalie Colby Troy.

In the championship game, the Eagles led in the first half following a goal by Emma Curtis. Nicole Keeping, Sydney Howard, and Kayleigh Nolan fought through exhaustion as they seemingly covered more ground than there is in Texas to keep up the offensive pressure. Holly LoCascio and Lauryn Ankers anchored a tight Eagle defense.

Samantha Bicho, Nina Henriques, and Chloe Freedman played well at midfield to help the Golden Eagles carry a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Twisters, led by Jackie Matthews, stormed back in the second half with a tying chip that found the back of the net off of Matthew’s foot. Heavy forward pressure led by Janyce and Ally Toth, Vanessa Tucker, and Emma Stierle kept the ball in the Twisters’ offensive end. Troy, Toth, and Elizabeth Salley minded the nets. Heidi Poarch and Isa Galassi were sharp in the midfield. The second and deciding goal came 15 minutes into the second half and again was delivered by Matthews.

The girls celebrated with hugs, high fives, smiles and T-shirts donated by Newtown Soccer Club.