Trojans shutout out in NOSSA soccer

NOSSA Senior Boys "AA" Soccer Final

Lockerby 7
West Ferris 0

NOSSA Junior Boys 'AAA' Soccer Final

St. Charles 1
West Ferris 0

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The West Ferris junior boys soccer team sure battled through some tough moments this season, but it seemed to only make them stronger as a team. After suddenly losing the life of a dear team member early in the season, the Trojans battled hard through all of their regular season matches ending up with an undefeated 4-0-1 record. Through this success, the Trojans unfortunately also lost the team and league leading scorer Shayn Karn (9 goals in 5 games) to a broken ankle in their last match against Scollard Hall.

The Trojans, obviously attempting to regroup after sudden alterations to the team chemistry, came out as a different soccer squad, and lost their semi-final match to the Algonquin Barons 4-3, eliminating them from the NDA playoff crown.

Due to challenging for 'AAA' NOSSA status and earning first place in the regular NDA league play, the Trojans still managed to qualify for Friday's showdown in Sudbury against St. Charles College. The Trojans knew that they were in tough against a St. Charles program that has captured the 'AAA' NOSSA junior soccer crown for the past two seasons. In the 'AAA' NOSSA final, the St. Charles College Cardinals struck first in the opening half, and led the game 1-0 at the break. Despite having many fantastic scoring opportunities, and dominating play throughout the entire 90 minutes, the Trojans didn't get any bounces and couldn't get one past the St. Charles netminder.

The Cardinals captured their third straight 'AAA' junior boys NOSSA crown with a 1-0 win over the Trojans. Despite losing the game, West Ferris coach Ryan Culhane was very proud of his squad for battling hard this season, and perhaps playing their best in the final game of the season.

"Full marks to the St.Charles squad," Culhane said.

"They (St. Charles) have a great program lead by coach John Sikora, and have managed to outlast our determination two years in a row. I am very pleased that the guys rebounded after a disappointing loss against the Barons in the NDA semi-finals to come out and play their best game of the season."

"I think that while we lost two key players this season, the team really wanted to do their best today, and they did. I think that the players on this squad showed true Trojan pride today, and I'm proud of them for that."

The Trojans have several players moving up to the senior ranks for next season but should still maintain a strong nucleus of juniors for the 2006 soccer season.

"Soccer at West Ferris is alive - watch out for the Trojans next season," said Culhane.

Submitted to BayToday.ca