Plus, Canada U20 Women, Toronto FC, International Break, MUFC and Huntsville SC updates

It was a banner year for the Muskoka United FC U16 Boys.

Playing in the Huronia District Soccer League, the boys were full value doing a League-Cup double this season.

Not only did they win the HDSL Cup in resounding fashion in last month’s final, they finished the season with a 15-1-0 league record and won the title by 10 points over their nearest rival.

The U16 Boys team were led by head coach Brendan Rasmussen, with assistant coaches Andre Smith and Dirk Janas helping on the sidelines as well.

The team consisted of Alex Rasmussen, Alasdair Wilson, Oscar Juszczak, Lucas Hills, Myles Ewald, Beckett Raglin, Aiden Smith, Theo Briand, James Laughton, Radhesh Patel, Lyam Bido, James Dooley, Daniel Fronte, Henry Sansom, Dante Occhiuzzi, Wesley Janas, Carter Imrie, Lucas Young, and Nolan Czech.

Rasmussen brought out a great spirit in the group, demanding accountability and responsibility from the individual for the benefit of the team as a whole. Indeed, this year’s group was much more team-oriented and their play continued to get better week after week.

Even when playing out of district in tournaments against teams from around the province, the U16 Boys acquitted themselves well and fought like champions each time out.

Sure, I’m biased as I have coached many of the boys on this team (and my son is on it as well), but I must say the energy and attitudes of this squad is worth of a League-Cup double.

Having been on the sidelines for a few matches throughout the season, as well as attending a tournament in Peterborough with the team, I can say these boys were wonderful representatives of our club and community all year long.

Well done boys – and coaches (and team manager Meghan)!

Other Muskoka United FC results this week . . .

The U13 Girls fought to a 2-2 tied in Barrie on Wednesday night with Sydney Kerr scoring twice for Muskoka.

The U14 Girls won 5-2 over Bradford on Thursday night with Andi Stevenson, Oakley Collis, Emma Wilton, Liv O’Halloran, and Sylver Inch scoring for Muskoka. They play North Bay next week for the league title.

The U14 boys are also well on their way to joining the U16s with a HDSL League-Cup double this year and got closer to their goal with a substantial 8-1 win over Wasaga Beach on Tuesday night.

The O45 Team fell to the Barrie Masters 3-1 at Gostick Park on Tuesday night. Steve McCallum scored the lone goal for the good guys. The O45 team has two matches left, both away to Innisfil.

Canadian Women at U20 World Cup

Despite a 2-0 loss to tournament favourites Brazil on Friday night, Team Canada (1-1-1) adavnaved to the quarterfinals at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Canada placed third in their group on goal differential despite having the same amount of points as second place France. Les Rouges were plus-7 and Les Bleues were plus-8.

Canada’s exact place and opponent in the knockout rounds remains to be seen (the final group stage matches are being played Saturday and Sunday).

They will either play on Wednesday or Tbursday this week.

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

Toronto FC

It’s the international break, so a good chance to heal up and get their heads on straight for the home stretch.

After stealing a win away to Houston, TFC let a great opportunity to separate from the wild card playoff pack get away when they gave away three points to DC United – at home of all places.

That match last weekend against DC also showed the value of Federico Bernadeschi. Without him, they were not as dynamic on the front end and missing a tad of passionate full out defending on the back end.

As I mentioned to my buddy Ted this week, if TFC makes the playoffs, Fede must be among the top contenders for MLS MVP . . . without him, this team is headed for another Wooden Spoon rather than battling for a playoff spot. They’ll have a full complement of players (barring any unforeseen knocks) ready for a busy few weeks starting on September 14 at home to Austin. In between their final eight MLS matches, will be the Canadian Championship away to Vancouver on September 25.

International Break

Am I the only one who thinks there are too many international breaks and national team tournaments?

Like, why do we need a Nations League and then all the other traditional tournaments?

Or if we’re doing a Nations League, why not let that be the World Cup qualifying campaign rather than do another qualifying on top of the Nations League?

Okay, venting done. With matches being played by every continental association across the globe, including World Cup qualifying in South America (which doesn’t restart until Tuesday), the truth is the best match of the weekend took place on Friday afternoon in the UEFA Champions League.

In case you missed it, Italia dominated France – in Paris – with a well-deserved 3-1 win that included a wondergoal by Federico DiMarco, and lovely tallies by Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori.

Yeah, I’m certainly biased in one direction here, but looking at all the other matches on the table and they’d be hard pressed to equal the relatively shocking result or combined resumes of these neighbouring football giants.

Still, there are interesting match-ups on the horizon, including Germany vs. Hungary on Saturday at 2:45 p.m., Switzerland vs. Spain on Sunday at 2:45 p.m., and Croatia vs. Poland on Sunday at 2:45 p.m.

The UEFA Nations League is available to be streamed live on DAZN Canada. For full schedule, results, standings, visit: https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/

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 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

And finally, the sign is up at the McCulley Robertson North Fields to honour our late friend Graham Pollington . . . the official celebration and grand opening of Pollington Fields will be held at a later date (likely in the spring), so we can enjoy a game of footy in his honour afterwards.

On that note, we’re done thanks for reading, don’t forget to subscribe to all our news, views and podcasts! Ciao for Now!