A Memorable Championship Friday!

January 5, 2025

Championship Friday Recap: Rain City VW Cup

(SJS - Chaulk hoists the Rain City VW Cup)

Championship Friday Recap: Rain City VW Cup (Pictured: SJS U10 Chaulk Hoist the Cup!)
Championship Friday   ( Click here for schedule and results )   at the Rain City VW Cup was nothing short of spectacular. The final day of the tournament saw thrilling matches, hard-fought battles, and moments of pure skill and determination as teams vied for gold and silver. Whether through round-robin standings or closely contested championship finals, the competition highlighted the spirit of youth soccer. A heartfelt thank you to all the players, coaches, parents, and volunteers who made this day such a success. Here’s a brief recap of each division:
U9 Girls Piatto Pizzeria Division The U9 Girls championship featured a clash of contrasting styles. CBS (Spingle), known for their solid defensive play, took on a high-scoring Mt. Pearl (Black) team. Throughout the tournament, CBS demonstrated discipline and teamwork, which proved to be decisive in the final. Despite relentless pressure from Mt. Pearl’s attackers, CBS held their ground and edged out a 2-1 victory in a thrilling contest. Players of the Winning Team:
Alexa Bursey, Avery Metcalfe, Ella Power, Ellen Oake, Leah Kelly, Lexie Knee, Lila Bishop, Maggie Whalen, McKenna Spingle, Nori Squire, Sophie Cable

U10 Boys VW Jetta Division Drama and excitement defined the VW Jetta Division. St. John's (Chaulk) emerged victorious, but their path to the title was anything but straightforward. A pivotal game against the Crazy 8's set the tone for the day. The match featured an early stunner by Andrew Burke of the Crazy 8's, who scored with a brilliant free kick. However, St. John’s dug deep, with Charlie Martin equalizing and Isaac Tulk eventually scoring the game-winner in a gripping 3-2 victory. A convincing win over NEUSC (Kelly) later in the day secured the championship for St. John’s. The Crazy 8’s fought valiantly and earned a well-deserved silver medal. Players of the Winning Team:
Andrii Sikorskyi, Charlie Martin, Conor Gillespie, Heath Peyton, Isaac Tulk, Tate Bursey, JR McGrath, Noah Alagouza, Thatcher Chaulk, Umar Abdul Wahid

U10 Boys VW Golf Division An all-Feildians final saw FAA (Halliday) face off against the Double Blues in a gripping rematch. Drew Pike’s long-range strike had given FAA the edge in their earlier encounter, but the Double Blues did well to limit opportunities in the final. It was Leo MacDonald who stepped up, scoring the game-winning goal to secure a 2-1 victory for the Double Blues. The back-and-forth battle showcased the depth of talent in both teams, leaving spectators in awe of their skill and determination. Players of the Winning Team:
Luke Boudreau, Gabriel Hickey, Henry Leamy, Alex Croft, Peter Meyers, Ander Herritt, Leo MacDonald, Ryker Chabassol, Thomas Kearsey, Jonah Fowler, Connor Mallam, Oliver Lacey

U11 Boys Tiguan Division CBS (Snook) were the team to beat in this division, and they showed exactly why in the championship game. Their potent offense, combined with disciplined defense, proved too much for Mt. Pearl (Black). CBS dominated the final, scoring five goals and showcasing their depth and coordination. Despite Mt. Pearl’s best efforts, CBS's attacking force was unstoppable, earning them the gold medal in commanding fashion. Players of the Winning Team:
Micheal Giles, Dylan Giles, Harrison Burt, Flynn Harper, Grant Power, Jack Caines, Vincent Keeping, Drew Bartlett, Thomas Snook, Gavin Phillips, Ethan Green, Kayden Ryan, Asher Manning, Jack Walsh, Lex Nugent, Declan Connley

U11 Boys Taos Division The U11 Taos Division was marked by parity, with every team managing at least one win during the tournament. St. John’s (Foran) stood out for their consistency, finishing at the top of the table. While both FAA teams, Mt. Pearl and NEUSC had moments of grit and skill, St. John’s found ways to come out on top in tight games. In the end, Mt. Pearl (Peddle) claimed silver, while St. John’s (Foran) celebrated their well-earned gold. Players of the Winning Team:
Evan Turner, Isaac Scruton, Oliver Wight, Alim Adefemi, Ben Fahey, Aywel Aleer Goi, Harry Maher, Henry Losco, Richard Harvey, Sidath Tennakoon, Toprak Kemaoglu

U12 Boys Atlas Division The U12 final lived up to its billing as a rematch between St. John’s (Murphy) and FAA (Courage). FAA had claimed a 3-1 victory earlier in the tournament, but St. John’s turned the tables when it mattered most. The final saw FAA take an early lead with a penalty shot expertly converted by Louis Winter. However, St. John’s regrouped and equalized through Mason Reynolds before Josh Veitch’s late goal put St. John’s ahead for good. A final-second strike from Adam Abdul Wahid added insurance and clinched the VW Cup for St. John’s in a match filled with intensity and heart. Players of the Winning Team:
Josh Veitch, Adam Abdul Wahid, Mason Reynolds, Chase Winsor, Corey Branton, Ibrahim Islam, Liam Murphy, Rhys Norris, Ronan Chaulk, Ryan Gill, Thomas Misik, Zakariya Ibrahim, Zurrich Batterson

U13 Boys VW Buzz Division The U13 Buzz Division was fiercely competitive from start to finish, with teams trading blows throughout the tournament. FAA (Chitsike), CBS (Lewis), and St. John’s (Devereaux) all impressed, but it was CBS who secured the top spot. In the final, CBS struck early and held firm, defeating St. John’s 4-2 in a match that highlighted their offensive firepower and tactical discipline. The victory capped a stellar tournament for CBS, who lifted the VW Cup in this premier division. Players of the Winning Team: James Drummond, Ben Lewis, Aiden Peckford, Benoit Dupasquier, Nick Noseworthy, Andon Abbott, Layden Tizzard, Paesyn Pachnowski, Braden Roberts, Isaac Keeping, and Rowan Burgess

Gratitude and Celebration The Rain City VW Cup would not have been possible without the unwavering support of clubs, coaches, players, parents, and volunteers. Special thanks to the Techniplex staff, St. John’s Soccer Association, and the NLSA for their help in organizing this outstanding event. Congratulations to all the participants for their effort, sportsmanship, and incredible performances. We look forward to seeing you again next year for another amazing tournament! �55356;�57286;⚽

January 3, 2025
Championship Games Set in U12 and U13 Boys Divisions; Others Still Wide Open!!
December 31, 2024
FAA and SJSA Kick Off Battle for the Cup!
December 15, 2024
Rain City to Host VW Cup!