(Left to right) Rachel Romeo, Gabby Stelzmiller, Allison DeLuca, Katie Voorhees, Elana Solomon. (Standing Left to right) Lacey Kappus, Kiley Carbone, Julia McCracken, Jessie Bixby, Rebecca Taylor, Jenna Taylor, Sarah Bixby, Aimee Manley , Jackie Berardo, Jackie Davis. Missing from the photo is Emma Frenchu
GREATER FLEMINGTON FLAMES WIN U-12 GIRLS MNJYSA CHAMPIONSHIP
The GFSC Flames captured the MNJYSA Flight 1 title with a 7-1-2 record then participated in the .Division Play-offs. The flames received a first round bye before hosting Union Storm in the semi finals. The Flames dominated Union Storm 5-0 to move to the Championship round vs. Hillsborough Wildcats. The age group is comprised of 6 flights consisting of 36 teams.
The Flames traveled to East Brunswick Saturday, June 20 for the championship which was played in a downpour on a very slick turf surface. The Flames controlled the game from the start and created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. Rachel Romeo just missed in the early minutes, as did Allison Deluca. Aimee Manley and Jenna Taylor controlled the midfield and continued to feed the attack. As usual the Flames defensive unit led by Julia McCracken, Sara Bixby, Lacey Kappus, Jackie Berardo, Rebecca Taylor, and Jackie Davis continued to shut down any scoring threats attempted by the Wildcats as well as create quick counter attacks. As time ticked off the clock in the 2nd half the Flames really turned up the heat , Gabby Stelzmiller almost put the game away with a chip shot over the keeper, only to hit the crossbar and Kiley Carbone fired a left foot shot just wide of the post . The attack continued with Jessie Bixby, Katie Voorhees and Elana Solomon applying pressure, as the Flames managed 3 corner kicks in the closing minutes, and pushed almost their entire team forward to try and put the game away in regulation time. After 70 minutes of play in the Hillsborough defensive half of the field the Flames were still unable to find the back of the net.
As mandated by league play the game moved to two mandatory 5 minute overtimes. During the first overtime period Allison DeLuca received a ball about 30 yards out and outpaced 2 defenders before beating the goalkeeper to put the Flames up 1-0. In the second overtime the Flames continued the pressure and continued to push the ball wide. After attacking on the right side the Flames switched a perfect ball to Kiley Carbone who settled the ball and fired one past the keeper to put the Flames up 2-0 and seal the win.
The Flames had a standout season in Flight 1 – scoring 27 goals and more impressively allowing only 2 goals over 12 games a feat which has only been duplicated by one other MNJYSA Girls U-12 team in 14 seasons.
Congratulation to the Flames on an outstanding season! The Flames are coached by John Carbone and Bill McCracken.