U 16 Selects Claim Soccer Title in Bracebridge

BRACEBRIDGE, ON. - The North Bay HBC Selects Stallions U16 Boys Soccer Team playing in their second tournament of the year claimed 1st place at the 2009 Muskoka Early Summer Tournament Tournament in Bracebridge. Play began on Saturday with the Stallions playing a pair of 1-1 ties. In both games the North Bay team dominated play before falling behind and eventually tying each game in the second half. In the first game versus the Ramara Rockets Michel Bedard potted the equalizer midway through the second half. In the second game against the Huntsville strikers Ryan Darbyson scored early in the second half to to earn the U-16 squad a tie.

On Sunday the Stallions needed 2 wins to advance to the finals and were up to the task. In the first game they defeated the previously unbeaten Oakville Strikers 2-0. Zach Wilkinson opened the scoring on a 25 yard strike while Scott Hunter added an insurance marker with a 30 yard free kick over the defenders wall of players. The shutout was recorded by Jacob Rochefort. In game 2 the Orillia Lightning were the opposition and the Bayites came away with a 3-0 victory. Michael Cuncins got the game winner on a header in the first half. In the second half Alex Ceccanese scored 2 goals including one on a great individual effort. Rochefort once again provided shutout goaltending. With this win the Stallions claimed first place in the preliminary round and advanced to the finals for a rematch with Huntsville.

The final looked like a replay of the Saturday match-up with the Stallions dominating play but being unable to capitalize on numerous chances. Then 10 minutes into the second half Brad Herzog scored on his corner kick to give North Bay the lead and the defence shut down any efforts by Huntsville to tie the game. Rochefort earned his third shutout of the day.

Team members participating in the tourney were David Silveri, Michael Cuncins, Simon Tessier, Marc-Andre Seguin, Alex Ceccanese, Adam Weir, Zach Wilkinson, Ryan Darbyson, Brad Herzog, Michel Bedard, Garrett Saczawa, Zachary Andre, and Scott Hunter. Injured but cheering on their team were Justin Bishop and Spencer Brooks. The team is coached by Tony Saczawa, Ken Hunter, & Mark Ceccanese and is managed by Lum Ceccanese.

Submitted to BayToday.ca