Parkside Stampeder Dylan Rennie, left, heads the ball, from Bessette Bulldog Sokol Qamili during the WOSSAA AA boys' soccer final.
(photo / Rob J. Ross)
Repeat as WOSSAA AA champions
Thursday, May 25, 2017
By Rob J. Ross
TILLSONBURG, Ont. - Dylan Rennie struck first for the Parkside Stampeders.
But it was London St. Andre Bessette (SAB) Bulldogs with their experience, scoring three unanswered goals en route to a 3-1 win, in the WOSSAA AA boys' soccer final, at the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Park.
Bessette returns to OFSAA, a year after bringing home the silver medal.
"I wouldn't say I'm satisfied, but I'm very happy," Parkside coach Lawrence Moffatt said. "I wanted us to go with our girls to OFSAA. That would have been pretty sweet but it didn't happen."
Rennie scored early in the first half signalling to the Bulldogs that the Stampeders had come to play.
"I think they (SAB) under-estimated us. We went up 1-0 and they were a little shocked. We gained a lot of respect. Our kids battled real hard. I'm very proud of them."
Bessette responded by gaining control of the play and forcing Parkside keeper Clayton Sturk to make a couple highlight reel saves. A Parkside defender also saved a sure goal. The Bulldogs had two goals waved off before Engell Qamilli tied the game on a penalty kick.
Bessette Bulldogs' Amanuel Berta, left and Parkside Stampeders, collide heading the ball, during the WOSSAA AA boys' gold medal game.
(photo / Rob J. Ross)
Qamilli, after a splendid run up the field and Patrick Melo, in the dying minutes, scored in the second half.
"Clayton kept us in it," Moffatt said. "They (SAB) had a little more in their step than we did at times. They're a good team. There's a little bit of size difference and they are a little more experienced than us. It can only help us."
With nine grade nine players on the Stampeders, boys' soccer looks promising for upcoming seasons at Parkside.
In the semi-finals, Parkside blanked London South, 4-0, while Bessette dumped Wingham Madill, 6-1.
OFSAA boys' soccer is June 1-3, in North Bay.