The Commack Blasters opened the GU/16 Gold National Elite Women's Soccer Showcase against another Eastern New York team from upstate, the Blackwatch Premier Nirvana. Despite the late November date on the calendar, this 8:00am fixture was played under sunny skies with temperatures in the forties and expected to rise to sixty degrees by midday. Conditions were perfect at Skelos Field in Hempstead State Park for this match.

Blackwatch set a pressured pace early with the better field position for the opening fifteen minutes. The opening defensive alignment which included Briana, Ashley, Alyssa, and LB was rattled in the second minute as LB went down with an ankle injury which retired her for the game. Jen played the left defensive side for the remainder of the game and did an excellent job in winning virtually every 50/50 ball that came her way. Commack battled back during the first half with athletic play and good build ups from the back. In the thirty-fourth minute, a set piece from thirty yards out was well placed by Ashley as Blackwatch's keeper came out to challenge the ball. Gina did well to get up on the ball and her header popped over the keeper and into the net for the 1-0 halftime advantage.

The second half brought more possession to the Blasters as they held the ball for more of the playtime. Two corners were exceptionally dangerous for Commack and were cleared by Blackwatch midway into the second half. Meghan was playing an exceptional game in central midfield anticipating the ball well while Nicky was putting in hard working minutes. Brooke played her first minutes for the Blasters in nearly two months and made several nice outside challenges. Meredith played very well also on the outside midfield winning several possession battles. Carly played well on the flanks and Saulty, Liz, and Tori had chances late which kept the pressure on the Nirvana team. At the close, the final stood at 1-0.

Attending this match were coaches from Siena College, Fairfield, and Hofstra University. Our team gave a good accounting of themselves recording the clean sheet with Sara controlling the tempo.

Date: November 25, 2006     Venue: Skelos Field - Hempstead NY