Warwick youth soccer roundup: Sunday, May 7

Warwick Fire The Warwick Fire fell short in their outing against Middletown this week in a home game. Middletown jumped on the ball from the outset and pushed into the goal almost immediately. Fire’s defense, including the keeper, worked hard to keep the ball out of the net, but could not clear the ball, giving Middletown a 1-0 lead. At the next kick off, Middletown again pushed hard, but it was a handball in the box that gave them a direct kick on goal to score their second point. Starting slowly is a Fire tradition, as is turning on the heat when coming from behind. Fire’s offense took Middletown by surprise and Michael Bedross scored on a cross from Ryan Killeen. Fired up, Ryan Brack dribbled the ball up the field and, seeing an opening, passed to Brian Allan who also scored, tying up the game at the half. In the second half both teams fought hard for control of the ball, but it wasn’t until the last 10 minutes of the game that Middletown managed to get past a tiring Fire defense to score twice. Warwick could not match their play in the first half and lost by 2. Wildcats The Warwick Wildcats girls U11 team also played Middletown to a victorious outcome. The girls came off the first kick with a drive to the Middletown net. Middletown’s defenders, who were large and in charge, managed to fend off the first few attacks on goal, but seeing an opening Erica Ridella scored on a first touch kick. Taylyn Carter took the next two goals for the Wildcats. Middletown’s defense pushed harder to keep the ball from finding its target, but went too far and was given a penalty. Christina Ginley took the direct kick, but Middletown’s keeper managed to hang onto the ball. On the next play, however, the Middletown keeper came out too far for the ball and Erica Ridella booted it into the net. In the second half the Wildcats played strong defense, keeping out all but one goal scored by Middletown. Christina Ginley answered that goal with one of her own on a cross from Carrie Franklin. The final score was Wildcats 5, Middletown 1. Wildcats 3 The Warwick Wildcats U14 girls team played Orange Sullivan away and won, 8-1. Purple Titans Confident from last week’s win, the Purple Titans, the new U9 boys team lined up for an away game against the Monroe sharks. Despite their confidence, the Titans made a slow start and the Monroe strikers took advantage by scoring an early goal. The Titans responded by starting to compete, with Ian Roeloffs making some great saves in the Titans goal. However, the Sharks stood strong and both sides battled it out on midfield. It took hard work from Dylan Hayes to unlock the Monroe defense to cut inside and pass to Nick Zintel, who scored on an over-the-head looping shot to the goal. The game remained tough, though the players on both sides were tiring out, causing several injuries. Monroe managed to edge ahead with a goal in the second half. It set the game up for an exciting finish as the Titans pressed for an equalizer and Monroe looked to wrap things up. As the game drew to a close Will Brack produced a fantastic ball across the box. Unfortunately for the Titans it was too far away for Kyra Power or Nick Zintel to finish it off. The game ended with a score of 2-1, Monroe, although the Purple Titans can be pleased with another strong performance as they continue to improve and learn the game. The “Man of the Match” was Dylan Hayes for continuing to push through Monroe’s defense in search of success. On April 30, the Purple Titans defeated Goshen, 7-2, in their third game of the season. Scoring goals were Kyra Power (two goals), Will Brack (four goals) and Dylan Hayes. Jack Makoujy was named “Man of the Match” after putting in a solid performance in defense and attack.