BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS

Awesomeness could be used to describe the boys performance over the two days Futsal tournament.

Saturday had its highs and lows but knowing the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys that didn't faze them. They were anxiously awaiting Sunday to resume defending their trophy. Knowing full well that their missing players would be available for participation.

Tremaine, Ethan, Tayvin and Isaiah were expressed in a Mercedes Benz driven by Jacquie to get them there on time for the start of Play after giving their all at provincial tryouts. Cristian also made the trip with dad to give moral support.

The Whitecaps London team didn't pose the challenge Strikers had previously anticipated and quite quickly it became evident that our boys could win convincingly without exerting one hundred percent. The game ended with a win for Woodbridge setting up a confrontational semifinal against Prostars FC.  Proclaimed by their coach yesterday (Saturday) that his team is the best 05 in Canada. Bragging that we should just check the rankings... I honestly hope he checked the score after the game ended.

Playing against Prostars in the semifinal got off to a rapid start with Strikers starting lineup firing on all cylinders and the parent contingent totally behind them with verbal encouragement. Woodbridge Strikers ordered a lockdown in the Prostars area and they found it difficult to get out. They were under complete siege, barrage of shots on their custodian in net. Eventually they sneaked out got one shot on net and scored.

Strikers moved up into higher gear immediately without hesitation. The equalizer came at a cost to Amrit getting hurt in a hard foul into the net after the ball obviously crossed over the line. The lengthy delay for the ambulance took over twenty minutes with everyone within the walls of the gym fearing the worst. Thankfully appearance is not always as it seem.

At the resumption of the game there were concerns if Woodbridge could maintain the dominance in momentum as before and go on to win. Whatsoever the coaching staff said, it worked. The boys came out reinvigorated fuelled by Amrit's incident to secure the win. The man management of Strikers  played a vital role in how the game fan out. In every segment the line up complimented both in offensive and defensive.

The true brilliance of the boys on display in this particular game only prove in cementing the belief that these boys can actually play. They matched everything Prostars could possibly muster up and diluted it with some sublime strikes and calculated free kicks. The win was dedicated to Amrit and a place in the finals to defend our trophy.

Well rested and on a high after beating Hamilton Glen Shields was eagerly awaiting Woodbridge Strikers. They even had their TFC loan player in their line up. The larger gymnasium was going to be the battlefield to see if Strikers retain or lose the trophy. Both teams were lead out by the OSA official, referees lined up in front of the spectators while being introduced one by one. The national anthem played before kickoff.

Woodbridge Strikers had a confidence about them, just looking down from the stands as an observer it was apparent in the way they were moving. Even before the referee blew his whistle the ball was already in the back of Glen Shields net if that is possible. Exactly how Strikers tore Glen Shields apart is with slick passes and powerful shots aimed at the opponent's net.

At Amrit's arrival back from hospital he got a standing ovation and his teammates showed signs of relaxation all advertising a brand of toothpaste. Without being pompous neither did Glen Shields prove to be much of a challenge either. Woodbridge Strikers dispatched them for a score line of 5:3.

If I had decided to mention players by name and what they did this blog space would not suffice as everyone contributed and gave their best effort. I realized that as parents our task is so easy just to drive them, feed them and cheer them on. You boys are the real heroes going through such a long day, working so hard and making us all so proud.

I acknowledge and thank Luca the stand in keeper who played for us and gave his best effort in the process.

The coaching staffs, head coach Julian, assistant coach Chris and coach Joe for doing a fantastic job along with manager Ania who provided snacks for the boys among other things.

It is never easy to repeat as back to back Champions just ask TFC what happened in their quest.

Hard work, sacrifices and determination will eventually show reward boys. Congratulations are truly in order.  As you all reflect on the victory also reflect on the possibilities that the future holds for this Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys Team.

Of significant importance was the comradeship of "ALL" the parents present even those who's son did not participate. A wonderful group of parents, grandparents, siblings and friends can one imagine if this group can remain together ???

WELL DONE BOYS!! 🏆⚽👍