麻豆社区

A closely-played, competitive soccer tournament ended in the most fitting way possible Sunday 鈥� with penalty kicks.

Both the men's and co-ed division championships went all the way to penalties, capping the eight-team Whitehorse Invitational indoor soccer tournament in style.

Team White eventually took both divisions, with the white-jerseyed men's team beating the Arctic Winter Games juvenile boys 3-2, and the co-ed Team White outlasting Team鈥圧ed 4-3.

Entering the second half of the men's final tied 0-0, Callum Wood Ryan gave the younger side a 1-0 lead by beating Team White defender Haider Rajab to a loose ball and striking a shot past keeper Alejandro Pulido.

Wood Ryan's goal marked a change in strategy for Team White that saw Pulido attempt to push the offence, coming past centre-field to play as a sixth attacker.

The strategy cost him however, as a long shot by Wood Ryan hit the boards above the goal, bounced off the onrushing Pulido, and into the net to stake the juvenile squad to a 2-0 lead.

"We were in desperation mode there for a little bit,鈥濃�圥ulido explained of the change in strategy. "We knew it was going to be a tough game against these kids. We had lost to them twice already.鈥�

Down 2-0, Derric Lewis replaced Pulido in net, giving him a chance on the offensive side of the pitch. This strategy change would pay off.

With less than five minutes left in the game, the senior squad struck, with Pierre-Luc Lafrance squeaking a shot through keeper Frejean Pourier's legs and into the goal.

Moments later, Pulido tied the game 2-2, striking a bullet shot from the top of the box past Pourier to set up a decision on penalty kicks.

Tied after five shooters, it was Simon Pulido who played the hero, squeaking a shot past Pourier in extra penalties. Alejandro Pulido added some heroics of his own to match his father's 鈥� stopping Mackenzie Shaw to give his team the victory.

"It was fun. It was a great time,鈥濃�圓lejandro said of the tournament. "Every team was pretty even. Every game was a two-goal differential or less, except for our 6-1 loss to these boys this morning.鈥�

Pourier said he enjoys the high stakes that penalty kicks presents.

"It's kind of easy, but that one didn't go too well,鈥� he said after the match. "I guessed right (on the winning goal), but my hands just couldn't get there quick enough.鈥�

The young keeper cited overconfidence as his club's eventual downfall.

In the co-ed championship, Team White stormed out to an early 2-0 lead Sunday morning, thanks to goals by Eric Murphy and Jackie Harrison.

But Team Red, led by former Olympian Amy鈥圴ermeulen and local 麻豆社区Ammon Hoefs, rallied before taking a 3-2 lead in the second half.

Team White tied it 3-3 late, and breathed a sigh of relief when a late shot by Vermeulen bounced off both posts and out to force penalty kicks.

Still tied after five shooters, a save by keeper George Maratos and a subsequent goal by Jessica Harrison gave Team White the title.

"Both teams were playing hard, and it could have gone either way,鈥濃�圡urphy said. "It was great to win. Last year, my team lost in the final, so it was good to be back and pull out the win.鈥�

After opening their tournament with a 5-5 tie, Team White rapped off three straight wins to earn a place in the championship final.

"I think any team had an opportunity to win it,鈥� Murphy said of the annual tournament. "It's a great time. We get to meet up with our friends from Juneau and it's great, competitive soccer.鈥�

One team from Juneau attended the tournament, said organizer Geoff Woodhouse.

The balance of talent between the teams was ideal, making for a very competitive affair.

"It's ideal,鈥濃�圵oodhouse said of the penalty-kick finish. "Everybody leaves with a smile on their face. There was nothing left for either team to give.鈥�