Veni, Vidi, Vici:
Rye Celtics Take Easter Break Touring Italy

Northern Italy was the spring vacation destination for the Rye Celtics, a girls’ U13 Premier League team that compiled a 3-2-1 record against international competition while enjoying all the country had to offer.

After landing in Milan and visiting Pisa, the team and traveling party, which included 19 athletes and 26 parents, stayed overnight in Montecatini. Following a day of sightseeing in Florence, the Celtics took to the pitch for their first game. They were pitted against Florentine’s U15 team, and won 3-2, thanks to a hat trick from Alexa DiCostanzo. The team then headed to Milan before arriving in Como, where they participated in the Como Champions Cup. Led by captain Stephanie Sabatini, as well as tour captains Courtney Colwell and Kate Sands, the Celtics entered a five-game tournament with teams who were up to two years older (15 and under). Tournament rules allowed teams to play as many as three 16-year-olds.

Rye more than held their own though, defeating both FCF Como and the formidable AFC Inter Milan Feminine team 1-0 in the opening contests. A great individual shot by Gabriella Susz early in the FCF Como game proved to be the difference, and a strong all-around defensive performance – spearheaded by sweeper Rachel Oates, stopper Kate Sands, and full backs Sinead Schenk and Charlotte Giroux – held off a squad featuring an Italian U15 national team member.

In the AFC Inter Milan game, Kate Whiston made a terrific cross from the corner flag after a fast break down the right wing, putting the ball right on the foot of Jacka Harrington. Harrington provided the finishing touch in front of the goal.

In their next game, strong defense from Stephanie Mullane and a great midfield performance by Stephanie Sabatini, Catherine Stolberg, Julia Buffone, and Tanya Slipsager led to a 0-0 tie with ASD Fiammamonza. The Celtics dropped the subsequent game, against PCA Atalanta Femminile, and finished second in the qualifying round. Immediately following the loss, Rye experienced the excitement of a professional match at Milan’s famed San Siro Stadium, watching Inter Milan finish in a surprising 2-2 draw with Palermo.

While the soccer was great, the opportunity to travel together and experience Northern Italy provided memories for a lifetime.

– Bill Whiston