In an exciting U18 Boys matchup Sunday morning at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Dixie SC Mississauga Black narrowly defeated Welland Wizards 1-0 in a hard-fought contest for the 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup title. The match was defined by relentless pressure from Mississauga and solid defensive efforts from both sides, culminating in a single decisive goal. 

The game began with a promising opportunity for Mississauga in the 8th minute. Aidan Marcantonio’s attempt was blocked by Welland's vigilant goalkeeper Nathan Scetta, setting the tone for a series of crucial saves. 

In the 23rd minute, Mississauga's Moustapha Sougui passed to Nicolas Mamo, whose shot was again stopped by Scetta. Welland's keeper remained resolute, frustrating Mississauga’s repeated attempts. 

Welland's best offensive opportunity in the half came in the 32nd minute, but Mississauga's tight defense prevented them from getting a shot off. Mississauga continued to press, with Thomas Okumura firing a shot from distance in the 35th minute. Welland’s Owen Wentzell stepped in to clear the ball just before it crossed the line. 

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Xavier Tomlinson delivered a perfect cross to William Monteith, who calmly tapped the ball into the net. Mississauga’s persistent efforts were rewarded as they took a 1-0 lead. 

In the second half, Mississauga's Okumura had an early chance in the 51st minute, but his shot was off target. Welland responded with a header off a corner kick in the 56th minute, but it didn’t find the mark. 

In the 63rd minute, Welland came close again with another header, but luckily Mississauga's Noah Johnson saved the ball as he stood behind his goalkeeper Logan Rose, ready to step in. 

Mississauga continued to create opportunities, with Mamo missing a touch in the 79th minute and Sougui failing to convert a pass from Okumura in the 81st minute. Welland's Aiden Azzopardi attempted a long-range shot in the 82nd minute, but it didn’t threaten the goal too much. 

The final significant chance came in added time when Monteith went toe-to-toe with Scetta, but the Welland keeper made a decisive save to keep his team in the game. 

Despite Welland's improved offensive efforts in the second half, they were unable to equalize. Mississauga won 1-0 finishing with 18 shots, 12 on target, while Welland took a total 8 shots, only 1 on target. 

Watch the match on the Ontario Soccer YouTube Channel.

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