HARPS completed the Bronx Irish Soccer League and Cup double for 2004 with an outstanding 3-0 win against deposed champions Dr. Gilbert’s. 

Both teams went into the game knowing a win was vital to clinch the title. This made for a very tough and competitive game played in a strong wind. 

Gilbert’s started off stronger, looking for an early goal. Pauline Devlin and Mary McEvoy were instrumental in setting up several attacks. 

However, Harps created the best chance of the first half when Marybeth Gazlay was put through forcing Gilbert’s keeper, Jean Heinsohn, to make a key save. The score remained 0-0 at halftime. 

Harps began to settle better in the second half, with Alyson Kaye dictating the midfield and creating chances for the Harps forwards. Harps backs, particularly Kelly Norlen and Karen Murphy, started to control the fast Gilbert’s attackers and it only looked a matter of time before Harps would take the lead. 

The opening goal came 15 minutes in the second half when Kathy Gradischer received the ball on the wing and hit a cross shot that looped over the keeper and into the net. Gilbert’s were stung into action and went close to equalizing a minute later when a shot just cleared the bar. 

However, Harps countered when a five-pass move fell to Gretchen Miller just outside the box, and she struck an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net to make the score 2-0 Harps. 

Harps finally sealed the result when Gradischer slotted home her second goal of the game by connecting with a Miller corner with seven minutes from time. 

Best for Harps were Teresa Brink, Marybeth Gazlay and Kathy Gradischer.