Final Day Of Tournament: In The Final

There were no TV cameras or scouts in attendance, but that did not stop the boys from coming out and playing one of the greatest games of soccer we have witnessed from the Woodbridge Striker B05 team in front of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and soccer lovers alike. During the warm up, our boys had the look of confidence, showing no signs of worry whatsoever about the opponent's  busily going through their drills at the other end of the playing field.

The opponent, FC Durham, a strong team in their own rights won all three of their round robin games just like the Strikers. They came to the final with the game plan of stopping our potent offensive players especially Ethan. 

Durham got the game going with the kickoff and immediately tried a long range shot that flew wide of the intended target fully protected by Cristian. Thereafter, the Strikers took command of the game by moving the ball around the field with some precisely calculated passes.

Coach Chris was busy on the sidelines giving out instructions as the boys applied more pressure to Durham. It eventually paid off with a free kick in a dangerous area to their goal. Isaiah placed the ball and released a thunderous kick that ricocheted off the crossbar leaving the sound of "oh that should have scored," followed by "so close"! The pressure was relentless, but they just couldn't put the ball in the back of Durham's net.

The second half started in the same manner, Cristian chilling, not knowing he would be called upon later for some heroics. The defensive unit with Tayvin, Tayshaun, Amrit and Tremaine, along with Isaiah as holding mid proved to be impenetrable throughout the game. Anthony as the conductor of the midfielders, alongside Marco, Maximus, Tayshaun B, Nicholas and Luka tried relentlessly to find that telling ball to slice open the Durham defence wall without any luck.

The coaches decided it was all up to the offensive fire power of the strikers in the form of Gian Luca, Ethan and Daniel to manufacture a goal from one of the many chances being created. It was not to be throughout the 70 minutes of regulation time. However, in the final minute of the game there were some very close misses where folks thought that Woodbridge Strikers had scored. The referee blew the whistle to signal the end of regular time and the start of penalty shootout. 

Durham was up first so Cristian was now called into action to perform after being rested throughout the game. He came through brilliantly in stopping two tremendous well taken penalty shots. Then came Tremaine, last man to the spot, he was calm and in one motion dispatched the ball into the back of the net, sending an uproar of cheers into the atmosphere by players and not wanting to be left out parents joined in the celebration with hugs, handshakes and screaming.

It has been an amazing three days of soccer with the highlight being the final game where the boys put on a showcase of magnificent playing. A deserving win for Woodbridge Strikers B05 who will now see that HARD WORK does pay off!

Congratulations to the players, coaches, parents and all involved with the team!

The after party was a huge success thanks to everyone who played a part in it.  Ania your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated.  ⚽