The Stingers concluded the preliminary round of the AISL with a 2-1 victory over Unionville-Milliken (UMSC).  The win ensured the Stingers would finish in second place in the AISL.

The game was definitely a physical contest, with both teams eager to prove their pluckiness.  After realizing that the referee was not going to whistle down every infraction, the Stingers began to give as good as they got.   Games of this ilk will help the girls prepare for life in the CGSL Premier Division.

The Stingers improved passing game was evident in the first half.  Penetrating balls played through to the forwards was giving the UMSC goalkeeper fits as she had to consistently come off her line to clear the ball out of danger.  But persistence paid off.  Daniela’s lofted pass over the UMSC defense was weighted just enough to allow Caroline to nudge it past the oncoming keeper.  Amidst the ensuing scramble Samantha was able to turn and fire the ball into the gaping net.

UMSC tied the game on a rather fortuitous strike.  Alexis did well to get her hands on the dipping shot, but her momentum jarred the ball loose upon impact with the ground, and the ball trickled into the goal.  Alexis quickly forgot the miscue and went on to play her usual steady game.

The teams went into halftime knotted at one goal apiece.  The second half began with the same level of intensity, reminiscent of a playoff game.  The Stingers basked in the atmosphere.  Off a quickly taken throw-in, Caroline was able to corral the ball, whirl around the defender and direct a shot towards the UMSC net.  The shot, while not the most powerful by Caroline’s standards, managed to elude the befuddled keeper and roll into the net.  The Stingers ran out the clock to secure the 2-1 victory.

Special thanks to Michelle and Kaitlin who joined the Stingers for the first time in the AISL, and played important roles in the victory.

The girls’ next game will be against Newmarket 94B at 6:00 pm.  The AISL will now be split into two separate Divisions with the top four forming one group and the bottom four the other group.