Plus, TFC at DC United; Muskoka round-up; Huntsville Women’s League; and celebrating a friend

It’s June and only two weeks away from the Euro 2024 kick off in Germany!

Before we get to that (next week), the UEFA Champions League Final takes place today (Saturday, June 1) and there is a German team involved, however this match is being played at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.

Of course, no one would have predicted the team would be Borussia Dortmund representing Deutschland against Spain’s La Liga champions, Real Madrid.

But, the team from Dortmund are there and, though they will be underdogs, they will give it their best shot against a club that is aiming for their sixth Champions League title in the last eleven years and 15th overall.

Oh, and Madrid’s Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti (the greatest football manager of all time), has managed teams in six Champions League finals, winning four of them (two with AC Milan, two with Madrid).

But, he didn’t just win as a manager. Ancelotti won the European Cup twice with AC Milan as a player (in 1989 and 1990). He is one of only seven people to have won the European Cup or Champions League as both a player and a manager. Ancelotti is also the first and only manager ever to have won league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues (Italia, Spain, England, Germany, and France).

Meanwhile, Dortmund last won the Champions League in 1996-97, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final. They also were losing finalists in the 2013 all-German final, falling 2-1 to rivals Bayern Munich.

Talisman Marco Reus played in that 2013 final and has stayed with the team throughout the past 11 years. He will be playing his last game with Dortmund in this year’s final. Mats Hummels, who left Dortmund for a short spell before returning in 2019, also played in that 2013 final.

It all makes for an interesting final that I’m torn on who to cheer for.

On one side, I would love to see Ancelotti, the last manager to lead our beloved Roma to a league title, win another trophy to cement his legacy.

On the other side, my friend JF Kuehnen (and the Kuehnen family as a whole), are huge Dortmund supporters and I would love to see their team win it.

Either way, let’s hope for neutral fans that it’s a fun and exciting match! You can see it streamed live on DAZN Canada (subscription required).

Toronto FC looks for three points in DC

Toronto FC played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Wednesday in Philadelphia, a solid road result after having shipped 10 goals in the three games prior to that one.

Missing Lorenzo Insigne due to the birth of his child, TFC still created several chances but just couldn’t get the goal needed for a full three-points.

It’s unclear if Insigne will be back for the match against DC United (Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. – MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), however all signs are pointing towards standout Canadian left back Richie Laryea making a return, even if it’s for a short run.

While another road draw wouldn’t be the worst result, and likely one everyone can live with, having a two week break before their next match (June 15 against Chicago) means they should go all out for a full three points against the 10th place team in the Eastern Conference.

Muskoka Results

There were rainouts for house league and rep games throughout Ontario and the impact of the storms was definitely felt in Muskoka.

However, some games later in the week did kick-off.

The MUFC U10 girls team opened their season with a thunderous 10-1 victory over North Simcoe on Thursday. Marlowe Kerr scored five goals, Mackenna Gibbons had two more, while Charlotte Hall, Leia Evans and Lily Burgess also scored.

The U10 boys battled through adverse field conditions in a soaking wet season opener in Orillia this week and came away with a 3-2 win. Samuel Melson opened the scoring early in the first half fo Muskoka, then Huw Grandy extended the lead with two goals, and Lukas Lawson’s stellar goalkeeping thwarted an Orillia comeback.

And last but not least, the Muskoka Men’s O45 team got their HDSL season started on the right foot (despite getting a bit lucky) as goalkeeper Clinton Bliss stood on his head in a 2-0 win over Nottawasaga. Muskoka received goals from Brendan Rasmussen and Tim Bunker.

Huntsville Women’s League

Week 2 of the Huntsville Women’s Soccer League on Monday saw Muskoka Marshmallo Company come from behind to beat On the Docks Pub 2-1 with Muskoka Tea Company topping SportLab 4-1.

Week 2 Player of the Match awards went to Olivia Wallman, Kate Franks, Paola Escobar and Kayla Zylstra.

Meanwhile Kelly Siemms was the lucky weekly draw winner of Annie’s Lasagna courtesy of That Little Place By The Lights.

Great Turnout for Graham P

An overwhelming display of love, appreciation, and remembrance took place last Saturday at Conroy Park to celebrate the life of our great friend and outstanding community member Graham Pollington.

Hundreds gathered under an intense downpour (well, under the tents that were set up) to listen to heartfelt speeches remembering the man who did so much for so many. A somber rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out in honour of the passionate Liverpool supporter which felt deeper when noticing all the red jerseys and shirts being donned by those in attendance.

On a brighter note, Graham’s favourite British treats were on hand for all to try, and a series of pick-up soccer/football games were held as we honoured the man by playing his favourite sport.

Perhaps the only thing missing was a bit of cricket (he enjoyed that sport too) . . . but, I’m sure his fellow cricketers will do that on their own.

RIP Graham. I miss you. We miss you. We’ll do our best to honour your life with our actions.

That’s it for this week. Stay tuned for a small but might Euro 2024 preview, Toronto FC commentary, the local Muskoka scence, and more next week. Copa America preview in a couple of weeks. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to subscribe below.

Ciao for Now!