U15G North American Finals Day 1: Rough Riders hold off FASA for opening win

The Long Island Rough Riders opened their 2012 Super Y-League title chase with a 1-0 victory against the FASA Impact at IMG Academy Friday. The Rough Riders, the Mid Atlantic Division champions at 11-0-1, used an early goal from Jennifer Balzan to get in front, and their defense held firm as they moved to the top of Group A.

FASA pressed hard for a late equalizer and created several excellent chances, but Long Island goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made several key saves to preserve the win.

“We have a phenomenal goalie and she made some great big saves for us,” Long Island Coach Lauren Bishar said. “We put an extra defender in the back to secure the lead and they did an excellent job. We have a couple of new players come in, and we haven’t really had any practices to try and mesh the team, so for them to come out 1-0 is a really nice job for them.”

FASA opened the match on the front foot, getting the better of the possession and causing the Long Island defense problems through the forward tandem of Shannon Wratchford and Paige Robertson. In the 11th minute, however, it was the Rough Riders that found the breakthrough when Balzan, a holding midfielder, got her head on the ball and put it off the post and in.

FASA pressed for an equalizer in the second half, and the introduction of forward MiAsia Pinckney nearly paid dividends in the 64th minute when she got in alone on a breakaway after a flick header by Wratchford, only to have Tullis-Joyce make a kick save to preserve the lead.

FASA’s Rachael Leaf had a golden chance to equalize only a minute later, but her first-time shot from the top of the box was gathered by Tullis-Joyce. Pickney had one last chance in the 72nd minute, but a heavy touch gave Tullis-Joyce the opening she needed to dive at the forward’s feet and smother the opportunity.