Game 7-Soccerfest

A change of venue did nothing to resolve the stalemate in the battle for Scotch Plains U12 Girls bragging rights. The Blue Sharks and The Bombers, who had played a scoreless tie three weeks ago, had a repeat performance, Saturday at Soccerfest at St. Josephs of Metuchen and the result assured both teams would have extra trick or treat time on Halloween as it eliminated them from the championship round contested on October 31.

The Blue Sharks had won their opener as Amanda Rodriguez fed a wide-open Sarah Weber in front of the net with three minutes left to edge Clark 1-0. Melissa McKenna was flawless in goal, making several fine saves. McKenna was rarely tested in the second match as the Sharks dominated play but were unable to pierce the Bombers’ goal. Danielle Schweizer blocked Sarah Lazarus’ point blank attempt in the final minutes to preserve the tie on a damp, raw day that had most of the Scotch Plains’ spectators huddled under blankets.

Other contributors included Alyssa Young, Kara Gaynor, Toni Ann Capece, Lauren Buckley, Emily Cohen, Rebecca DiGiacomo, Annie Rubin, Erin Brown, Jessica Feeley, Jessica DiGiacomo, Lauren Berk and Desli DeMarsico. The Sharks 6-1-1 and third in league play begin their playoff quest Saturday.