West Niagara Invitational Tournament Results

May 9-11, 2008

Sarnia Spirit U13 Finishes Strong at First Showing this Year

Sarnia Spirit vs North Mississauga Panthers

It was a slow start for both teams with no goals at half time.  In the 2^nd half Mississauga came out strong with a quick goal.  Well into the 2^nd half Sarnia came alive with a brilliant tying goal from Nicki Parkes.  Pressure and solid defense saw the game quickly turn to a 3-1 lead for Sarnia with two strong crosses from Shelby Auterhoff to the foot of Christine Fleischer.  Christine scored the go ahead to secured the win for Sarnia.

Sarnia Spirit vs Pickering Gators

A quick 2-0 lead for Pickering with the girls struggling to find their stride.  Shelby Auterhoff took a long throw in and goes for goal from the sideline!  The goalie made contact - and score!  The equalizer came from Sarnia well into the 2^nd half with Shelby Auterhoff taking a free kick from 20 yards out.  The ball found the top right corner of the net.  Chantele Caraher offered a quick go ahead goal and Allison Sparham nailed the win for the team with a 4-2 finish. 

Sarnia Spirit vs Innisfil Stampeders

Sarnia was tired from a long day in the sun and was off to a slow start down by 1-0 at half time.  Shelby Auterhoff fired the tying goal from well outside the 18 yard box.  Exceptional defensive play maintained the tie to see Sarnia finish 1^st in their division pool for the next day’s quarter-finals.

Quarter-Final – Sarnia Spirit vs Hamilton Saltfleet Fury

In the opening minutes a strong corner kick from Shelby Auterhoff found Nicki Parkes for Sarnia’s first goal of the game.  A text book pass from Chantele Caraher to Nicole Surdyka gave the Spirit their 2^nd goal.  A solid goal by Christine Fleischer saw the Spirit dominating 3-0 at half time.  Late in the 2^nd half, Christine Fleisher drilled a free kick from well outside the 18 yard box and the ball found the top right corner of the net.  Sarnia took the win 4-0.

Semi-Final – Sarnia Spirit vs Milton Magic

Sarnia started strong with most of the play in Milton’s end.  A beautiful goal by Nicole Surdyka put Sarnia out in front and then Milton equalized before half-time.  The weather turned nasty with rain and harsh winds as the 2^nd half got underway. The girls suffered injuries but played on.  They showed their true “spirit” but unfortunately Milton came out on top finding the pocket in the closing minutes of the game to win 2-1.

It was a stellar pre-season start for the Sarnia Spirit U13 with great defending and solid offensive plays.  The girls are ready for their WOYSL début with a kick-off tournament in Strathroy May 17 and 18^th.  The team’s season opener is May 30^th at home.

highlights brought to you by: