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Dominant Bears take home NDA Junior boys soccer title

The stifling Bears defence had not allowed a goal against during the NDA season or playoffs
20190528 bears jr soccer winners
Photo submitted by Al Orlando.

The St.Joseph Scollard Hall Junior Boys Soccer team were in action Monday night on Cundari Field vs the Chippewa Raiders in the NDA Finals.  Both teams finished 1st and 2nd respectfully during the NDA season which made it only fitting that they would face one another once again.  

During its first NDA match-up the Bears were victorious by the score of 2-0. Following that, both teams faced one another during the Nipissing Invitational Tournament with the Bears winning 1-0.

The match on Monday consisted of stellar defence and solid goaltending throughout the match.  SJSH goalkeeper and captain Riccardo Celebre had a solid performance once again in the 2-0 win over the Chippewa Raiders.

The stifling Bears defence had not allowed a goal against during the NDA season or playoffs.

“As coaches, this season we wanted to build our team around Riccardo.  He has the ability to single handedly change a game with his timely saves and overall athletic ability in nets,” Head Coach Frank Ricciuti stated.

The game was locked at 0-0 at halftime with both teams battling back and forth with some missed opportunities.  It was not until the 60th minute that Tyler Mullen of SJSH tallied his first goal of the season as a game winner.

“We wanted our leaders to step up in the second half," said Ricciuti.  

"We’ve been a second half team all year and we made sure to remind the team at half to stay patient and positive.  We’ve been training hard since late  February and we feel like that has really helped us down the stretch, especially in tight games."

Devon Beaucage got the insurance goal at the 70th minute mark to secure the NDA championship to the Bears who have won back-to-back titles and 7 NDA Championships in the last 13 years.  

The Bears will now travel to Sudbury on Friday to compete for the NOSSA Championship.


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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