The 2010 edition of the Northern Nova United U-14 Falcons traveled to the Valley on the weekend and brought home silver in girls’ soccer provincials. Although the weather was cool and dull, the soccer action was just the opposite.  During the preliminary round, the NNU squad compiled a record of 2 wins and a tie giving them top spot in their pool. This provided the birth in the final to challenge for the gold against Strait United who finished first in their division.

  The final had all the elements expected from the two top teams in the province with quick ball movement and solid challenges by both squads. The NNU crew opened the scoring early in the first half when Jessica Deagle struck her mark from well outside the 18 yard box with a drive just inside the post. Drawing the assists on the initial tally were Alyson Fulton and Karleigh Avery.  The Falcons struck shortly thereafter when Jennifer Cooke delivered a great through ball, then redirected by Avery to spring Fulton on the wing who finished the play with an accurate strike beyond the keeper. Not willing to be out done, the Strait United squad returned the favour and scored two quick goals, one on a penalty shot and the other on a determined individual effort to knot the contest at two.

  The second half was all Falcons as they drove to the net on every opportunity and pressed for the go ahead goal. Leading the way up front were Randi Fraser, Alyson Fulton and Lindy Quann. Shutting down any possible offense were NNU defenders Paige Clarke, Natalie Mac Queen, Lauren Hale and Madison McGuire.  Many close chances had the fans on their feet but they were thwarted by numerous timely saves by the Strait keeper. As a result the contest remained a two – two draw at the end of regulation time. Both squads then battled through two additional ten minute overtime sessions but neither team was able to break the stalemate. As with any competition, their must be an end and in this case it came down to penalty kicks. Unfortunately the Falcons, who put forth such a gallant effort, were eventually defeated in the shoot out portion of the game.

   At the conclusion of this exciting but grueling contest both exhausted teams were presented with their provincial medals. Individual awards were given out by the coaches of Northern Nova to tournament player of the game recipients, Randi Fraser for game one, Jennifer Cooke for game two, Jessica Deagle for game three and Karleigh Avery for the gold medal match. Finally and in keeping with soccer tradition our NNU Falcons traveled to Avery’s farm market to enjoy the celebratory ice cream treat.

 Team Members for the 2010 Northern Nova United Falcons U -14 girls, Provincial Silver Medallist: Front Row- Cara Mac Ivor. Middle (L)- Madison McGuire, Brae Henderson, Alyson Fulton, Kathryn Steeves, Haley Muise, Mackenzie Bell. Back (L)

Ashley Cameron (coach) Lindy Quann, Megan Fraser, Jennifer Cooke, Randi Fraser, Jessica Deagle, Karleigh Avery, Lauren Hale, Paige Clarke, Natalie MacQueen, Allan MacQueen(coach).

2010 U-14 girls’ Provincial summary

Game one summary: Northern Nova 3 East Kings 3

  This contest renewed a rivalry that started at the Gunn Baldursson tournament which saw NNU defeat East Kings in the preliminary round, only then to be defeated by them in the cross over portion of the tournament. This was a very evenly played contest with East Kings opening the scoring early in the contest, then NNU responded with two goals, followed up by an East Kings marker prior to the break.  The second half had the Falcons ahead by one, only to see this margin disappear by games end with a late goal from East Kings. Goals for NNU: Lindy Quann, Kathryn Steeves and Alyson Fulton. Assists: Lindy Quann with a pair, singles to Karleigh Avery and Jessica Deagle. Keeper: Cara Mac Ivor.

 Game two summary: NNU 8       Dartmouth United 0

     As a result of the initial tie, NNU required strong goals for and few against ratio. With this in mind the NNU Falcons played from whistle to whistle which highlighted a strong offensive performance. Leading the way for NNU was Jennifer Cooke with three goals, while Randi Fraser, Lindy Quann, Mackenzie Bell, Karleigh Avery, and Alyson Fulton each chipped in with single markers. Drawing multiple assists were Natalie Mac Queen, Alyson Fulton, Lindy Quann, and Randi Fraser. Single assists to Lauren Hale, Cara Mac Ivor and Jessica Deagle. Playing well for the Falcons during this contest were mid fielder Brae Henderson and forward Haley Muise. Sharing the victory in goal were Cara Mac Ivor and Paige Clarke.

  Game three summary:  NNU 6                                  Bedford    1

     Knowing that a trip to the gold medal game was on the line, the Falcons started strong and never looked back. Jessica Deagle was a force in this match, scoring two goals and assisting on another. Other goal scorers were Karleigh Avery, Kathryn Steeves, Lindy Quann and Lauren Hale, off a direct free kick. Drawing multiple assists on the goals were Alyson Fulton, Lauren Hale and Lindy Quann with singles to Haley Muise and Randi Fraser. Playing solid in goal and earning the victory was Cara Mac Ivor. Playing well for NNU was forwards Megan Fraser and full back Madison Mac Guire.

The U14 Boys came home from the New Minas soccer tournament with Gold after winning all 5 games played including the Championship game which was a nail biter. The game ended with a tie and went into 2  overtime plays and then a suspenseful shootout. Matthew Gouthro scored the winning goal to win the tournament. All players played their best and had a great weekend.

Picture unavailable at this time.

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.

2010 Wagner Tournament Report

Falcons soar to Gold Medal!

Game 1 Friday NNU Falcons 0 vs Eliot River Ramblers PEI 1

In Lower Sackville, played at Sackville Heights Elementary School, the opening game was more of the recent results as Northern Nova started the tournament well but could not finish their attacks.  The scoring drought came back to haunt the Falcons as Eliot River scored with six minutes left in the game and then killed the clock efficiently.

Various combinations up front threatened and tested the Ramblers keeper but could not dent the mesh.  Isobel DeMont and Kelsey Chislett made some great runs and hounded the opposition fullbacks with tenacious play but could not get the final touch.  Nicole Sloan and Jessica Taylor in midfield jumped into the attack but to no avail.  On the back line, player of the game, Kelsey Greenidge and fellow defenders Alex Henderson and Tiffany Prosser all had steady performances.

The Falcons had the bulk of the possession but let the point slip away.  Christina Cleroux recorded the decision in goal and the team welcomed back into the line-up sprinter Heather Beaton from the injury list.

Game 2 Saturday morning NNU Falcons 4 vs Halifax County Lightning 0

This game played in Lower Sackville, also at the elementary school field, featured an intense battle between two opponents that are no strangers to one another over the past four years.  The Falcons started fast, scored early and then fired three second half goals to post a 4-0 victory in the sweltering heat. 

Christina Cleroux recorded the shutout while Catherine Munro with an early super strike to the low far post had the game winning goal.  The win proved costly as Isobel DeMont was lost for the remainder of the week-end due to a leg injury.

Player of the game, Jenna Fraser, striker Bernadette Little and versatile Katie Walsh provided the second half goals, with Little’s being a one timer off a Veronica Deno corner kick from the right side that found Little alone at the far post.  Deno also had an earlier assist while McKayla Day, Walsh and Erin Gillis also chipped in with assists to help the offence out.

Defenders Vicki Oliver and Kelsey Crawford were full credit for their performances in this game while Gillian McKenzie contributed many throw-ins and overlapping runs.

Game 3 Saturday afternoon NNU Falcons 4 vs Scotia Olympics 0

NNU clinched a berth in the semi finals with a convincing shutout victory over former nemesis the Scotia Olympics from Fall River.  Revenge was sweet as the NNU Falcons had lost earlier in the season in overtime at the Gunn Championship and there was no question which team was more determined and focused on this day.

Christina Cleroux earned her second shutout of the day and tenth of the season to register the victory in goal while the dynamic midfield duo of Jessica Taylor and Katie Walsh scored a pair of goals each while player of the game Taylor also registered an assist on Walsh’s game winning goal.

Corner kick specialist Veronica Deno, Catherine Munro, Bernadette Little and Vicki Oliver all recorded single assists in this contest.  McKayla Day in midfield and fullbacks Erin Gillis, Kelsey Greenidge, Tiffany Prosser and sweeper Alex Henderson all played key roles in this important victory.

Game 4 Semi finals Sunday morning NNU Falcons 3 vs Sackville Strikers 1

Northern Nova eliminated the host team and booked their spot in the final with a tense 3-1 victory on Sunday morning.  McKayla Day put the Falcons on the score sheet first with a nice left footed strike to the low far corner finishing her diagonal run in style.  Bernadette Little doubled the lead just before the half time interval with another low shot past the Sackville keeper. 

In the second half Sackville converted on a corner kicker with a powerful header as the NNU defence got caught flat footed and ball watching.  Nicole Sloan restored the two goal cushion with a brilliant left footed strike ten minutes from time.  Despite their physical play and loud supporters Sackville were done.

Katie Walsh and Veronica Deno led the assist parade with two helping touches each while Tiffany Prosser, Kelsey Crawford, Sloan and Kelsey Chislett all were credited with a single assist.

Player of the game, keeper Christina Cleroux made several key saves including two diving stops to keep Sackville at bay.  Gillian McKenzie, Erin Gillis and Kelsey Greenidge all had simple and effective defensive games for the blue, black and white.

Championship Final Sunday afternoon NNU Falcons 3 vs Scotia Olympics 0

In the championship game, played at the Lower Sackville field, featuring two very familiar combatants from past provincials and tournaments over the last five seasons.

Witnesses saw the Falcons earn redemption with a second consecutive tournament shutout of Scotia this time by a count of 3-0.   The championship winning goal was scored by player of the game Katie Walsh on a sweet set up by Bernadette Little, McKayla Day and Jessica Taylor were also in on the midfield build up of this goal.

Heather Beaton doubled the advantage later in the first half streaking in from the right side to blast a shot past the Scotia keeper.  Nicole Sloan had originally started the play with a throw-in that Jessica Taylor pushed square across the top of the 18 yard box to a wide open Beaton.

After halftime Scotia pressed but were thwarted and kept at bay by the Falcons defence of Veronica Deno, Jenna Fraser and sweeper Alex Henderson.  Keeper Christina Cleroux managed the defensive third in a quiet effective manner for the shutout.

The final goal of the tournament was a heads up play by Catherine Munro who layed the ball back to Jessica Taylor who chipped the Scotia keeper and the ball floated into the yawning cage, Katie Walsh also picked up an assist on the play. 

Vicki Oliver had an exceptional game in midfield for the Falcons.

The happy but tired team of 18 players showed their true character this week-end fashioning a record of 4 wins and 1 loss scoring 14 goals and conceding only 2 in the humid heat.  The total team effort was celebrated by donning their gold medals and posing for team photographs then eating ice cream.

Well done ladies!

Names for team personnel in photo:

Front :  Christina Cleroux.

First Row (L to R):  McKayla Day, Kelsey Crawford, Katie Walsh, Vicki Oliver, Kelsey Chislett, Jenna Fraser, Jessica Taylor, Kelsey Greenidge, Erin Gillis.

Back Row (L to R):  Bob Boardway, Coach; Nicole Sloan, Alex Henderson, Catherine Munro, Gillian McKenzie, Tiffany Prosser, Heather Beaton, Veronica Deno, Bernadette Little, Bonnie Cleroux, Manager, Olivia Fraser, Team protege.

Missing:  Isobel DeMont, Krishma Joshi, Kathryn Mackie, Assistant Coach; and Kelly Chisholm, Assistant Coach.

2010 Gunn Baldursson Tournament Report

Falcons earn silver medals!

Game 1 Friday NNU Falcons 3 vs Halifax County Lightning 1

 Krishma Joshi received player of the game honors for a dominating performance in the central midfield during the opening game as Northern Nova started the tournament on their front foot with a 3-1 win at the Dykes Complex on the campus of Acadia University.

Bernadette Little opened the scoring twenty minutes in stealing the ball from a Lightning defender and chipping a shot over the startled Halifax County keeper.  Six minutes later Jessica Taylor doubled the lead with what would prove to be the game winning goal assisted by Kelsey Chislett and Little.  HCU pulled one back just before half time to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Falcons at the interval.

 The second half proved to be all Northern Nova as they dominated possession and lengthened their lead on a bullet shot by Catherine Munro, Isobel DeMont and Joshi were the set team for this goal.  Christina Cleroux recorded the victory in goal while Erin Gillis at fullback and Veronica Deno at stopper kept the Lightning attackers at bay with solid defensive efforts.

 Game 2 Saturday morning NNU Falcons 2 vs Dartmouth United 0

This game played in Greenwich, at Horton High school field, an intense battle between two opponents that are no strangers to one another over the past four years.  The same result as the Falcons posted a 2-0 victory in the sweltering heat.  Christina Cleroux recorded the shutout while Bernadette Little and Katie Walsh provided the goals, the latter off a Tiffany Prosser corner kick from the right side that found Walsh alone at the far post.  Little and Krishma Joshi also picked up assists on this goal.

Defenders Isobel DeMont and Jenna Fraser were full credit for their performances in this game while Kelsey Crawford contributed several dangerous corner kicks and throw-ins.

 Game 3 Saturday afternoon NNU Falcons 1 vs Cole Harbour Storm 0

 NNU clinched first place in their group and a berth in the semi finals with a shutout victory over Cole Harbour Storm.  Played at Centerville this 1-0 win gave the Falcons back to back shutouts against tough opponents.  Birthday girl Vicki Oliver had the game winner on a long drive from 25 yards out on the left wing. Jessica Taylor was the set up person recording the assist. 

 Cleroux recorded the clean sheet while Kelsey Greenidge, and McKayla Day in midfield along with right fullback Tiffany Prosser all played key roles in this important victory.

 Game 4 Semi finals Sunday morning NNU Falcons 3 vs Cole Harbour Storm 0

The sequel took place the next morning as Cole Harbour qualified with the best record of the three divisional runners up.   The Falcons, measured their opponent for the first half and then exploded for three tallies in the second stanza.  Isobel DeMont scored on a solo effort for the game winner with a shot off the crossbar that careened down and into the mesh.  Next up Jessica Taylor scored the first of her two goals one timing a Veronica Deno corner kick, then Taylor was back for more chipping the storm keeper with assists to Bernadette Little, Kelsey Crawford  and Kelsey Chislett.

 Christina Cleroux earned her third shutout of the tournament going the distance in this game played at Oakdene fields in Kentville.   In this match, Katie Walsh,  McKayla Day, Erin Gillis and Kelsey Greenidge had outstanding games for the Northern Nova squad.  Right back Tiffany Prosser shutdown the top Cole Harbour striker for the second consecutive game, the striker had been on a goal a game pace for the entire season until she came up against the Falcons Prosser.

 Championship Final Sunday afternoon NNU Falcons 2 vs Scotia Olympics 3 OT

In the championship game, played at the Oakdene fields in Kentville, featuring two very familiar combatants from past provincials and tournaments over the last five years saw the Falcons narrowly edged out in overtime by the Scotia club in monsoon like conditions.  The championship winning goal was scored in the final minute as of the first overtime as Scotia capitalized on a corner kick opportunity. 

 Catherine Munro opened the scoring with the lone goal of the first half on a beautiful shot to the low far post.  Munro was sent in alone on a great feed from midfielders Krishma Joshi and Kelsey Crawford who were playing possession back and forth.

Scotia equalized just a minute into the second half but three minutes later Vicki Oliver delivered a low shot to restore the lead, scoring short side past a diving keeper.  Krishma Joshi again provided the set up pass.

 Ten minutes from the end Scotia were awarded a dubious handball call for a penalty shot and they converted just out of the reach of a diving Christina Cleroux to make the score 2-2.  The rest of the game saw opportunities at both ends with the keepers standing tall and the strikers working hard for opportunities.  Cleroux had seven definite saves in this game, the best of which when she extended and pushed a labeled shot wide of the post and out of bounds.

 Central defenders Deno, DeMont and sweeper Walsh all stood tall for the NNU crew and battled hard for the cause.

 The short overtime allowed no chance for a Falcons comeback on this day but the young team served notice that they will be a force to be reckoned with throughout this season.

 The exhausted team of 16 players rose to the occasion this week-end fashioning a record of 4 wins and 1 overtime loss scoring 11 goals and conceding only 4 in the sweltering heat and driving rains.  The total team effort was celebrated by donning their silver medals and posing for team photographs.

Well played ladies!

NNU Falcons U-16 Girls 2010 Gunn Baldursson Silver Medalists

Names for Team members in photo:

Front :  Christina Cleroux.

First Row (L to R):  Katie Walsh, Jessica Taylor, Kelsey Chislett, Jenna Fraser, Kelsey Greenidge, Erin Gillis, Bernadette Little.

Back Row (L to R):  Bob Boardway, Coach; Catherine Munro, Isobel DeMont, Veronica Deno, Vicki Oliver, Tiffany Prosser, McKayla Day, Kelsey Crawford, Krishma Joshi, Kathryn Verheyden, Assistant Coach; Bonnie Cleroux, Manager.

Missing:  Heather Beaton, Alex Henderson, Gillian McKenzie, Nicole Sloan and Assistant Coach Kelly Chisholm