The Ilderton Ignite with new additions Riann Lilbourne and Maelle Huls who both played in Strathroy in 2023 for the U13 T1 team came out triumphant in the U14 Girls Final of the 2024 Ontario Indoor Cup Presented by Sport Chek. It was a high-stakes and high-emotion match from beginning to end Sunday afternoon at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan.
Though Ilderton took an early lead in the match, it was Woodbridge Strikers that made the first few scoring attempts in the very first minute of play. Momentum picked up as the first few minutes passed, but the game came to a grinding halt in the ninth minute after two players collided, leaving one injured and in need of medical attention.
When the game resumed, Ilderton was the first to get on the scoreboard with a 21st minute goal. Ireland Haskett managed to take possession of the ball after a kick in from Woodbridge. Haskett charged toward the net, passing to a wide-open Sunny Noble who sunk an easy goal.
Moments later, Noble secured her second goal of the match with a volley. Maelle Huls received the ball, bumping it with her chest over to Noble, who shot the ball on net. Woodbridge goalkeeper Alyssa Alfonso was there for the save, but the ball bounced off of her lap and into the bottom corner of the, bringing the score to 2-0. Though Noble tried for the hattrick in added time, her third attempt was denied by Alfonso who dove and blocked the the attempt that was headed for the top corner.
Woodbridge had a few good breakaway attempts in the start of the second half, but Ilderton’s defense was always quick to get in position, ready to put a stop to Woodbridge’s offensive plays. Ella DaSilva made a great scoring attempt for the team in the 48th minute that was countered with an equally impressive save by Ilderton goalkeeper Riann Lilbourne.
Woodbridge finally got their goal in the 49th minute when Riley Arsenault passed the ball to Bianca Dibiase who popped a shot up and into the net. With just 90 seconds left in the match, the energy quickly picked up, but Woodbridge couldn’t find a way to tie the score before the final whistle.
Written by: Ontario Soccer