Plus, Canada U20 Women, Toronto FC, Top Matches this weekend, MUFC and Huntsville SC updates

Before getting into the Muskoka United FC (MUFC) results as all the age groups’ summer seasons wind down, I want to take a few moments to acknowledge a pair of foundational club members and another longtime volunteer.

Scott Wood, David Caplan, and Nick Bianchi have each decided to focus on new endeavours and go in different directions in the coming years. It’s been an honour to be part of the same club(s) and work closely with two of the three over the years.

Wood has been a coach for the Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Muskoka clubs for almost two decades; overseeing both his daughter’s teams from young ages and, along with Dino Tomassoni, putting together the first Muskoka Football Club youth teams. That foundation helped lead to the MUFC we’re growing today.

Wood put in countless hours to continue honing his coaching skills and always reaching for higher levels of certification. As well, he sat on boards throughout the years, helping grow soccer in Muskoka. Though I know what’s next, I’ll allow the man, the myth, the legend to tell that story himself when he’s ready to.

David Caplan is the current vice president of the Huronia District Soccer Association (HDSA), the former president of the Huntsville Soccer Club and long serving board member in various positions and has spent almost two decades dedicated to growing soccer throughout the region at all levels.

One of the people who solidified soccer as a viable sport in Huntsville and Muskoka as a whole, Caplan still plays as much as possible, but coached his last game this week with the U18 Boys (more on the game below).

Over the years, Caplan has been in front of councils fighting for better infrastructure and service for the soccer community, coached a women’s only introductory to soccer program for several years, helped bring the adult program from one not quite large league to several distinct offerings, setting the foundation for the many adult soccer options that exist today.

Nick Bianchi is stepping away from coaching to focus on his refereeing roles and his board member at large position for MUFC.

He’s been a big help as a coach for both the Bracebridge Soccer Club and MUFC. The only reason I’m not giving as much space to Bianchi is because he’ll still be around for years to come – just not coaching for the next year or so.

I know as a board member and long-time coach myself; I appreciate all that Wood, Caplan, and Bianchi have contributed and how much time and effort they’ve spent to further the sport we all love. To that, I say “thank you!”

Okay, with the sappy stuff out of the way, let’s get into some MUFC results from this week!

The U10 girls won their last regular season game 3-0 against Orillia to secure their ninth win of the season. Jane Holik, Mackenna Gibbons and Lily Burgess had a goal each while Anna Innis got the shut out in net. The girls celebrated the season with some Belly Ice Cream in Huntsville after the game.

Missing a couple players, the U12 Girls put in a great effort on Wednesday night in North Bay, but unfortunately lost 3-0. Like every match against North Bay this season, the MUFC side played well but were snake bitten, hitting the framework several times. That was the last game for the U12 side for the year. Moving forward, three of their key performers will be joining the U13s for the month of September.

The U14 girls picked up a 6-2 win over Orillia on Wednesday night. Jovie Moore scored twice, while Aliyah Loranger, Esperanza Coulsen, Liliana Henderson, and Oakley Collis added the others for Muskoka.

The U16 Girls defeated North Bay 2-1 this week with Zoe Doyle and Claire Allison scoring for Muskoka.

The U16 boys had a great week, winning 2-0 last Saturday against Sudbury and following up with a 4-0 win mid-week over Orillia. The HDSL Cup champions are also poised for a league-cup double this year.

In their final game of the season, and likely as a team, the U18 boys won 5-2 with Alfie Napper scoring twice and Noah Graham, Wyatt Heffernen and Finlay Paterson adding the others.

Coach Dave Caplan says it’s been an amazing experience coaching these boys the last few years.

The O45 Muskoka Team won 4-1 over the Barrie Packers on Sunday at Gostick Park. Goalscorers in order were Chris Richardson, Chris O., Steve McCallum, and Branko Hamer. JP Alfaro and Chris O. shared a half each in net in the win. With first place out of reach, the Muskoka team is aiming to finish in second in the league with two of their final three games with their main rival for the runner-up spot, Innisfil, in September.

Canadian Women at U20 World Cup

The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup kicks off this Saturday in Colombia and runs through the final on September 22, 2024.

Matches are being shown across the TSN universe of channels. Check out U20 Women’s World Cup for all the results, standings and schedule.

Here is Team Canada’s schedule of play for the Group Stage . . .

Saturday, August 31 vs. France at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, September 3 vs. Fiji at 9 p.m.

Friday, September 6 vs. Brazil at 9 p.m.

Yeah, other than Fiji, Canada is in tough against France and Brazil, but the Canadian program has been able to hold it’s own year after year against the best in the world, so anything is possible.

Toronto FC

Okay, stole three points in Houston last week with a solid defensive effort and Prince Owusu scoring the winner after Federico Bernadeschi did all the hard work.

Won 1-0 over Forge FC on Tuesday to advance to the Canadian Championship final, though the score should have been much higher if the aforementioned Owusu could remember his job is to score goals. The TFC number 9 missed three sitters – one which was harder to miss than score – and would have been crucified had his team not advanced.

The goal was a beautiful strike by Lorenzo Insigne after, yep you guessed it, Bernadeschi did all the hard work.

Up next on the home stretch to the (hopefully) playoffs is DC United at BMO Field on Saturday night. This is a pretty much a must-win match with DC being among those hoping to climb past Toronto in the playoff standings. Though, that win in Houston was a steal, so a draw isn’t the end of the world here depending on other results around the MLS.

The bad news for Saturday is Bernadeschi and captain Jonathan Osorio are missing due to yellow card accumulation suspensions.

The good news for fans is that TFC tickets to Saturday’s game against DC get you free entry into the CNE.

Top Matches in Europe This Weekend

EPL: Manchester United vs. Liverpool, Sunday, September 1 at 11 a.m. This is interesting from several angles including Liverpool being higher in the standings, both teams able to play at very high level on any given match, and a long-standing rivalry that bred the singing of “we’re not racist, we only hate Mancs” and “in your Liverpool slums.” Always a must watch when these two meet up.

La Liga: Sevilla vs. Girona, Sept. 1 at 1 p.m.; Real Madrid vs. Real Betis, Sept. 1 at 3:30 p.m. I mean, I guess so . . . nothing spectacular on the docket this weekend in Spain. Still, Sevilla vs. Girona should be interesting and Real is always fun to watch.

Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Leipzig, Saturday, August 31 at 12:30 p.m. Two big time German teams going head-to-head with Leverkusen’s 35 game Bundesliga unbeaten streak on the line. Who could ask for anything more? Serie A: Juventus vs. AS Roma, Sunday, Sept. 1 at 2:45 p.m. Okay, leaving out my love for Roma, this is me definitely saving the best for last is also the last match of the weekend in any of the Big 4 European leagues. There is drama as Roma are in a must-win situation only three matches into the new season (one draw, one loss) and Juventus are flying high with two convincing wins. Early turmoil in the Roman ranks will need to be tempered while Juve are far from unbeatable, and this is their first real test of the season. Always a feisty affair when these historic Italian clubs meet, there will be a hint of hatred in the air from both sets of supporters.

TV Notes: EPL and Serie A matches are streamed on FuboTV Canada; LaLiga matches are on TSN; and Bundesliga matches can be seen on DAZN Canada.

MUFC Fall Assessments

Children and teens interested in being part of an MUFC Rep team next season – either development or competitive – should note that assessments (formerly known as “tryouts”) are occurring at Gostick Park in Bracebridge on September 24, 25, and 26, and at Conroy Park in Huntsville on October 5.

The club would like all parents and players to note that for the technical committee to accurately assess each players skill level, which may influence their team placement, attendance at all assessments for their age group is highly recommended. 

These are the teams they are assessing players for (birth year in parentheses): Development Teams for U9 (2016), U10 (2015), U11 (2014), and U12 (2013). As well as Rep/Competitive Teams for U13 (2012), U14 (2011), U15 (2010), U16 (2009), and U17 (2008).

Registration is required to confirm attendance: https://muskokaunitedfc.sportngin.com/register/form/037508540

*All players are asked to join BOTH of their assessment dates to ensure proper grading and team placement. 

*Players are only subject to cuts in U13 + divisions.

*Confirmation of teams being played for the 2024/2025 season will depend on the turn out at assessments. 

Currently the MUFC Board and Admin are working on a potential player registration for assessments. This will aid in collecting proper information and numbers prior to the dates which assists in planning efforts. If this is the case, stay tuned.

For more information, visit www.muskokaunitedfc.com or email muskokaunitedfc@gmail.com

In the meantime, please see the graphic below to determine whether your player is more suited for the MUFC Development Program or the BSC or HSC House League programs.

Huntsville Soccer Club Updates

The Huntsville Soccer Club has opened registration for its fall youth program that includes fun games, skills development and scrimmages.

The program runs from September 8 to October 13 weekly on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. and is for youth born from 2009 to 2018.

To find out more or register for the program visit: https://www.huntsvillesoccer.ca/

We’re also looking for volunteers to help with the fall program, fall clean-up and organizing, and more!

Email administrator@huntsvillesoccer.ca to find out how you can help!

As well, the annual Carlos Burmeister Tournament takes place on September 14 with the deadline to register on September 7.

Learn more at: https://huntsvillesoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/254306718

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