Sunshine Coast Legacy finished off the season with a perfectly scripted ending last weekend, beating arch-rivals Lions Gate Capilanos 1-0 in the league cup final to claim the hardware.
It was an emotional evening, in the cold wind, under the lights in Burnaby.
"We have had three very physical games against the Capilanos in the past and this was no exception," said coach John Lussier. "Our boys really came out to play. We frustrated the Capilanos with our solid defensive play and our controlled passing game. The opposition ended up with six yellow card offences from the referee."
Nelson Troup headed home a goal midway through the first half for the only goal.
"We had several chances to extend the lead, but the one goal was enough," said Lussier. "Keeper Sam Hilstad made some brilliant saves, particularly near the end of the game, to preserve the win. Every single player on the team played smart, controlled, disciplined soccer. It was probably one of our best all round games of the year. It is so fitting, as we knew we were one of the best teams in the league. And to win the league cup, with the calibre of teams in our league, just shows what an incredible unique group of players we had."
For half the team, this was also their final game as youth players. "You couldn't ask for a better ending to a fabulous season," Lussier said. "I am so proud of these young men - not only in this final game, but throughout the year with how committed they were."
Lussier said he wanted to thank assistant coaches Drew Murphy and George Krauss for all their hard work as well as the parents for being so supportive of the team.
"Mostly though, I want to thank the boys themselves for being such amazing examples of true champions," Lussier said. "In particular, Andrew Krauss, Sam Hilstad, Brendan Darwin, Jonathan Garmulewicz, Nelson Troup, James Van't Schip and Mario Jean, our Grade 12 players, who were able to win the league cup in their very last game as youth players."
