Sarnia Spirit U13
2008
 

WOYSL Kick-Off Cup
Strathroy

May 17-19, 2008

In the opening round Sarnia was up against a tough Norwest (London) team. Although Sarnia fought hard the team suffered a 0-2 loss in their first game of the tournament.  In spite of several injuries and without a full team complement, Sarnia had a solid game with exceptional goal tending by Jessie Kozachuk and concrete defensive play from Lauren D’Esterre. 

Sarnia’s second game was against heavily favored Kitchener.  With another unyielding performance from keeper Jessie Kozachuk, Sarnia held back Kitchener to a 0-0 tie heading into Sunday’s quarter-final action.

In the quarter-finals and under harsh winds and down pouring rain, Sarnia was head-to-head with last year’s league winner, Waterloo Eagles.  Waterloo and Sarnia were both scoreless at half time with Sarnia striking firm in the 2^nd half.  Late in the game Mackenzie Colbran capitalized on a through ball to score the team’s 1^st goal of the tournament.  Nicki Parkes sheltered the win with a 2^nd goal for Sarnia taking the match 2-0.  This win secured Sarnia’s place in the semi-final.

In the semi-final Sarnia once again faced Kitchener holding them 0-0 at half time.  With Sarnia’s injuries and short bench catching up with them late in the 2^nd half, Kitchener dominated play in the closing minutes of the game finding the goal twice before the whistle.  Sarnia fell 0-2. 

Sarnia U13 demonstrated their soccer talent and their ability to play at a premier level this past weekend.  Sarnia Spirit looks forward to a rematch with Norwest at their season opener May 30^th and with Kitchener on July 5, 2008.