Collingwood expanded its soccer squad so it could enter both a junior and senior team in the ISA Championships held last Thursday/Friday in South Surrey. The plans of having two strong teams went a little awry when some of the younger players dropped out at the last moment. This forced coaches Hodal and Mulock to send three of their star Grade 10's down to bolster the junior squad. The result was a powerhouse team that brought home the championship trophy. Here is Coach Mulock's report:
The Junior Cavaliers squad came ready to play on Thursday in the annual Junior ISA tournament hosted by Southridge School in South Surrey. The Cavaliers won their first game 4 – 0 against Crofton House. McKinley Kennedy, Gabi Villamil both scored for the Cavs and Julianne Bugeja sealed the game with two goals. The girls showed great composure on defense and were able to hold possession for the majority of the game.
In their second game of the tournament, the Cavs played Shawnigan Lake School. Once again, the Cavaliers dominated and took control of the game. Unfortunately, they were unable to put the ball in the back of the net. The game ended in a shootout in favour of Shawnigan Lake School.
After Day 1 of the tournament, the Cavs moved on to the winning side because of their 4-0 win against Crofton earlier in the day and were excited for the chance to medal in the tournament.
The Cavaliers faced Southpointe in their third game of the tournament. McKinley Kennedy had a great game scoring two of the four goals. Bronwyn Bird and Sophia Garofalo scored as well to give the Cavaliers a 4 – 0 win over Southpointe. Riley Kennedy and Rio Donovan played solid defensively and continued to shut down their strikers, giving Southpointe no chance to have a shot on net.
The Cavaliers headed to the finals after beating Southpointe and were set to play York House in the gold medal match. The Cavaliers started the game with a lot of energy and set the tone playing to feet and keeping their composure. On the attack the Cavs were able to find the gaps and send through balls to break down York House's defense. Sophia Garofalo scored three goals and McKinley Kennedy put another away for the Cavs. The final score was 4 – 0 for Collingwood. The coaches were very pleased with the young talent and work ethic shown at the tournament and are excited for what is to come in the future with this junior squad.
2018 Junior ISA Soccer Championships
McKinley, Bronwyn and Gabi led the team to the junior championship.
The mighty Grade 8 contingent. Backrow - Victoria, Eva, Julianne, Riley, Amelia - Front Row - Jamie, Rio