Monday, October 13, 2003
UMSC 1 - British Columbia 2
Today’s National
JVC Under 18 final did what so many finals so often fail to do. It
lived up to all the hype.
The weather was a
little cool but the skies were sunny and there was a full house to
cheer both teams on. The Unionville boys were grateful for the
support and cheering they received from Ontario’s other team at the
Nationals, Dixie Fury. Well-done girls on a well-deserved Bronze
medal with a 2-0 win over Quebec and thanks for the cheering.
The game started
at a terrific pace with both teams playing their own brand of
soccer. The Ontario team playing its’ trade mark touch and
possession game and the British Colombia boys with their more direct
and fast-pace game. Both sides created chances and defences held up
well to the attack.
The best chance
fell to Unionville and in the 40the minute a superbly
played free kick by Chris DeAbreu found Danny Levy wide who one
timed a cross high into the area which was bulleted into the top
hand corner by Frank Jonke’s header. Textbook stuff! But the goal
was pulled back by a late call by the Ref when his assistant called
the ball out as Levy hit the cross to the total amazement of the
crowd and team and the relief of the BC team.
The 2nd
half continued with much of the same until the 9th minute
when Shane Bookal fired in a great shot after a goalmouth scramble.
1-0.
BC picked up the
pressure and a turnover in the Unionville box resulted in a great
shot beating the keeper. 1-1.
A minute later
the Ontario team conceded a free kick and a classic far post header
by BC’s Captain and defender beat our keeper to put BC in the
lead.1-2.
From here on in
the game continued in much of the same way as the earlier part.
Chirrs DeAbreu had a spectacular shot saved on a wicked volley hit
from outside the area and heading for the top right hand corner of
the net.
Liam Farrell had
a great diving header cleared by a defender with the ball all but
certain to cross the line without this timely interception.
The Unionville
boys played valiantly and at the final whistle collapsed with
exhaustion. Every one of them had played their hearts out. They have
won many admirers and supporters for their brand of soccer. They
played and with the class and dignity they showed.
The
team was lead superbly by the playmaking skills and vision of
Captain Golden Chris DeAbreu; the defensive speed hustle and
strength of Jason Joseph who reminds the writer of the
Brazilian Junior; the class of Sheldon Parchment who shows
the hallmark of greatness; the solid defender and dribbling skills
of Shane Bookal; the reliable and hardworking Devon Spiers
in goal who grew in stature with every game; the unbelievable non
stop hustle and ball winning skills of Mustafa Zafarzadeh;
the cool and hustle of Jose D’Amaro; the sheer power and
speed and offensive threat of Frank Jonke, who overcame so
much pain to lead the attack; the total unpredictability and dancing
feet of Chris Walker; the heart and vision of the
never-say-die attitude of Danny Imbrogno; the sheer pace of
the man with the magic throw–in of Danny Levy; the class,
vision, consistency and maturity of Sammy Goodman; the
exciting speed and skill of Yashin Moazez; the strength and
heading prowess of Liam Farrell; the cultured and Samba like
skills of Carlos Robayo and the defensive strength and power
of Elster Anderson.
Well done lads.
The Unionville-Milliken Soccer club is proud of our first ever
National silver medallists.
A
special word about Coach Paul DeAbreu who is the heart and
soul of the team. His shrewdness and cunning make him a coaches
coach.
The respect
he
commands from his boys is evident and his tactics and vision brought
the team to this level. I personally have learnt a lot from Paul. He
has the heart of a champion.
The Manager Frank Joseph who has
been with the team since its inception and whose efficiency made
Paul’s job easier.
A
very special thanks to Charles Grant who worked so hard
mending our boys, and getting them ready for the game.
Thanks also to the President of UMSC
and the board for all the support they have given the team we hope
we made you proud.
