In a dramatic Sunday night showdown at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre, Vaughan Soccer Club edged North Toronto Nitros 3-2 to claim the U16 Boys championship. The match was filled with standout saves, last-minute goals, and breathtaking plays, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Vaughan started strong, testing North Toronto’s defense early. In the 9th minute, Erlin Ramos Pedroza got on the end of a perfectly-timed through ball from Ugo Mordi, but North Toronto’s goalkeeper Max Drakul came up big with a crucial save. Vaughan kept pressing, with Ignacio-Oliver Sabbatasso-Sola firing from distance in the 22nd minute, though the shot drifted wide.

Drakul continued to frustrate Vaughan’s attack, denying another effort from Ramos Pedroza in the 27th minute. Vaughan created several more opportunities, including a side-netting shot from Hazem Elmarakby in the 33rd minute and a narrow miss from Kevin Correa Furtado off a clever backheel from Ramos Pedroza in the 42nd minute.

North Toronto finally found their rhythm just before halftime, with Joseph Son forcing a save from Vaughan’s goalkeeper Vincenzo Giuliani in the 45th minute, keeping the match scoreless at the break.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with both teams battling fiercely for the opening goal. Diego Jalleau had a shot saved in the 48th minute, and Zachary Rogachov couldn’t capitalize on the loose ball. Vaughan responded with back-to-back attempts in the 49th minute but couldn’t convert.

Vaughan's persistence finally paid off in the 71st minute when Elmarakby broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal. Their momentum continued, and in the 80th minute, Ugo Mordi doubled Vaughan’s lead, finishing off a brilliant pass from Marquise Moncrieffe.

However, North Toronto refused to give in. In the 83rd minute, Arseni Basko pulled one back after a well-executed free kick, setting up a tense finale. As Vaughan looked to close out the game, North Toronto’s Lucas Dyke found the equalizer in added time, pouncing on a rebound after Jalleau’s initial shot was blocked by Giuliani.

With the score tied 2-2 and the match seemingly headed to penalties, Vaughan’s Jacob Gravina produced a moment of magic. In added time, he launched a stunning shot from distance to seal the 3-2 victory for Vaughan and secure the U16 Boys title.

You can watch the full match on the Ontario Soccer YouTube channel. 

Visit the Ontario Soccer Facebook page to see the full album.