submitted to EFP
The 20th annual Colansanti Cup regional soccer tournament was held July 20, 21, and 22, at the Kingsville Sports park.
Players from Wheatley, Stoney Point, Leamington, Kingsville, Tilbury, Harrow, Blenheim, and Essex met each other in sport as they all battled with the elements. Perhaps some Scottish weather rolled in, in honour of the British Open.
Teams competed in five games to determine the standings, with the Essex U11 team having a clean record up to the final game against Wheatley.
Essex U11, coached by Dale Zanier and James Cowper, made it to the Sunday final and completed its goal of winning a championship.
All weekend, the Essex U11 players worked together, displaying great heart, skill, and sportsmanship. Midfielders like Parker Deshaies and Brady Eagen prevented the bounces and were first to the ball. Kael Davidson (goalkeeper) had a clean sheet for the tournament going into the final.
Two late goals by the Wheatley Wildcats, in the final, did not stop the Essex team to move forward and win 4 to 2 against a tough group of players. Brady Smith and Gavin Cowper were given the nod by coach Zanier as they controlled the ball and served it up to their strikers.
The whole tournament was a success with Essex strikers, lead by Parker Wuerch and Kadyn Ellis, scoring the goals needed to propel the team forward. Grant Broughton and Ryan Fick stepped in at their respective positions and shared the ball like pros. The midfielders, lead by team captain Riley Zanier, pitched in with goals and service to the strikers. Without the support of the bench, these players would not have the gas to play with the intensity they did.
The Essex defensive core, lead by Shane McFarlane and Mitchell Hickson, did not let anyone through, save for a late game penalty kick and a blooper off a corner. Any player who came down the right or left side may have ran into the two brick walls of Reese Farough or Leah Pocock. And, Lucas Raposo was no slouch, as he stepped up big, leaving larger and faster players’ heads spinning with his sure footedness.
Coach Zanier, Assistant Coach Cowper, and Team Manager Becky Hickson are appreciative of all positive support shown by the parents in support of these young players. Great work Essex athletes!