CONGRATULATIONS

The 2018 outdoor season is officially over. What's next on the agenda? Well before we move on let's reflect on the final game and the season overall.

The Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys redeemed themselves in their Saturday's game (final game of the season) in respect to Wednesday night performance. London Whitecaps came with full conviction and commitment not to lose to the Strikers again. Their resilience could not prevent them from loosing twice to Strikers. As Woodbridges  strike partnership of Tremaine and Ethan proved too lethal with both netting a goal in securing the win.

Yes it was a win but not as convincing as the win over said opponents in London. Passes were off and players running into space were erratic plus our corner kick drills were totally discombobulated. I don't know if all the boys wanted was to get out of the cold and go eat pizza as quickly as possible knowing that awaited them.

Some of the players from the opposing team demonstrated smooth silky skills with the ball at their feet. Which impressed a few of the Woodbridge parents. Flipping the coin Cristian gave some of the ladies a scare when he dribble across his net before passing out the ball. Not to worry it only resulted in another clean sheet for Cristian and resulting in the eighteenth win for Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys.

The invitation was extended to the London Whitecaps to join our team for pizza and drinks in the club house. Truly sporting and diplomatic.
The pizza was pretty good but the news that followed was shockingly great that eleven of our eighteen man squad would be invited to the Provincial tryouts.

That is an achievement within itself. Credit must be given to coach Chris and coach Joe who is seen always working with our boys making them able to achieve such a feat. Also, to Ania the manager who works behind the scenes using her phone and laptop in ensuring that all administration is taken care of. Notable mention to coach Omar for his direct and indirect involvement with our boys. To all the parents whose childs' name made the list my sincere congratulations this is a stepup on the ladder, continue encouraging them to keep on climbing. To the parents of the other seven boys feel extremely encouraged for in my opinion they had a remarkable season and just missed out on the possibility of selection. Parents your dedication can never be measured just cherish every moment you get to appreciate an uplifting result.

As we reflect on the twenty game season undoubtedly opinion and perspective will definitely differ based upon your personal concept and team orientation.  Suffice me to say, after meticulous scrutiny against all teams we've played undoubtedly we as a squad were better. In fitness endurance the boys excell, not to my knowledge was there a game that they appeared tired and sluggish. In shots on goal we recorded over a hundred attempts averaging five shots on target per game.  We were treated to some  unbelievable goals scored by, Christopher, Tayvin, Isaiah and Marco. 

Sublime individual brilliance that brought both set of Spectors to "Awe" moment in Ethan sole effort that still has the crossbar vibrating. Also, a complete team display of passing of over thriteen passes followed by a shot on goal.

The team was plagued by injuries for the first quarter of the season with a number of players watching from the bench. Christopher, Jordan, Fateh, Isaiah, Anthony and Tayshaun M. all missed games throughout the season and had to rehabilitate.

Our first game of the season proved that our boys had a winning attitude instilled by the coaches and it prevailed throughout to the last game. Our only lost was inflicted upon us in the  nation's capital Ottawa, by Ottawa South United. It would be a welcome privilege of a friendly game against them.

Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys scored a total of 65 goals and conceded 12 goals.
Cristian had ten (10) shutouts/clean sheets.
Tremaine lead all scorers with twenty (20) goals.
Isaiah top the assist category with over fifteen (15)  assist. Every Striker registered at least one assist in the season, while on the other hand only three players didn't get their names on the score sheet.

Totally unbelievable first season achievements  including winning the indoor Ontario Futsal Cup  and the Umbro Cup to go alongside the 18-1-1 record.

As we embark on the next chapter with ours boys looking towards the TFC and Southampton Tournament there is a new infusion of brain power in the form of head coach Julian. Therefore the expectations has now intensified from a parent perspective and hopefully our boys will be hungry for more trophies.

Personally I would like to thank everyone who has read the blog postings and took the time to leave a written comment. Furthermore, I am truly humbled and honored by all who have personally spoken with me saying that they appreciated my thoughts on the games.

Congratulations to the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys Team. Coaches continue to deliver. Parents remain committed because the future holds possibilities. We are in it to win it.
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