Long Island Rough Riders News Release - www.liroughriders.com
Sunday, June 9, 2013
SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY - The Long Island Rough Riders swept past the New Jersey Wildcats 4-0 on Sunday afternoon as Grace Hawkins recorded two goals and one assist while Luana Miessa and Reanna Marino tallied one goal each. The Rough Riders’ dominant performance was illustrated by their shooting advantage of 25 to 2.
The Rough Riders set the tone of the match early, taking control over the midfield. They put pressure on the Wildcats’ defense and tested goalkeeper Sage Dovale multiple times early in the game. In the seventh minute, Grace Hawkins placed a shot beautifully in the lower right corner after Sue Weber’s ball from 25 yards out hit the crossbar.
With her side up 1-0 Hawkins stayed dangerous throughout the first half and had her next chance in the 18th minute. She was taken down by a foul from Wildcats goalie Sage Dovale who was booked with a yellow card.
The Rough Riders’ dominance forced Wildcats’ coach Kevin McDermott to an early substitution to try and change the momentum of the game. The tactic seemed to work with the Wildcats coming into the game. Just as New Jersey began to seize momentum it was Luana Miessa who put the Rough Riders up 2-0. In the 25th minute she won the ball in the penalty box and fired home to double the advantage
The goal gave the Rough Riders an extra lift and Grace Hawkins was able to extend the lead even further before half time. Right back Kerry O’Connor attacked down her side of the field, played a diagonal ball to Hawkins who used her speed to beat her defender. Hawkins’ left-footed shot beat Dovale and gave the Rough Riders a comfortable 3-0 lead going into half time.
The Rough Riders kept up their focus in the second half not allowing the Wildcats any opportunities to cut the deficit. Coming off a game on Saturday night, the Wildcats could not find their legs to fight their way back. In the 79th minute, Hawkins played a beautiful through ball into forward Reanna Marino who calmly chipped it over Dovale to complete the scoring.
"We split the games against the Wildcats last year so we knew we needed to come out strong," said Rough Riders’ player of the match Grace Hawkins. "We were all really ready and prepared going into this game."
The Rough Riders defense stayed dominant throughout the entire game and did not allow the Wildcats any clear goal scoring opportunities.
Long Island now sits at 3-1-0 and tied for second place in the Northeastern Conference with the Washington Spirit Reserves. They look to maintain their perfect home record when they take on the North Jersey Valkyries at Cy Donnelly Stadium on Saturday, June 15. Kickoff starts at 5 p.m. ET.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.liroughriders.com/tickets or at the Rough Riders ticket box on game day (box opens 60 minutes before kickoff)