Falcons Strike Gold

   The Northern Nova United U -14 girls traveled to the 25^th annual New Minas Invitational soccer tournament on the weekend and came away with the gold medal. The NNU squad went through the preliminary round with a record of two wins and one tie. The opening contest was a 3-1 win over Halifax City. Leading the way for the Falcons was Lauren Hale with 2 goals and Alyson Fulton with a single tally. Madison McGuire and Jennifer Cooke showed great leadership performances in this contest. Game two saw a 1-1 draw with East Kings, Karleigh Avery scored the lone goal on a penalty shot. Showing their willingness to work hard at every opportunity during this contest was Megan Fraser and Haley Muise. The third match was a 4-0 victory over Kings West which highlighted four different goal scorers. Lindy Quann, Kathryn Steeves, Natalie Mac Queen and Alyson Fulton all tallied for NNU. Playing good two way soccer for this match was Jessica Deagle and Mac Kenzie Bell. Sharing the work in goal through the opening section of the tournament was Cara Mac Ivor and Paige Clarke.

 The cross over game saw the Falcons matched up against the second Kings West squad entered in the tournament. This close contest came down to specialty team plays with Northern Nova’s Lauren Hale scoring on an indirect free kick and Karleigh Avery on a penalty shot. Brae Henderson, Jennifer Cooke and Cara Mac Ivor turned in solid performances. This 2-0 victory secured a place in the gold medal contest with Highland league competitors Antigonish Celtics.

   This final had all the elements of a great match, with strong goalkeeping, solid play by both squads and was an example of intestinal fortitude considered this was the fifth game in the tournament for each team under intense heat. Both teams played even through both halves with many excellent scoring chances but the score sheet remained unmarked.  Lindy Quann, Alyson Fulton and Paige Clarke were relentless on the ball but the blue and white were thwarted by the Celtics keeper. Having the 0-0 score at the end of regulation, the NNU squad prepared for the two five minute golden goal sessions. With a direct free kick being awarded to the Falcons midway through the first frame and the Celtics bravely holding their line, Lauren Hale launched the ball which beat the keeper but not the post. Kathryn Steeves then pounced on the rebound during a mad scramble, and then tucked it into the low far post to send the Falcons to victory, much to the delight of many excited fans. Earning the shutout victory in goal for the final was Cara Mac Ivor. A note of congratulations to all team members of the Falcons who played through injury, heat and some very tough matches, Well Done Girls!

  Both exhausted teams were then awarded their respective medals, with the Falcons getting the 25^th year commemorative pennant and game ball. Keeping with tradition the NNU squad then headed off to Avery’s farm market for the victory ice cream.

   Team Members in Photo:  Front (L) Paige Clarke, Cara Mac Ivor

 Second Row (L) Alyson Fulton, Brae Henderson, Kathryn Steeves, Haley Muise

Third Row(L)(Coach) Ashley Cameron, Madison McGuire, Jennifer Cooke, Lindy Quann, Jessica Deagle, Karleigh Avery, Lauren Hale, Natalie Mac Queen, Mackenzie Bell, Megan Fraser, (Coach) Allan Mac Queen . Missing from the photo was team member Randi Fraser.