Middlesex United Invitational Competitive Tournament

May 30, 31, 2009

The Sarnia Spirit traveled to the Middlesex United Competitive tournament the last weekend in May.  The girls would come away with Silver Medals after a hard fought Championship game.

The first half of game 1 in round robin play vs. Woodstock Spurs was played mostly in Woodstock’s end.  At the 17 min. mark, Allison Deery attempted a wide left pass cross which inadvertently would find its way to the net for the first goal.  This would give the girls a 1-0 lead after the first half.  Early into the 2^nd half Riley Wilhelm would knee the ball over to Shae Colman who would tip in the 2^nd goal of the game.  At the 16 min. mark Alicia DaSilva found the back of the net and slid in the third and final goal.  Mackenzie Turner would earn the shutout with a stellar game in net.

The second game vs. Cambridge United went scoreless after 1 full half of play.  At 24 minutes into the 2^nd half, Alicia DaSilva added her second of the tournament from a nice through ball from Lilia Pasqual.  The game would end in a 1-0 win for Sarnia.  Byron Athletics were the next opponents.  Both teams played a well-fought battle ending in a scoreless tie.  Again, Turner would earn her 2^nd shutout of the tournament.  Two wins and a tie would put Sarnia in 2^nd place in their division, losing out by only 1 point to Byron Athletics. 

On Sunday, the Sarnia Spirit found themselves up against Southend United for the semi final game.   Sarnia would earn the first goal at the 16 min. marker, Melissa Blair would send a beautiful cross pass right in line with the goal post to find Alicia DaSilva who dove to tip in the goal.  Approximately 5 minutes later with a Sarnia handball called just inside the 18-yard box, Southend would receive a free kick.  Mackenzie Turner tried her best, making an attempted diving save, but was unable to keep it out.  24 minutes into the 2^nd half, Lilia Pasqual took a free kick just outside of the 18-yrd. Box and placed it nicely right out front of the net, Allison Deery was perfectly placed to kick in her 2^nd of the tournament.  Sarnia would advance to the final championship game to meet Byron Athletics for the 2^nd time this tournament.

Sarnia would battle hard against Byron in the first half with Mackenzie Turner playing a great 1^st half keeping Sarnia in the game.  After one half, the game was scoreless.  With only 5 minutes left in the 2^nd half, Byron would find the back of the net with the only goal of the game sailing one over the head of Turner.  Sarnia would finish with the silver medals losing to Byron 1-0.  Sarnia girls played some very defensive play all weekend and helped Mackenzie Turner earn her two shutouts.  Emily Schaefer, Amy Elliott, Katrina Fairbairn, Teaghan Gagne, Lauren Holman, Danielle Graham, Kayleigh Royer, Amy Rawlings, Brittany Sefton, and Kristi Pugsley are the list of other key contributors adding to the success of the 2^nd place finish this weekend.  Way to go Spirit!