U-18 Civics reach semi-finals in Niagara

The Under-18 Civics women's soccer team reached the semifinals of the West Niagara Invitational tournament over the weekend.

The Civics lost 2—1 to the Dixie Vipers, the eventual tourney champions, in the semifinal match. Nicole Delmonte had the lone goal for the Sault which wound up going 2 and 2 overall in their first tournament of the season.

Playing their first game of the season Saturday morning the Civics came out sluggish and wound up falling 2—1 to the Burlington Blaze. Heather Hamel had the goal. The Civics responded very well in game two considering it began just over two hours after game one. A pair of goals by Alysha Vernelli sparked the Sault to a 3—0 victory over the Woodbridge Strikers. Zalona Caruso had the other goal and Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick the shutout.

In the third game of the day the Civics were strong again posting a 3—0 triumph over the Unionville-Milliken Strikers out of the York Region. Vernelli, Hamel and Delmonte provided the offense while Fitzpatrick recorded her second shutout.

Sunday morning in the semi-final the Civics didn't come out prepared for Dixie and it proved costly as they fell behind 2—0 at half time. In the second half the Sault dominated play and despite a number of prime scoring chances only Delmonte could beat the Vipers keeper.

Head Coach Jamie Amaral says being with some key players absent due to other commitments having a short bench caught up with the Civics as the tournament progressed. It was also the first true action for the squad which was bolstered by three call-ups from the Under-17 Civics. Their participation and effort was instrumental in a successful start to the season.

(Submitted by Jim Fitzpatrick)