Photo by Sam Riches
INTERNATIONAL BATTLE 鈥� The Whitehorse Black team battles against Juneau in the semi-finals of the international tournament at the Canada Games Centre.
Photo by Sam Riches
Photo by Sam Riches
Photo by Sam Riches
Photo by Sam Riches
Whitehorse, Juneau finish at the top of international soccer tournament
The Whitehorse Rapids International Soccer Tournament wrapped up on Sunday with balanced results for the hometown and away teams.
The Whitehorse Rapids International Soccer Tournament wrapped up on Sunday with balanced results for the hometown and away teams.
The three-day tournament, which took place at the Canada Games Centre, featured eight teams spread across two divisions: co-ed and men's over 35.
Team Juneau was able to take first place in the co-ed league, defeating the Whitehorse Black team, 4-1.
On the men's side, Whitehorse Black took the title, defeating Whitehorse Red 2-1 in overtime.
Whitehorse teams also captured third place in each division.
Seventy-one players took part in the tournament, playing a total of 20 games.
"It was a wonderful weekend, they were very close games, we even had some overtime and shoot-outs,鈥� said Sylvain Lafferiere, tournament organizer.
"Everything went perfectly, I'm not believing it. No complaints and nothing went wrong so we'll have to be back next year, we don't have a choice. When it's successful you have to keep doing it.鈥�
In March, local teams traveled to Juneau for the first leg of the tournament but struggled on larger than expected playing surfaces and against strong competition.
Playing on hometown soil seemed to boost the efforts of the local squads this time around as they posted improved results.
George Maratos, a keeper with the first place Whitehorse Black team also took home the top spot in the co-ed league.
With the Juneau team down a keeper, Maratos stepped up and was able to place first in both divisions.
"He kept nine games the entire weekend and another goalkeeper kept for 11,鈥� said Lafferiere. "They were amazing, just running for five games was too much so I can't imagine those guys.鈥�
Bruno Bourdache was recognized for best sportsmanship while Anna Hoke of Juneau was the female MVP in the coed league and Keath Maguire took home the men's award.
On the over 35 side, Mark O'Brien was named MVP.
"It's amazing to see how people step up for the weekend,鈥� said Lafferiere. "People are really enjoying having the tournament so they just step up and help out.鈥�
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