Match Recap: GC vs. New Palestine (Battle for the Bell) The match opened with back-and-forth play, but GC had the early edge with two dangerous services across the goal by the 6th minute. New Palestine earned a corner at the 12th minute, but it didn’t develop. Paige McCarley was active early, firing shots in the 15th and 19th minutes, both stopped by the keeper. At the 20:30 mark, New Pal capitalized on a free kick to take the first lead of the night. GC responded quickly with a shot from Mayrin Rodriguez in the 21st, but the keeper was there again. New Pal extended the lead in the 24th minute, but GC answered back at the 29th—Mia Brinkruff sent a service from the right side, and Aubrey Bush buried it to make it 1–2. Moments later, at the 35:30 mark, McCarley struck off a corner kick to tie things up. Kinley Smith nearly put GC ahead in the 38th, but the keeper made the stop. Halftime score: 2–2. The second half continued the same back-and-forth intensity. Carol Felver came up big in the 50th minute, clearing a dangerous New Pal chance over the bar. Two minutes later, however, New Pal found the net again to regain the lead, 2–3. GC’s defense held strong, highlighted by Felver and Ainsley Robinson combining to deny a 66th-minute breakaway. McCarley had one final look in the closing moments, but the shot went just wide. Despite the hard-fought effort and holding New Pal to limited corners, GC fell just short, 2–3, showing grit and heart all the way. ⚽ Players of the Match: Chloe Gardner & Ainsley Robinson GC returns to action Monday evening on the road at Newcastle.