U14 Reds capture Girls Soccerfest

St. Thomas U14 Reds had a memorable Girls Soccerfest.

The Reds went undefeated, capped by edging Chatham, 2-1, in overtime, in the U14 final, finishing with a record of three wins and three ties, at the host club's annual tournament, July 25-26, at Athletic Park.

"The girls worked hard and we changed our formation from the 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2, which helped us keep the opponents from scoring," St. Thomas coach Jenny Dzoic said. "Our goalkeeper Kristina Gaboury played aggressively and was to the ball quickly."

Jordyn Ratsep tapped in the ball for the winner, from a Alex Gavey corner kick, with Olivia Perrot touching the ball to Ratsep.

Olivia Bernardo put St. Thomas on the board first.

The Reds left an impression on their opponent.

"Chatham's head coach came and talked to the girls after the game and thanked the girls for playing with class and respect," Dzoic said.

Gaboury allowed only three goals over the six games.

In the semifinals, Megan Murray scored three times and Gavey one goal, in a 4-0 silencing of Oakridge.

Ratsep had the lone goal in a 1-0 blanking of LaSalle, in the quarterfinals.

In pool play, St. Thomas had 1-1 ties with Oakridge and Amherstburg and a scoreless draw against Chatham.

Bella Durnin and Megan Murray scored, while Gaboury had the shutout, including stopping a penalty kick.

Soccerfest

St. Thomas lost the U16 final, to Peterborough City, on penalty kicks.

Kitchener edged Chatham, 3-2, in the U15 final.

Sarnia defeated St. Marys, in the U17/18 final.