The 1998 Aurora Stingers Girl's team did this something that no Aurora soccer team has been able to do in its 46 year history – win the Ontario Cup! The team, formed in 2006 has had great success since its inception. In this year's Ontario Cup, the team hosted the preliminary rounds in Aurora and captured their group by winning all four matches over Brampton, Nepean of Ottawa, Oshawa and Erin Mills, scoring 18 goals and allowing 0. This put them into the quarter finals where they beat Pickering 3-0. They then went on to beat Woodbridge in Semi Finals 1-0 on a terrific goal by striker Georgia Kastanis. This set up a final between Aurora and the North Mississauga Panthers – two soccer powerhouses in the U-12 division. Aurora remains undefeated in league play over the past 5 years having played 76 league matches and losing none and defeating the #5 ranked team in the United States in tournament in May. "North Mississauga won their South Region League without losing a match so we knew it was going to be tough game", said Aurora head coach Grant Purdy. "We are undefeated in the Central Girls Soccer League this year as well so it set up a great match between the #1 and #2 teams". This drew a large crowd at the Ontario Soccer Centre as seating capacity overflowed with many people having to stand. Both sides received tremendous support for their clubs. The final was exciting as both teams exchanged scoring opportunities with North Miss finally breaking through with 5 minutes remaining in the first half. Aurora went to their dressing room down 1-0 and regrouped for the second half. "I basically told the girl's that North Miss's goal is asking a question of us. Do we have what it takes to battle back", said Purdy. Purdy got his answer as Aurora came out like a house on fire and pinned North Miss back for large spells of the second half. The break through finally came in the 48th minute when striker Alessia Mangoni converted a great free kick by Katherine Bulgaretti. With the score tied 1-1 Aurora pressed hard for the winner but could not find it and it was off to dreaded penalty kicks for more drama. Aurora's Keeper, Alessia Limotta gave the Stingers a chance to win by making some outstanding saves and converting a penalty of her own. But it was Aurora 7th penalty taker, Katherine Bulgaretti's, whose wonderfully struck shot found the top corner giving the Aurora club its first Cup and provincial championship in their 46 year history. "46 years is a long time to wait, but for these girls it was worth it. They will remember this moment for the rest of their lives. Perhaps now this will pave the way for other Aurora teams to capture this prestigious honour, said coach Purdy.
Update #1: Aurora 1998 Girl's defeated Pickering 3-0 in the Ontario Cup Quarter Finals and now move onto the Ontario Cup Semi-Finals against Woodbridge on August 28 @ the Hersey Centre in Mississauga.
Grant Purdy
'98 Girls Head Coach
The 98 Girls have made Aurora history by being the first ever Aurora team to be ranked #1 in the province. The Terra Power Rankings were released on Tuesday, July 13 and the 98 Stingers stood above all other teams in their age group. The team has once again embarked on a successful campaign by winning the Frank Sobil Cup as well as defeating the #5 nationallly ranked US team in the nation at the prestigious FC DELCO Cup and were the only Canadian team to qualify for the playoff round. In league play, they have extended their unbeaten streak to 70 matches! The team has not lost a league game since their inception at U-8. Incredible. They currently sit in first place in the CGSL L-3 standings and will be hosting the Ontario Cup on July 24/25.
Click here for the game times and come out and cheer on the 98 Stingers!
Grant Purdy
'98 Girls Head Coach
Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 September 2010 10:33
