No outdoor soccer for weeks, thanks to Mother Nature, had the U15 and U18 girls' teams raring to go at the annual Old Boot indoor soccer tournament at the Chatelech gym Jan. 3.
Eleven teams hit the floor with enough energy to put the Space Shuttle in orbit. There was evidence of Montezuma's Revenge on some teams.
Coach Eduardo Alverez was in Mexico City visiting family, but his Senoritas showed up and gave a spirited effort. Coach Brent Sheppard and family were also in Mexico, so Kerry Milligan stepped up and coached the Goal Rush. John Fromager was also without associate coach Barry Krangle and eight players who were also down south getting in some sun.
The U15' kicked off a 15-game round robin and just burned up the floor. The first games were fast, but everyone was out of touch with the ball. After that, it was exciting football.
Drew Williams' Narf Mints led the round robin with three wins and a draw for seven points. The Senoritas were second with two wins and two draws. The Goal Rush took third with two wins and a draw. The fourth place qualifier was Glen Saustad's team that had four points but made the cut on the basis of goal difference and head-to-head play -competition was that close.
The U18s were down to five teams as the Pender Harbour Posse team withdrew from the competition. The remaining teams played four games each in a total of 10 ding-dong battles. Man, it was exciting stuff. The senior girls really showed their skills and the competitiveness was impressive.
The Supremes took first place with three wins and one loss. National Disaster and Team Fierce each had two wins and a draw for second and third place respectively. Their game against each other was a 0-0 draw and was the best of the round robin. It was anyone's game with great ball movement and lots of scoring chances - the stuff that gives you goose bumps when you watch.
Fromager's Synergy and Chris Bradley's Green Kahunas were winless and they played the last game with the winner making the playoffs. It was a pressure packed game and each team wanted the win. The Kahunas netted twice for a 2-0 win and a chance to play on Friday.
The first U15 playoff game was Saustad's team against the Narf Mints. Co-coach Dave Marquis handled the Saustad's team in the semifinal.
The game was tied after full time, so a shootout was needed. Marquis worked his bench, and after eight shooters, picked up the win and moved on to the final.
The second semifinal saw the Senoritas put up a good effort against the Goal Rush. Numbers counted as the Goal Rush's bench wore down the Senoritas to qualify for the final.
Marquis worked his bench well and it was the difference in a tight game. The Goal Rush made the final an exciting event but Marquis' team took home the Old Boot trophy.
The first U18 semifinal saw the Green Kahunas give National Disaster a battle, but did not have the scoring punch. National Disaster moved on to the final with a 3-0 win.
The second semifinal was a zinger with great action, lots of emotion and skill. The Supremes got the lead goal and edged Team Fierce to move into the final.
When you have a tournament you always look for exciting semifinals and the optimum performance and entertainment in the final. The Supremes and National Disaster completed the script. First class effort, first class skill, suspense and emotion - the final had it all. National Disaster went up by one. They were the highest scoring team and it looked like they would pull out the win, but the Supremes closed the door and proceeded to find the net for the win. What a game. I think next year we should charge admission. It would be the entertainment of the year. Well done girls and coaches - you all performed brilliantly.
The 50/50 draw winner was ticket 716418. Call 604-885-9719 to collect your prize. Your half of the ticket will be needed as confirmation of ownership.
