ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS

By Carmen Gogue

The John F. Kennedy Islanders cruised past the Southern Dolphins 4-0 in the Interscholastic Girls High School Football League at the JFK field Wednesday evening.

The Islanders beat the Dolphins in the preseason Challenge Cup 1-0 and in last year’s ISA Championship match 4-0. Their strong offense is making a statement in the new GFA run league and are proving to be one of the top contenders this season.

JFK came out blazing as they powered the field with goals coming from four different scorers: Seniors Kayla Rivera, Jodee Halili, Annie Jones and sophomore Jaelyn Han. Three of their four goals were scored in the first half.

Starting the game strong, both teams fought to bring the ball down to each of their goal sides for the early part of the first half until Rivera scored the Islanders first goal at the 15th minute. 

Not too long after, the Islanders kept up on point passing to find Halili just inside the box to score JFK’s second goal at the 20th minute of the game. She highlights that their great passing led to the teams scoring “our ball movement and communication worked best for us tonight,” said Halili.

Southern goalie Kirstin Chargualaf made two instrumental catches to deny the Islanders a further advantage until smart plays and exceptional teamwork led to Han’s goal at the 33rd minute of the game. 

“We have really good connection from playing together these past few years. We know we have a target on our back but we’re just going to continue to keep playing our game. We’re excited for the combined league and the opportunity to challenge the private schools.”

– JFK Sophomore Jaelyn Han

No other goals were scored for the remaining 12 minutes of the first half.

As the half time passed, the second half opened with the Islanders controlling the pace of the game again getting more shot attempts. Despite the high intensity Islander offense, Dolphins’ goalie Keiviann Susuico provided her team an impressive four stops to hold off more Islander scores.

Although the Dolphins managed to bring the ball down to the goal a few times throughout the half, their shots were either over kicked or stopped by JFK goalie Aedlene Olidan and her army of defenders.

Just short of the second half ending, Jones dribbled through Southern’s defense ringing in the fourth goal for the Islanders at the 80th minute leaving the Dolphins with little time to score and make a comeback.

As a senior in her final season, Jones expresses her take on the team’s performance and outlook for the rest of the season. “Being self-aware out there and looking up to lock eyes with each other really helped us move the ball forward. We’re excited for this season, it will give us a lot to learn and take from each team we face,” said Jones.

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