U17 Boys head to C2 division

The Muskoka United FC (MUFC) U17 Boys team wrapped up their I-Model qualifying campaign with a 5-2 loss against Union FC at Gostick Park on June 22.

It was a chippy affair played in the intense heat (though the cloud cover was helpful) with Union taking a 2-0 lead only to see MUFC battle back and get two wonderful goals from Aiden Smith.

Unfortunately, a 20-minute span of sloppy play by the Muskoka team led to Union scoring three unanswered goals to put the match away.

Though they fell to Union in their last match, only a few days before they won on the road.

On June 19, the U17 Boys were in the GTA for a late-night match against IFC. The chippy affair was not particularly “beautiful football,” but it was effective as Muskoka took a 2-1 win on a late free-kick winner by Smith. Smith had scored the first goal of the match in the first half on an assist by Dante Occhiuzzi, but IFC tied in the second half.

The Thursday night match was also marred by some questionable officiating, and an IFC parent threatening the referee after a yellow card was shown to his son. It was not the finest moment for anyone involved.

Despite a very solid overall effort in qualifying, MUFC will be competing in the C2 Division for the rest of the season.

The boys are confident and are aiming high as they’ll be facing some familiar foes, including the two they played this past week, as well as new opponents.

U11 Boys tough night away

The MUFC U11 Boys team travelled to Alliston to take on South Simcoe United (SSU) on June 19 and had to face severe weather conditions as well as their opponents.

“The combination of rain and high winds paired with a strong showing from SSU had our backs against the wall from the start,” explains coach Joe Melson. “Game play itself was tight at times, but SSU executed more consistently and capitalized on their chances; while we were out of sync for great stretches of the game and allowed some of our chances to slip away.”

Sawyer von Roenn netted two goals through hard work and determination, while Samuel Melson smashed one into the top corner. Despite a lot of effort, MUFC fell 8-3 on the night.

The team gives out The Hard Hat for Hardest Working Player each match, and in this case it went to Daycen Taylor. They also give a the Chef Hat for Most Complete Game, which was awarded to Sawyer von Roenn.

In previous matches this season, the Hard Hat went to Desmond Teed in Game 1 and Lincoln Stevens in Game 2. The Chef Hat went to Huw Grandy in Game 1 and Kieran Beaton in Game 2.

Next on the schedule is a bye week followed by a July 3 home game against Collingwood at Pollington Field.

Other MUFC Results

MUFC teams play in the Huronia District Soccer League (HDSL), unless otherwise noted.

The U9 Girls picked up their first win in their second game of the season, 3-1, over North Bay at Pollington Field on June 17. They take on North Simcoe away from home on June 24.

The U11 Girls have fought hard but are still seeking their first win of the season after falling 5-3 at Barrie on Monday. Coach Dan Gibbons says, “the girls played a great game.” Mackenna Gibbons scoring her third of the year. As well, Lily Burgess and Jane Holik scored their first goals of the season for MUFC. They travel to take on North Simcoe on June 23.

The U12 Girls dropped a close 2-0 decision to North Bay on June 18 at home. Next up is a trip to Orillia on June 25.

The U14 Girls were on a bye week and will try to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact at McCulley-Robertson South Field 2 on June 25 against South Simcoe United.

The U15 Girls, playing in a U16 division, dropped a tough one away against Collingwood on June 16. Andi Stevenson scored both MUFC goals.

The U9 Boys have had a very tough campaign so far, dropping all four of their matches, including June 18 against the Bradford Wolves. They have a bye week to regroup and refocus their energies before taking on SSU away from home.

The U10 Boys picked up a point with a 1-1 draw at Orillia on June 16. Jack Bush scored for Muskoka. Their next match is at North Simcoe on June 23.

The U12 Boys finally play their first game of the year at Gostick Park on June 24 against North Simcoe.

The U14 Boys were on a bye week and travel to Collingwood for their next match on June 25.

The U15 Boys, playing in the I-Model C3 division, were on a bye week last week. They’re next in action on June 25 against Vaughan.

Old Guys

The Muskoka Over-45 men’s team continued its winning start to the HDSL season with a 3-2 win over the Innisfil Greyhounds on June 18 at Gostick Park.

Muskoka received goals from Jason Sprathoff, Chris Richardson, and Brendan Rasmussen to take a commanding lead, then held off a late rally from Innisfil.

Up next is a road game against the Barrie Masters on June 26.

Huntsville Women’s League

On June 16, the Muskoka Marshmallo Company blanked the SportLab 3-0 in Huntsville Women’s League action at Conroy Park. In the other match, Muskoka Tea Company continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 win over On The Docks Pub.

Player of the Match awards went to Maddie Austin, Fran Fueth, Grace Gaughan and Sophie Small.

Next Monday, June 23, the action continues on Conroy Park at 6:30 p.m. They welcome friendly spectators to out the games.