OSATv shoot-out and coaches’ comments below
VAUGHAN, ON – In the first Ontario Cup Final of the 2010 season, Erin Mills Eagles took on their rivals, Mississauga Dixie Athletic, in what promised to be a tightly contested affair. On top of playing for the provincial championship, on the line was a place at the National Club Championships as Ontario’s representative, in Newfoundland this October.
Dixie looked to be pressing in the early minutes, but it was Erin Mills who took the lead in the 13th minute when #11 Mandy Hseih unleashed a right footed drive from outside the penalty box into the far corner.
The Eagles nearly doubled their lead in the 28th minute off of a set piece outside the Dixie penalty area. The ball took a deflection in the area and came back off the crossbar, and Erin Mills could not take advantage of the rebound.
Neither team could find a goal in the first half, and Erin Mills was happy to take their lead to the break.
Both teams came out of the half determined, and the action was fast at both ends of the pitch. Dixie nearly equalized from a corner kick when #17 Rakeisha Sealey saw her header just miss the top corner, in the 57th minute. Dixie found their reward in the 62nd minute when #7 Tori Pasquariello met a perfect cross and headed in from the right side of the goal, to bring her side level.
Erin Mills could have regained their lead in the 71st minute when #19 Kiiri Kuld found herself in front of goal but saw her volley saved well by Dixie goalkeeper Lidia Simoes.
Neither team could grab the winning goal in the last minutes of regular time, and the championship would be decided by kicks from the penalty mark.
Erin Mills first four shooters, Bianca Rossi, Larissa Rygailo, Jacqueline Lence, and Kristina Mlakar all converted their shots, and goalkeeper Sarah Petrucci came up with an excellent save, as Erin Mills defeated Dixie 4-2, taking home the 2010 Under 18 Girls Ontario Cup.
Reported by Rob Ferrari / OSA
Photo & Video by Wolf Ruck / OSA