Mitch Calvert
Fort Frances Youth Soccer put the finishing touches on another season Saturday at the St. Francis Sportsfields—getting near-perfect weather to complete the playoffs in Divisions IV and V.
Both finals went right down to the wire, with “Brazil” earning a slim 1-0 win over “Italy” in the Division IV showdown.
The unlikely hero for “Brazil” was Logan Morrisseau, who looked like a pro scoring only his second goal of the season.
Morrisseau booted a hooking ball that went high over the keeper’s head and down just inside the crossbar late in the second half to seal the victory.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, did that just happen?’” Morrisseau enthused of his skilled goal.
“It was just an opportunity and I was surprised I had time to make the most of it,” he added.
“France” beat “Spain” in the bronze-medal game.
Meanwhile, the Division V finale featured another back-and-forth match, with the teams exchanging goals in regulation time to send it to overtime.
With nothing decided in the extra frame, the teams then went to penalty kicks before “Green” prevailed over “Red” in an extra shooter.
“Blue” nipped “Orange” 2-1 to take third place in that division.
In related news, Nathan Bujold of “Green” was named the third-annual winner of the Bryce Devoe Memorial Award for most dedicated player in Division V.
The award—a plaque which is displayed at the Memorial Sports Centre—was first awarded in 2007 to Devoe, who had been struck and killed by lightning on the soccer pitch that May.
Sara Kellar won the award last year.
“Every year at this time, everyone in our soccer community takes a moment to remember someone very special,” FFYS president Sarah Gould said during Saturday’s ceremony, referring to Devoe.
“Every year we give this award to someone in Division V who exemplifies a lot of the characteristics that Bryce himself had,” Gould added. “[Bryce] was someone who could always be counted on to show up and give his best.
“He loved the game of soccer, and was somebody who always encouraged others.
“This year’s winner [Nathan Bujold] is someone that has those characteristics, and has played for many years and has also coached for us,” Gould enthused.
FFYS saw a decline in registration numbers this year—closer to 500 from the 700-plus who participated a year ago. But much of that drop could be attributed to new regulations required under the Ontario Soccer Association that made mandatory all players be registered prior to the season for insurance purposes.
“Without my board of directors, all the volunteers, and the people we see out here today, none of this would be possible,” Gould stressed.
“Every year we pound the pavement looking for great people to step up and help coach these teams, and every year we have great people who come out and volunteer their time,” she noted.
“We’re all here because we love soccer, so big thanks to the coaches and referees who commit their time.”
FFYS always has stressed fun over competitiveness, and continues to succeed because of that mantra.
But the competitiveness on the field for Saturday’s finals was anything but laissez-faire—showing the skill level and determination that is developed out of the league, as well.
For video, please see www.fortfrances.tv
