The "Sudbury Soccer Snapshot" is a weekly feature that is being presented courtesy of Martin Martic Dentistry. Each and every week, from May 1st through until the end of September, a weekly newsletter will be produced, covering off much of what is on the go in the world of competitive soccer locally.
As well, a recreational soccer "game of the week" will be highlighted, rotating between the various houseleagues that exist in and around Greater Sudbury. In the off-season, the newsletter will scale back to a bi-weekly feature, focusing heavily on the hundreds of young soccer players who shift to the indoor game as the fields become snow-covered for the winter.
********************The Sudbury District Soccer Club (SDSC) Royals U14 Girls wrapped up regular season play Saturday at home, dropping a 3-1 decision to the visiting Bradford Eagles.
Tory McFadden, Sophia Nogalo and Brea Rourke found the back of the net for the winners, with league leading scorer Allie Weiler replying in a losing cause for the Royals. Beaten in their first two games of the year by North Bay and Bradford, the Sudbury girls bounced back to finish with a record of 9-3-2, earning a berth in a one game showdown on September 10th, with a promotion to the CGSL on the line.
The Royals, under second year coach Maurice Feron, adjusted nicely mid-stream, implementing some tactical changes that clearly paid off in the end. “We were playing a 4-3-3, and then switched to a 4-4-2,” said Weiler.
“We’ve become a lot stronger in the midfield. It really helped, because we were losing a lot before.” The lone underage player on the team, Weiler has looked completely at home playing up, especially when it comes to her finishing touch that would lead to more than 20 goals scored.
“You have to listen to what people tell you to do,” she explained. “I try and look for the corner of the net. Sometimes, it doesn’t get there. But you have to have confidence.” A natural left-footer, Weiler prefers attacking from the right flank, creating a different look for most defenders attempting to contain the speedy Sudburian.
The 2016 Royals represent a mix of returning talent, with an influx of newcomers to the team, including midfielder Ella Cocco. “I had stopped playing soccer for a couple of years, but wanted to get back into it,” she stated. “Some of my friends from basketball play on this team, so I decided to give it a shot.”
“When I first came back, I didn’t know what I was doing. But the team is really nice, they embraced me. I had to work a lot on my dribbling, because I tended to have my head down.” The Royals are still awaiting word on whom their September opponent will be.
*********************It may not have been a formal team goal, but the Sudbury (SDSC) Rocks U15 Girls secured a "top half of the standings" finish over the course of this most recent weekend.
On the road for a pair of games, coach Marilyn Bodson and company swept past Peterborough (5-3) and Newmarket (4-1). With a record of 7-3-4 (25 pts), and just one game remaining versus the undefeated Oshawa Turul crew, the Rocks have distanced themselves sufficiently from the likes of Leaside, Markham and Toronto, ensuring no worse than a 7th place finish in the 16-team loop.
Considering this was accomplished without the services of stalwart defender Madison Laberge, who opted to turn her focus completely to hockey, the end result for the locals is noteworthy.
Aliesha Spourdalakis scored twice in Peterborough, leading the attack, with Ariane Saumure, Jordin Rancourt and Victoria chipping in with one goal apiece. Saumure, Rancourt and Vicky were right back at it 24 hours later, joined on the scoresheet by Jacklyn Krueger.
The team closes out their 2016 season at home on Saturday, September 10th, welcoming Oshawa to the Queen's Athletic Field for 1:00 p.m. matchup in Sudbury.
********************GAME ON:
At Home: Sudbury (SDSC) Rocks U15-G vs Oshawa Turul - Sat., Sept 10th at 1:00 p.m. at Queen's Athletic Field
On the Road - Sudbury (SDSC) Celtics U17 Boys @ Whitby (Sept 10th) and Pickering (Sept 11th)
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If you are interested in seeing each and every edition of the Sudbury Soccer Snapshot, as they are uploaded to SudburySports.com, simply forward your email details to the attention of Randy Pascal at "statsman@sudburysports.com"
