Strikers Hit Silver
The Chatham Strikers U14 team won silver this past weekend – Contributed Photo
They competed in a division of 12 teams from throughout Southwestern Ontario. The first match in pool play was against the home team Brantford Inner City. Although the girls completely dominated the game they were unable to score until late in the second half when Shelbie Coristine scored on a chip shot to take the win. The shut out was awarded to Hunter Gagner.
The second game was against Lambeth FC a tough opponent from the WOYSL L3 division. Jessica Conrod scored early in the 1st half from outside the 18 yard box. Alexa Arbour sealed the deal with a well placed shot to the right corner. Strikers played strong defensively to finish the game 2-0. Gagner posted the shut out.
The Chatham Strikers final game in pool play was against Cambridge United. To ensure a bye into the semifinals the Strikers dominated the game 7-1. Goals were scored by Payton Sabourin, Coristine, Conrod, Alexis Jenkins, Taryn Dudley, Mackenzie French and Kennedey Jack.
The semi-final match was against St.Thomas Warriors. Conrod capitalized with a through ball from Coristine to go up 1-0. Coristine followed up with a beautiful spin kick to make the score 2-0. Niyah Poole finished the game with a well placed shot to make the final score 3-0 . Gagner took the shutout again.
The win lined up the Chatham Strikers to play Lambeth FC in the championship final. The girls played a hard fought regulation game which ended in a 0-0 tie. After no score in overtime the Strikers lost in a shoot out 11-10. Shoot out goals scored by Coristine, Conrod, Dudley, Sabourin, Jenkins, French, Gagner, Joelle Tetrault, Alison Stephens and Clair Boughner. Strikers allowed only one goal scored against in regular play the entire tournament due to outstanding performance by Keeper Hunter Gagner and great defensive play by Boughner, Stephens, Tetrault and Sabourin.
Pictured Above: Front Row: Asst. Coach Nicole Boughner, Payton Sabourin, Kennedey Jack, Hunter Gagner, Shelbie Coristine, Jessica Conrod, Mackenzie French, Niyah Poole. Back Row: Coach Sandra Conrod, Alexis Jenkins, Joelle Tetrault, Amanda Couture, Alexa Arbour, Taryn Dudley, Clair Boughner, Alison Stephens, Coach John Conrod, Asst. Coach Jodi Tetrault. Absent Emily Barstead.