The Stingers continued their recent resurgence, as they won the Can Am tournament this past weekend (game results listed below).  Though the girls got off to a sluggish start losing their two preliminary round games (both close losses), they went on to thoroughly dominate the playoff rounds and are worthy champions. 

The tournament started with a loss to a very opportunistic Woodbridge team that capitalized on their early chances to take a quick 2-0 lead before the Stingers pulled one back.  However, try as they might, they couldn’t find the equalizer.  The second match was against the Pickering Gators (who have beaten the Stingers on three previous occasions this year – all by one goal).  Once again the Gators were victorious 1-0 in a rather mundane affair with neither side grasping control of the match.   

The results left the girls seeded 6^th going into Saturday’s playoff round which meant a rematch against the Woodbridge Strikers.  This time the girls didn’t allow their opponents into the match as they took control early and went out 3-1 winners before their throng of adoring supporters, and a few belligerent losing parents.  (Sorry, couldn’t resist). 

On to the semi-final against Oshawa Turul, and once again there seemed to be only one team on the field.  The Stingers scored soon after the opening whistle and added to their lead mid way through the second half to come away with a 2-0 victory.  The defensive unit continued to smother the opposition allowing few, if any, quality scoring opportunities.   

The Stingers were expecting to face the top seeded Pickering Gators in the final but the Etobicoke Energy had knocked them out of the tournament (winning in a penalty shootout).  Playing after a torrential downpour, both teams took the first few minutes to acclimatize themselves with both the soggy pitch and each other.  Once the Stingers took the lead they seemed to gain more and more confidence.  The coaching staff’s policy of rotating players throughout the tournament began to pay off.  The Stingers got stronger as the game wore on and were full value for their 3-0 championship victory. 

Way to go girls, you did it.  Bask in the joy of your first tournament win. 

Congratulations Louis, Laurie and Nicole.  The players’ families truly appreciate all your hard work, and the time and effort you put into the team.   

Well done and thanks.  

Tournament Results:
·  Woodbridge 2        Stingers 1 (Kaitlin)
·  Pickering 1              Stingers 0
·  Stingers 3 (Kaitlin, Samantha, Natalie)        Woodbridge 1
·  Stingers 2 (Kaitlin, Caroline, s/o Hillary)         Oshawa 0
·  Stingers 3 (Natalie, Drew, Mari, s/o Hillary)        Etobicoke 0 

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this, and all other articles are strictly the views of an interested bystander / parent reliving his glory years (hardly) through his daughter who bares the brunt of his insights (poor child).