Also, updates on the Muskoka scene: High School Playoffs, Muskoka United FC, Huntsville SC, and Bracebridge SC

Last night, Inter Miami defeated wild card winner Atlanta 2-1 to open the best-of-three first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. They’ll likely win the next game and move onto the next round.

It brought interesting feelings up as a lifelong soccer/football fan.

I’m torn on whether to cheer for Inter Miami to win the MLS Cup or to cheer vehemently against them in what some may call a better result for the league.

Look, there is no doubt the powers that be are all-in on the GOAT Leo Messi and his Inter Miami team. They bring huge viewing numbers, sell-out stadiums, and play an attractive brand of football.

But there are those on the outside looking in that use Inter Miami’s success on the backs of Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez. All four of whom could still find success in other leagues around the globe, but who are also nearing the end of their illustrious careers.

An Inter Miami domination of the playoffs would provide more fodder to MLS detractors that continue to call it a “retirement league.”

There is slight merit to that notion as many European stars, including those on Miami, have made MLS home in the latter part of their careers. Having a team win that is made with a younger core and built the “right way” like defending champion Columbus would go a long way to showing the league’s depth.

Which is a reason to cheer against Miami winning the MLS Cup after breaking the league’s season points record and grabbing the Supporter’s Shield.

However, that notion would be missing the whole package that both the team and the league have to offer. There are plenty of younger players of real quality that play with Messi et al in Miami.

Many up-and-coming North Americans from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico shine bright enough in MLS to get a shot with a quality side in Europe. Alphonso Davies may be the most famous of the lot as he went from Vancouver to Euro giants Bayern Munich, but there are significant others as well.

Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron (formerly of Atlanta United), Taty Castellanos of Lazio (New York City FC), and Jack Harrison in Everton (New York City FC) are a few of the notable names, but there are several others.

There are also more and more players from around the globe who are still in their prime years or have enough quality to perform well in any league attracted to MLS because they like certain cities (Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Chicago offer bright lights, big city lifestyles).

Or perhaps the MLS teams are just offering a ton of cash and more consistent playing time in a bigger role than the European team they are with (Sebastian Giovinco’s move from Juventus to Toronto FC at the age of 27 was the start of this type of transfer).

Whatever the case, having Messi and his crew, along with other aging stars who still have quality play left in their legs, supplement the leagues’ core role players and homegrown talent is a great way to get more eyes on the overall product.

Besides, having been live to see the spectacle that is Inter Miami, it is kind of cool (though I’m still bitter TFC lost when they were the better team on the day).

And it was 24-year-old rising star Leonardo Campana who scored the stunning stoppage time winner on that October 5 afternoon (albeit on a wonderful assist from Luis Suarez).

So, perhaps that’s a reason to cheer for Inter Miami. They did bring in the GOAT plus three legends, but they built a young and dynamic line-up around them.

The big names are bringing the eyeballs, but the young stars are going to keep them glued for years to come.

And it’s easy to cheer for Messi to keep doing magical things on the pitch enroute to another trophy for his stacked cabinet.

Hoyas win Muskoka-Parry Sound High School Playoffs

The Huntsville Hoyas are once again the Muskoka-Parry Sound boys’ soccer champions after their solid performance on Tuesday in Bracebridge.

Taking on the hosts in the semi-final round, the Hoyas defeated the Bracebridge Lakers 2-1 with Oscar Juszczak scoring both Huntsville goals. Lucas Hills scored for Bracebridge in the loss.

The other semi-final saw the Gravenhurst Gryphons defeat the Almaguin Highlanders.

In the final, the Hoyas topped the Gryphons 3-0 with goals from Myles Ewald, Al Wilson, and Johnny Fiorini. Wyatt Heffernen stood tall in goal to get the clean sheet.

Up next are the GBSAA regional finals with a trip to OFSAA (the provincials) on the line.

Muskoka United FC

The Muskoka United FC U17 Boys Team had a fantastic start to their Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) campaign last weekend.

Taking on Pickering in their season opener at the Hangar in Toronto, the MUFC squad were full value for their 5-2 victory.

Al Wilson started the scoring very soon after the match began on a great pass by Aiden Smith. Wilson later added another goal and an assist, while Smith scored and assisted another as well. Dante Occhiuzzi had a goal and two assists, while Jackson Thomas had the other tally.

The boys are on a bye this week and their next match will be against Newmarket in early November.

Huntsville Soccer Club

Adult Indoor Soccer program registration is open, and spots are filling up quickly! Games start the week of November 4.

There are two options available at the moment: a more experienced players pick-up night on Mondays and an open skill level pick-up night on Wednesdays.

Both nights take place at Spruce Glen Public School with various times. Learn more at: www.huntsvillesoccer.ca or register at: https://huntsvillesoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/496057901

The proper indoor soccer league with distinct teams and standings will start play in January. Registration for that will be up as soon as a few more details are confirmed.

There is also an indoor training program for the Huntsville FC Women’s Team. Those interested in that can email the coordinator at womensleague@huntsvillesoccer.ca

The club is always looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles – both big and small – and those interested in helping should email administrator@huntsvillesoccer.ca

Bracebridge Soccer Club

The Bracebridge Soccer Club’s impromptu adult co-ed fall pick-up program filled up quickly, but those who missed out can take solace that the winter league registration will be happening soon.

Registration for the club’s winter youth indoor program that begins in January will be available soon as well.

As well, Bracebridge is hosting their AGM on Monday, November 18th at 7 p.m. in the Bracebridge Sportsplex. The club is looking for some more board members and the following positions are open: sponsorship coordinator, social media coordinator, adult recreational coordinator, vice president of programs, and a U9 to U12 house league coordinator.

For more information on the club, visit: https://www.bracebridgesoccer.ca/

That’s all for this week! Ciao For Now Everyone!

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