Also: Heartfelt win for MUFC U13 Girls, MUFC Updates, Miami’s Undefeated Streak Continues, TFC takes on Vancouver, UEFA Club Competitions get going

It was the perfect day for a football (soccer) tournament in Huntsville: the sun was shining, it was warm but not too warm (at least in the morning), and a wonderful aura filled the air.

The third annual Carlos Burmeister Memorial Tournament at Conroy Park took place on Sunday, Sept. 10 and it was a resounding success.

Six teams of adult players participated in 7 vs. 7 matches with a team called The Reserves led by captain Leonardo Trindade winning the trophy.

However, football was the real winner on Sunday – as was the Carlos Burmeister Foundation – with laughter, fair play, and great memories being made and shared throughout the day.

The event raised over $2,000 for the Foundation, which buys and gives balls to underprivileged youth across Canada and overseas. It was Carlos’ belief that “every kid should have a ball,” and the Foundation’s goal is to see that through.

For those keeping score, my team was aptly named The Uncoachables and we finished fifth.

Still, we may have had the most fun as someone on our team was responsible for spraying people with water guns (often catching them off guard – hehehehe) and our team was picking the upbeat tunes playing at the conveners’ tent.

A big shoutout to all the players, all those who donated items to the prize lot, and especially to the organizers (specifically Melanie Mercier and Kelly Burmeister) for a wonderful day had by all!

Below is a photo gallery sent to Muskoka Unlimited by our frequent photo contributor Dave Caplan . . .

A goal, a shout, a win from the heart

When the MUFC U13 Girls took the field last Saturday, Sept. 9 against Whitby, they had more than just a match on their mind.

One of their teammate’s parents (beloved community member Joe O’Halloran) had been in a serious car accident only days before and was being treated at Sunnybrook in Toronto.

So, when Andi Stevenson scored late in the second half and yelled something to the effect of “that one’s for Joe,” it meant so much to everyone on the team and the parents on the sidelines.

As referee Mike Hill noted to me afterward, there were tears on the sidelines after the goal and Andi’s declaration.

The girls won the game 1-0 in what can only be described as a heartfelt victory that will be remembered by the team, their families, and their club for years to come.

An update from Joe’s Go Fund Me account with good news was shared on Thursday afternoon:

To our wonderful supportive community!

We want to thank everyone for words of support/concern by texts, emails, social media posts, and all other ways. Thank you for the rides, all the help with our kids, dropping off of food, groceries, baskets, and even toilet paper! The overwhelming support received on the go fund me account was incredible and we can’t thank you enough.

Joe was in a car accident on hwy 60 Wednesday September 6th, 2023. Then Taken to the Huntsville hospital. He was then transferred to Sunny Brook hospital where he underwent successful extensive surgery to his ear. He also underwent spinal surgery that was also successful.

Today We await more assessments by the trauma team, nurses, orthopaedic team, spinal team, plastics team, and the physiotherapist.

He has been cleared by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist so far. It looks like he will be heading home within the next few days. We are going to close the go fund me account today. The funds donated went to travel costs and comfort measures for Joe. We will also be updating the house for needed equipment ect for when he is discharged and coming home.

Thank you to everyone ❤️

Muskoka United FC Updates

While they picked up that win over Whitby, the U13 girls fell 5-3 in a high-scoring battle with Pickering on Monday. Andi Stevenson, Oakley Collis, and Cora Richardson scored for MUFC.

The HDSL Champion U17 Boys finished their undefeated league season with a resounding 10-2 victory over North Simcoe on Tuesday night. Goal scorers were not available at the time of writing but may be updated once available.

The other MUFC HDSL Champions, the U15 Girls, ended their season with a 3-3 draw at Collingwood on Tuesday. Chase MacKinnon scored twice, and Leah Maxwell added the other for Muskoka.

The U15 Boys fell 5-0 against Markham on September 7 at Gostick Park in I-Model C2 division play. Their next match is away to Bradford on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The U17 Girls recent results include a 2-0 loss to Vaughan and a 0-0 draw with Lake Simcoe. They played against Newmarket on Wednesday and results will be updated once available. Their next match is at Gostick Park in Bracebridge on Sept. 20.

MIAMI STILL UNDEFEATED IN MESSI ERA

Lionel Messi wasn’t even on the pitch – or in the country – during a 3-2 home win for Miami last Saturday against Sporting Kansas City.

It was the FIFA International Break and Messi was playing for Argentina in South American World Cup Qualifying (well, he played one match).

Again, as we’ve noted before, for no logical reason whatsoever, MLS doesn’t stop for International Breaks. It should have been the perfect moment for SKC to put a dent in the Miami machine, but they couldn’t.

Now, Miami travels to Atlanta on Saturday looking for more points and to stretch the undefeated streak to 12 games since Messi & Friends (specifically the brilliant Sergio Busquets and wonderful Jordi Alba) arrived.

After that it’s a mid-week meeting with Toronto FC in Miami that should feature plenty of fireworks … I fully expect Toronto’s Italian DPs to rise to the occasion and have strong performances against Messi & Friends, however Miami will likely win the match.

Toronto FC hosts Vancouver & Laryea

Prior to that mid-week star-studded match-up with Miami, TFC hosts Vancouver with former red and fan favourite Richie Laryea visiting for the first time as an opponent since he left Orlando City in late 2018.

After picking up a huge three points against Philadelphia at BMO Field their last match on August 30 – which feels like it took place a month ago – TFC will need to navigate a tricky tie against a solid opponent in Vancouver.

Though the last place Reds are not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they would likely need to win all seven remaining matches and get a touch of help to sneak into an opening round match.

Can it be done? Sure, just look at Miami who are very likely going to go from last place to a playoff spot – but, they also had a GOAT injection and games in hand on nearly everyone when their run started.

Still, with new coach John Herdman arriving soon and obviously keeping tabs, each player will want to put their best foot forward down the stretch to show what they bring to the club.

Will it result in a few exciting matches and some wins? Let’s hope so!

Unfortunately, I won’t be there to cheer on the Reds this week, but I’ll be there in spirit!

All MLS matches are available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

UEFA CLUB COMPETITIONS GET GOING . . .

Well, technically qualifying was held through the summer, but the real deal group stages kick-off on Tuesday and Wednesday with the Champions League. I’ve picked my choices for most interesting matches to watch below.

Newcastle and Italian midfield maestro Sandro Tonali host his former club AC Milan on Tuesday in Group F action and it should be a stupendous occasion. Both teams will be expecting strong results in Europe this season.

Meanwhile, the other Group F match has European stalwarts PSG and Dortmund going head-to-head in Paris.

On Wednesday, the most interesting match is easily the one featuring tournament favourites Bayern Munich complete with the best striker in Germany – Englishman Harry Kane – hosting Manchester United in Group A play.

For a full schedule, results, and group standing visit: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/

On Thursday, the Europa League gets going with group stage play.

The Europa League, despite being considered the second tier of UEFA club competitions, does often feature teams that are Champions League calibre.

Here are this week’s most interesting matchups.

Last year’s losing Europa League finalists (in penalty kicks after a poorly refereed match), AS Roma (Bella Roma) head to Moldova to take on Sheriff Tiraspol in Group G to kick off this campaign with the goal of doing one better in the spring.

West Ham United, which won the Conference League last season, host Serbian side FK TSC Backa Topola in Group A.

Other intriguing matchups include Liverpool travelling to Austria to take on LASK in Group E, Ajax hosting Marseille in Group B, and Glasgow Rangers hosting Real Betis in Group C.

For a full schedule, results, and group standing visit: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/

In the Conference League this season, which is the third-tier club competition for UEFA, there are several clubs that have strong European pedigree.

One match is being held Wednesday with Lille hosting Slovenian side NK Olimpija Ljubljana in Group A play.

On Thursday, Genk hosts Fiorentina (who reached the final in this competition last season) in Group F, Eintracht Frankfurt hosts Aberdeen in Group G, Club Brugge hosts Besiktas in Group D, and Dinamo Zagreb takes on Astana in Group C.

For a full schedule, results, and group standing visit: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/

All Champions League matches, most Europa League matches, and select Conference League matches are available on DAZN.