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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 12, 2009 · 24 24 Sports Oakville Beaver Goal scoring no problem www.aplushomes.ca Adam Campbell 905-844-4444 I N D E P E N D E N T LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D Broker of Record B R O K E R A G E SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009 Oakville wins U21 Ontario Cup By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Neil Brown admits he wasn't quite sure what to expect from Oakville's newly-minted under-21s. Twelve of the team's 23 players came from last year's under-18 squad. While that team had talent --- finishing tied for first in the Ontario Youth Soccer League and reaching the Ontario Cup final -- it also meant Oakville would be among the youngest teams in the league. The Oakville Soccer Club had been looking to start an under-21 team for some time and based on last year's performance by the under-18s, the team could gain immediate entrance into Ontario's top league. "Had we waited a year, we would have started at a lower level and would have had to work our way up," said Brown, who coached the team with Phil Iafrati. "I really didn't know what we getting into. I knew we had a pretty good midfield. I knew we had a strong defence but I was initially concerned where the goals would come from." Iafrati reassured his fellow coach that the goals would come. He had coached the under-18s and had brought most of the players up through the ranks since under12. Still, the big unknown was the opposition -- would Oakville be able to compete with them. It didn't take long for Brown's concerns to be put to rest. They came out in the season opener and played a fast, aggressive game and beat Hamilton 3-0. "They won fairly handily," Brown said. "I thought that if these guys continue to come together they could do very well." And they did. Last week in Vaughan, Oakville defeated Forest City London Reserves 1-0 to win the Ontario Cup. They followed that up by clinching the Provincial West Ontario Soccer League title Sunday with a 1-1 draw against London, keeping the team undefeated with 10 wins and two ties in 12 games. After receiving a first-round bye in the Ontario Cup playdowns, Oakville beat St. Catharines 2-1, holding off a late charge by their rivals over the final 15 minutes. In the semifinals, Erin Mills struck first with a goal in the first five minutes. Oakville would regain the lead by the end of the half, though, and go on to another 2-1 victory. That sent Oakville into the final against London. The two sides were evenly matched as they played through hard downpours in the opening half. Evroy ` Jr.' Ellis gave London fits with his speed, creating several breakaway chances, only to be double teamed or fouled outside the 18-yard box. Just when it appeared the game would go into the half scoreless, IN CONTROL: Oakville's Evan James shields the ball from a London opponent while getting support from teammate Kwesi Williams. James scored the winning goal in Oakville's 1-0 win in the Ontario Cup final. ANDREW SIKORSKI / SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER See Oakville page 25 The Wait is Over Open registration for our Fall and Winter indoor programs now available Visit www.oakvillesoccer.ca for complete information on fees, days of play, and more. Please visit the website to download a registration form. You will need to register in person. Online registration is no longer available. Oakville Soccer Club, 1520 Pine Glen Road (Dundas and Third Line), 905-849-4436 The Oakville Beaver A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club A proud sponsor of the Oakville Soccer Club