U-10 Sarnia Fury Battle the Bluewater Blue

     The Sarnia Fury U-10 boys district soccer team played the number one ranked team Bluewater Blue in Kent/Lambton semi final action Wednesday night at Heritage Park. In two previous meetings the more seasoned Bluewater club had dominated the first year Fury team out scoring them 12-1.

   On this night a determined Fury club showed up and played their best game of the season and proved to everyone that they will be a team to contend with in the very near future. From the opening whistle it was apparent that # 1 goalie Mike Zottl was on his game making several difficult saves early and throughout the game. Jordan Hawkes and Owen Gibson anchored the defense making several good defensive plays to turn away the advancing Bluewater squad. Zackarie Hall did an amazing job of covering one of the leagues most dangerous players, making life difficult everytime he got the ball. Troy Hall and Trever Forsten were also extremly effective in the midfield making sure to challenge anyone not wearing a red jersy the moment they got the ball. The Fury held the Bluewater team off the board until the 20 minute mark when a long shot was fired on goal and managed to fall behind the Fury netminder who got a hand on it but failed to keep it out. This only seemed to inspire the Sarnia club as they continued to play hard and generated a few good scoring opportunities of their own. Jakob Washington and John Anthony Filia both had good first half chances but one was stopped by the Bluewater keeper and the other shot went over the goal. The first half ended with Bluewater leading 1 - 0.

   After a spirited pep talk the Fury team came out and continued their strong play in the second half. Brock Morgan and Zackarie Hall had a glorious opportunity on a 2 on 1 but a brilliant defensive play by the Bluewater defender prevented a clear shot on goal. Several free kicks were awarded during the game and were used to create good chances. Troy Hall had a glorious chance to tie the game when Owen Gibson took a free kick from just inside the half line and put it over the defenders to a wide open Troy but he was unable to connect for the sure goal. Trever Forsten also had a nice chance to score when he was left alone at the top of the penalty area and hit a nice volley shot that just sailed over the cross bar. Sawyer Osborne continued his string of strong performances and had 2 or 3 good chances in and around the goal. While he and Troy Hall are two of the youngest and smallest on the team it should be mentioned that they played like they were the biggest guys on the field. Bluewater scored at the 50 minute mark to put them up 2-0 on a shot that the Fury goaltender had no chance on. Credit should be given to the entire Fury team as they continued to play as though they could win right to the final whistle. Josh MacDonald gets a special mention as he played four different positions during the game and did exactly what was needed for each of them. The game ended with Bluewater winning 2 - 0  but the Fury team felt victorious due to their fine effort. The Fury coach is extremely proud of his players and the effort they gave this season and in this game.

   Congratulations to the Bluewater Blue squad on their victory and advance to the league finals. The Sarnia Fury would like to thank their sponsors at BMO, Franco Filia- The Co-Operators, Southshore Landscape, Kimball Tree Service and Shannon Kerby- Freedom 55 Financial for their support this season. A special thanks goes out to all of the parents and Patrick Picard who cheered on the Fury club with much enthusiasm.

   The Sarnia Fury season is not quite done yet as they are playing in a season ending tournament in Stratford, Ontario this weekend. They look forward to continuing their fine play and representing Sarnia well.