In mid-October, Muskoka FC – a girls’ soccer team that includes players from both Huntsville and Bracebridge – travelled down to Akron, Ohio to play in the CASA Season Finale 2017 tournament.
Before the weekend competition, the team attended a soccer game between the University of Akron and University of Miami, visited with the University of Akron head coach, and toured the facilities. After the tour, the team travelled to Cleveland State University and met with the head coach and a couple of players on their soccer team. “We watched Cleveland State practice and got to sit down and ask them some questions. It was fantastic!” said Muskoka FC Coach Scott Wood.
On Saturday, October 21, Muskoka FC played their first game against CSA Impact United, eighth ranked team in Ohio. Coach Wood was proud to say that the girls battled hard during this game, despite some early nerves.
Muskoka FC went down 2-0 before making their first goal to narrow the gap. A late-game push for a tie left the team’s backfield revealed and United scored a third goal to seal their win. “A tough loss but it was a great effort against a very good technical team,” said Coach Wood.
Muskoka FC’s second game, against Jackson Fury who are ranked sixth in Pennsylvania, was even better than the first. The girls carried most of the play but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net. Jackson Fury had a couple of chances and were able to capitalize on them. Muskoka FC rallied back bringing the game to 2-1. The game showed the level of competitiveness the girls have reached this season.
On Sunday, the girls were in great spirits as they faced off against another academy team, Hotspurs FC. Being able to compete at this higher level really built up the girls’ confidence. Muskoka FC left everything on the field as they took their final game win, 2–0. Congrats, girls!
Muskoka FC Coaches Dino Tomasonni, Sandra O’Dell, Greg Napper and Scott Wood were very happy with the level of play and enjoyed a great weekend with an amazing team.
“Our girls have improved so much over the last couple of years and they are starting to take some huge steps forward,” said Coach Wood. “We have always promoted the girls to try their best and encourage them that anything is possible. We wanted the girls to start thinking of their education after high school so we wanted to give them a glimpse into the life of a college athlete. We want them to start thinking of goals for their future and to realize that nothing is impossible.”
Muskoka FC is a combined team of girls born in 2003/2004 from Huntsville and Bracebridge. After the team’s first season in 2016, they advanced to the competitive Central Soccer League. The 2017 season had 16 teams based out of Central Ontario and Muskoka FC finished seventh overall, with a 6-4-5 record and 22 points.
The team promotes a competitive environment for players wishing to develop to the highest level possible. If you would like information about trying out for Muskoka FC, contact Scott Wood at [email protected].
Team roster:
Meagan Beane, Katie Beane, Erika Carr, Emma Dickson, Kate Franks, Dakota Fraser, Grace Gaughan, Jessica Napper, Jasmine O’Dell, Paighton Rochette, Ashley Smith, Jordyn Tannahill, Marisa Tomasonni, and Grace Wood. Guest players for the weekend were Salena Develis and Sarah Birch.
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Well done girls! And coaches, well done.