Sarnia Spirit U13
2008
 

SARNIA SPIRIT U13
EARNS BRONZE MEDAL AT BARRIE SPIRITFEST SOCCER TOURNAMENT

In the opening round Sarnia faced South Simcoe United.  Nicole Surdyka took first strike before the half.  In the 2^nd half a perfect pass from Michelle Savo lead to a rocket shot from Shelby Auterhoff for the girls 2^nd goal.  Chantel Caraher scored a stand alone 3^rd goal.  A nice cross from Nicole Surdyka found Mackenzie Colbran for the 4^th goal.  Sarnia closed the deal with a beautiful corner kick from Shelby Auterhoff and a brilliantly placed shot from Nicki Parkes for the 5^th goal of the game.  Exceptional team play and with Laurenne D’Esterre protecting the defensive line, our win was secure with the final outcome 5-0 for Sarnia. 

Next Sarnia played Bradford Eagles.  Chantel Caraher lead off with a long shot to the top right of the net.  A great pass from Allison Sparham reached Shelby Auterhoff for a missile shot.  Sarnia was up by 2.  Following a fierce run down the line, Nicole Surdyka sweetened the pot with Sarnia leading 3-0 at half time.  A sharp delivery from Surdyka put Sarnia up another goal in the opening minutes of the second half.  A throw in from Chantel Caraher found Nicki Parkes for a gorgeous 5^th goal of the game.  Bradford struck back too late with a breakaway for their only goal of the game. Natalie Harris had an excellent game and with stellar passing and key team communication, Sarnia commanded the game 5-1.

In the last game of pool play, Sarnia challenged the Ajax United Bolts.   1^st strike came from Ajax but Sarnia quickly answered with a post sneaker ball from Nicole Surdyka.  A great pass from Savo to Parkes offered the go ahead goal for Sarnia.  Sarnia lead 2-1 at half time.  Unfortunately Ajax equalized about 10 minutes into the 2^nd half.  Both sides fought hard and played fast, aggressive soccer to keep the game tied 2-2 at final whistle.  With Sarnia and Ajax tied on points in the pool round goal differential was factored to confirm Sarnia as the winner of the pool.

For the semi-final, Sarnia faced the much revered 2007 Ontario Cup Champion Oakville Hurricane.  In the opening minutes there was a flurry of strikes at Sarnia’s keeper Jessie Kozachuck.  Jessie skillfully saved numerous shots but by half time Sarnia was down 2-0.  Oakville is a solid team and outplayed Sarnia in the first half. Although Sarnia was mismatched on size, the girls stepped up their passing game and surprised Oakville with smart, hard line soccer in the 2^nd half.  With an unbreakable run from Shelby Auterhoff and a solidly placed ball, Sarnia had its first goal of the game.  Sarnia fought with heart and spirit to find the equalizer but in the end they ran out of time.  This game was a great contest and an excellent showing for Sarnia with a final outcome 2-1 for Oakville.

Sarnia’s outstanding efforts earned them a much deserved bronze medal.  Sarnia’s next game is Thursday, June 19^th in London against Norwest Shock.