SB Soccer Win ETIAC Playoff Trophy

 

OK… now back to the soccer. We lost to BCS early in September by a score of 1-4. We probably should not have lost (when you look at the chances/goals ratio of the two teams on that day) but we did. I told the players that our new goal on that day was to see BCS again at the end of the season, hopefully in the final, and hopefully with the opportunity to avenge that early loss. We were still in the possible situation of vying for the league banner at that point. Then we tied Richmond in early October, after having an easy win over them in our first game of the year. That made the banner less likely.

We went off to CAIS in Vancouver, and despite our high hopes, we met a tough pool and ended up losing our three round-robin games. Those write-ups will probably appear, so I will cut to the chase. BCS did well at CAIS due to a better pool situation and some very good play on that weekend. Out of the 20 teams, BCS ended up 10th and we a disappointing 18th. But the funny thing is that I kind of boldly said to BCS Coach Nadeau while in Vancouver, something like, “I was looking forward to beating you anyway at the end of the season.” I really thought we had a good enough team to compete with and even beat them. Ask Mr. Nadeau. Ask Doccy. I swear.*

*(Editor Note: An English teacher like Mr. Liverpool at this point might discuss foreshadowing with his students.)

So we come to the last weekend of the regular season, during the week we had just returned from CAIS. It would include three games on the schedule, with no practices before or after. At this point, we still had a very small outside chance of getting the league banner. We would have to win all three of our final games, plus hope for BCS to lose to us by a bunch of goals, or have another team beat them in one of their last three games. Unlikely.

Wednesday, October 18: The big second game between BCS and SC in Lennoxville at their home turf, Grant Field. With a lot on the line. I will save you the whole write-up (possibly another future missing write-up). We score first and were feeling good. Then a huge blip and BCS scores not one, not two, but THREE goals in THREE minutes. Ouch. They scored another before the end of the half. We were down 1-4 with 40 minutes to play. Still, the halftime talk was about working harder, passing wider, angling our runs, the usual. We knew we could get back in the game. Bottom line – we did what we wanted and got three goals in the second half, with them responding with one. Final score SC 4 – BCS 5. So we knew we were likely out of the banner at that point, but we still positively looked forward to our last league game against Galt, as well as the playoffs to follow.

Friday, October 20: we beat Galt 1-0 in a very tough, well-played game. They were probably better than us on that day, as I told Coach Walker, but the soccer gods favored us. Olivier Daniel curved a beautiful free kick in the 78th minute for the only goal of the entire game. This set up our final position for playoffs, with us in #2 hosting #3 Galt the next Wednesday while #1 BCS would host #4 MVR.

In the semi-final, we hosted Galt on our field for the final home game of the year. It was a beautiful day. There were many local fans on hand. Both teams played well. We were good enough to beat Galt 2-0. Well done… and on to the big show!

We would play in the final game of the season, against our rivals, with a chance to turn the tables on them and leave with the championship. Bring on BCS. We knew it would be us against the world… their home, their wide field, their excellent keeper, their fans… and us with very few in our cheering section (thanks Mr. Blair, Ms. Wolfe, Mr. Van Dyke and a few parents). Again, like last week, we score the first goal, in the 21st minute on a nice fk chip from wide which was scored on Will Huckins’ head. BCS got one back in the 26th minute when our defense slipped and fell in the wet grass. Before the first half was over, they had counted another goal in the 37th minute on some missed communication between our defense and the keeper. Again, Doccy and I both reiterated at halftime that we were in the game and we could win with patience, effort and desire.

In the second half we scored our second goal and regained the tie when Phil Martel worked the ball left to right to Olivier Daniel who scored for us in the 10th minute. The rest of the half was pretty even for both teams, which some missed scoring opportunities, some at an open cage. Regulation ends tied 2-2 after 80 minutes. OT!

We would be going to overtime, 9 players on 9 players, for “golden goal” or sudden death for a ten minute period. This, if necessary, would be followed by pk’s. Doccy and I changed the roster, set up our pk list, and within a minute we were ready to start the overtime period. And literally within a minute, it was over. Will Huckins sent a great ball just over their defenders and just wide enough for Keiran Gallant to corral it with full speed and he tuck it securely to the left of the BCS keeper’s net.

Sudden death? Over!

Goal…Win!

Champions. Trophy. Photos. Smiles.

2017 ETIAC Champions.

“I love it when a plan comes together.”

THROW-INS: The trophy is back home in Stanstead after another one-year hiatus. Thanks to all those who supported us during this season, including Alta, Peter Cai (head mgr) and Justin Laforce who was our keeper at CAIS and who came to support us for the final. We took lots of photos with groups of players. Great memories! Thanks to the Doc as we got the chance to work together once again after me missing most of last year. It has been another enjoyable season and a great end.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Honorable mentions go to everyone today for their commitment and growth throughout the season. Both of the “wee” guys up front (Olivier and Keiran) worked their best when everything was on the line over the past few days. But the MAN OF THE MATCH goes to Keiran Gallant who scored the winning goal in OT. While he whines a little (mostly to officials!), he came to play and showed his best effort all day today. Well done, Keiran!