Also: MUFC Update, Huntsville update, Bracebridge Update, Team Canada, Euro 2024 qualifying, MLS Playoff race and more

Former Huntsville Striker Sophia Maduri has spent the past two seasons playing for powerhouse youth club Glen Shields Juventus’ U13 girls’ team.

With speed, strength, high quality soccer IQ, and a knack for finding the back of the net, Maduri is a player on the rise in Ontario and beyond.

Playing up one year in an older age group, she has become an integral part of the team, scoring twice in the Top Rated Challenge Cup tournament final last weekend as her team won 4-1.

Maduri had four goals in the tournament and was the leading scorer against OPDL teams (the highest youth league in the province).

She is also among the Top 5 scorers in I-Model play this season for the undefeated Juve squad.

Magic Maduri has found the net 18 times – and counting – with the November 5final still to be played.

We’ll update the result of the I-Model final in a few weeks – maybe Maduri will add another one or two goals to her tally.

For now, let’s just say great job to our former Striker!

MUFC updates

The MUFC U17 girls team finished up their season on Wednesday night with a 1-1 against Lake Simcoe. Hayley Manson scored for MUFC.

The U17 Girls played to six straight draws, including a 2-2 match stalemate against Vaughan on October 4, where Abbey Wood scored twice for Muskoka.

Despite a tough year, the team worked extremely hard to put together a slew of positive performances despite not being able to pick up as many wins as they would have liked.

Still the coaching staff of head coach Scott Wood and assistant coach Anthony Asturi are very proud of the team’s efforts throughout this season. Louise Azzara was the team manager this season.

Playing in Ontario Soccer’s I-Model qualifying and then C2 Division, they took on strong competition throughout 2023.

Goalkeeper Norah Moeller finished the season tied for the league lead with five clean sheets (shutouts), while the team’s defensive record was the second best with only 10 goals allowed in 10 matches.

And though Moeller will be credited with the stats, she’ll be the first to tell you that shutouts are the result of an entire team defending well.

The MUFC U17 Girls team roster consisted of Wood, Hanson, Moeller, Abigail Allen, Alayna Heinz, Ali Rogers, Cate Lamb, Elsie Moore, Franziska Fueth, Isabelle Lefebvre, Jenna Jolliffe, Kelseigh Petterson, Kelsey Kidd, Kiela McPherson, Luisa Kirstein, Maeve Young, Makena Bijl, Natalie Juszczak, Sofia Asturi and Tessa Ferguson.

The U13 Girls took a few tough losses in recent weeks, falling by 8-0 scores to both Ajax and Unionville in late September before a 3-0 loss to Darlington on October 3. They played Bradford on Thursday at Gostick Park in Bracebridge, with their last match of the season taking place on October 18 against Toronto High Park.

For the rep development age groups, the next MUFC Development Day takes place at Conroy Park in Huntsville on Saturday, October 21.

Arrive early to the appropriate time to register, which will be followed by a 15-minute warm-up and subsequent training session.

All those interested in rep soccer for the 2024 calendar year are encouraged to attend and express their interest.

If interested in rep soccer for 2024, but unable to attend, please email muskokaunitedfc@gmail.com and the administrator will put you in touch with the appropriate coach.

The MUFC board has indicated that next year’s coaching staffs for all age groups, plus competitive rosters and other pertinent information related to 2024 will be announced soon.

Huntsville Soccer Club Updates

As you may have heard, the HSC AGM has been postponed with a new date to be circulated once it is scheduled.

The voting positions up for election at this year’s AGM are Vice President, Minor Soccer Director, Head Club Coach, Adult Coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and Treasurer.

Opportunities exist in taking on other roles for the club that require seasonal or limited commitments, including Equipment Manager and Field Scheduler. 

Anyone interested in joining the club’s executive committee or becoming a volunteer in another fashion can email administrator@huntsvillesoccer.ca

Bracebridge soccer club Update

The Bracebridge Soccer Club is looking for volunteers to join their active board. Positions that need filling include the roles of treasurer and house league convenor for ages 9 to 12. Those interested or for more information, email bracebridgesc.info@gmail.com

As well, like most clubs and leagues these days, there is a call out for adult referees to get involved, do the training and get certified. Pay for match referees ranges from $45 to $70 per game. Register for entry level courses at www.ontariosoccer.net/referee-clinics or send BSC head referee Nick Bianchi an email at: bracebridgesc.ref@gmail.com

Team Canada – Men’s Team

Playing their first match in several years without John Herdman at the helm, the Canadian men’s national team fell to Japan 4-1 in a friendly match held at Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, Japan on Friday morning.

It was interim head coach Mauro Biello’s first match in charge, though he was an assistant on Herdman’s staff, and the result was obviously not flattering.

What’s worse is the fact that Canada started a decent 11 that include the likes of Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Richie Laryea, Cyle Larin, and Jonathan Osorio. However, midfield maestro Stephen Eustaquio was missing due to injury.

Also, not sure if the starting back line was at its strongest against Japan with stalwart and towering centre back Steven Vitoria sitting on the bench instead of anchoring the defenders on the field.

Still, it was only a friendly and hopefully when the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals take place in November, the results will improve.

European Qualifying

This weekend promises some interesting matchups, starting Friday afternoon with Netherlands hosting France, and Austria hosting Belgium. Both matches kick-off at 2:45 p.m. EST.

Saturday, Ukraine and Macedonia face off at 9 a.m. with the winner (if there is one) keeping pace with Italy for the second qualifying spot in Group C.

The Azzurri take on Malta later in the day and, barring another disaster, should take three points from the match. The other interesting match on Saturday features Hungary and Serbia at 2:45 p.m.

 On Sunday, it’s Norway vs. Spain and Wales vs. Croatia, both matches at 2:45 p.m., which spark the most interest.

Qualifying continues through Tuesday, with the biggest match on tap being England at home to Italia on October 17 at 2:45 p.m.

A win by England means they are certainly through to EURO 2024 in Germany as first place finishers in Group C with the Italians left to fight for second. An Italian victory leaves the two historic nations tied atop the group (assuming the Azzurri beat Malta).

All EURO 2024 qualifying matches can be streamed live on DAZN Canada. For full fixtures, results and standings, visit: https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/

MLS Playoff Race

Well, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami won’t be in the playoffs this season and Toronto FC were virtually eliminated months ago, but Canadian fans can still cheer on Vancouver and their awesome left back Richie Laryea when the playoffs start in a couple of weeks.

Okay, okay, Montreal will likely be in the wild card round, but no one should ever cheer for Montreal in anything. Well, maybe in a poutine contest or best nightlife rankings. But, not in sports.

There is still a race for the final playoff spots in both conferences with several teams vying for the last gasp entries.

In an interesting turn of events, DC United sits in the final spot in the East heading into Decision Day on October 21, but has already played all its matches – and are officially eliminated because at least one team below them will secure enough points to move ahead in the standings.

This elimination also meant that Wayne Rooney has left the club and is in negotiations to manage a lower division club in England.

For more on the playoff race, check out the full standings at: https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2023/conference#season=2023&live=true