NLSA Molson Challenge Cup



Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Challenge Cup League Could Grow by three by John Browne

C.B.S. plans to return, Corner Brook, Grand Bank look to join, too


 
 

Two new teams, along with Conception Bay South, have expressed interest in joining the Molson Challenge Cup Soccer League in 2015. The new teams interested in joining the league next season are Corner Brook and Grand Bank.
The defending champion Holy Cross Kirby Group Crusaders, St. Lawrence Labatt Laurentians, Mount Pearl First Choice Molson and Feildians Ernst & Young will return.
“The C.B.S situation is a little different than the other two potential new entries,” said Challenge Cup commissioner Gord Dunphy.
 Dunphy explained that in April of 2014 at the spring planning meeting, the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association granted C.B.S. Strikers FC a one-year leave with an understanding that the team would be back in 2015.
“However,” Dunphy added “they will still have to prove that they will be ready to compete next season.”
Dunphy said his plan is to meet with all three clubs early in the new year to assess their status and their actual plans for a Challenge Cup team.
He said the NLSA is always looking was to promote the game and have “a true provincial league with as many regions of the province competing as possible.
“However, all new clubs will be informed that there is an application process in place and process that will strictly be adhered to,” said Dunphy.
“Realistically,” added Dunphy, “I feel all new entries will struggle while playing and trying to compete with the four established clubs.”
The C.B.S. club’s record over their four seasons was 16-62-11. The team’s 1-25-1 record two year’s ago was their worst.
Corner Brook and the Harbour Grace Shannons of Conception Bay North were involved in the league in past years but they were not competitive. The Shannons finished 0-20-1 in the 2005 season.
Rugged Edge Western United FC last played in 2010. The Corner Brook-based United, which finished at the bottom of the standings that year with a 3-19-1 record, forfeited its final two games of the regular schedule.
Grand Bank, which hasn’t competed in provincial senior soccer for 20 years, won the Challenge Cup title in 1974.
The Grand Bank Gee Bees F.C. Committee is in place to seek entry into the provincial senior league next summer given the town will celebrate a Come Home Year.

jbrowne@thetelegram.com

Sunday, November 23, 2014

NLSA Award Night

      CLASS OF 2014

     Back Row HOF : Murdock Hiscock, Joe Browne, Walt Mavin, Clarence Senior, Ed Kelly

     Front Row Honorary Life Members : Brian Murphy, Clayton Welsh, Ed Moyst, Doug Sweetapple

------------------------

NLSA 2014 AWARD WINNERS


   Back row: Dragon Mirkovic, Mike Edmunds, Jean Thompson, Gord Dunphy

   Fron Row : Anna Aucoin, Malorie Harris, Jake Warren, MUN - Team of Year Representative

It's all about family and friends and not forgetting where you come from.


 
Indeed, an award I am very proud to receive

My 2014 BIO

Thanks : Mr. Redmound

Co-winner of my award for sure- My wife: Jocelyn

Gord & Jocelyn

Myself with my mom and my wife

Me with Mom and Bob

Gord and brother Shane 
Aka : Rob & Doug Ford - LOL

Myself and Shane with NLSA's top referee, MIke Edmunds

Myself with Kris Slaney and his wife - Joanne
Jimmy Cluett, HOF : Clarence Senior, Gord Dunphy
 My friend, Yann Blinn : ASIA - St. Pierre

Myself and Shane with NLSA President Doug Redmound

 Ed and Dick Kelly - St. Lawrence

Burin Peninsula Award Winners (L-R)

Walt Mavin : HOF
Ed Kelly : HOF
Clarence Senior : HOF
Murdock Hiscock : HOF
Clayton Welsh : Honorary Life Member
Gord Dunphy : 2014 Executive of the Year


Monday, November 17, 2014

Provincial Representantatives From NWT to BC and on to NL


Vaughan Ontario - 2014 

Newfoundlandlers : Some of Canada's Best Soccer Fanes

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

St. Lawrence Laurentians 2014 Annual Awards & HOF Banquet


St. Lawrence Soccer Association
President : Hubert Beck
VP: Junior Edwards
2nd VP ; Jonathan Edwards
Minor Soccer Chair : Marc Pittman 

Directors
Ren Edwards  --- Justin Murray
Pad Slaney --- Kirk Slaney
Brent Tarrant --- Pat Brake
Yvonne Edwards --- Judy Pittman
Aggie Slaney --- Judy Turpin 

Hall of Fame Committee
Hubert Beck --- Leo Loder
Jim Loder --- Eddy Kelly
Junior Edwards --- Junior Doyle

---------------------------------------
 Program
EMCEE ; Kevin Pittman
Greetings from Town : Mayor Paul Pike
Greetings from NL : Hon. Darin King
Greetings from MP Judy Foote: Carol Anne Haley
Greetings from BPSA/NLSA : Gord Dunphy
Presidents Reports  : Hubert Beck 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. LAWRENCE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE'S
 Photo -L-R: Blair Aylward, Hon. Darin King, Mike Howlett, 
Mayor Paul Pike, Judy Pittman, Carol Anne Haley

ClASS OF 2014

Judy Pittman : Builder
Blair Aylward : Player
Norbet Doyle : Player
Darin Dunphy : Player
Mike Howlett : Player


 First Division Soccer Awards    2014


1. Robert E Slaney Memorial Trophy - Most Improved Player 

Corey Mullett

2. D & D Engraving Trophy (Warren Pike) - Most Dedicated Player
 
Marc Pittman

3. Cecil Shea Memorial Trophy- Most Sportsmanlike  Player

Jordi Slaney

4.Mick Turpin Memorial Trophy - Top Scorer Award

Sean Drew/ Stefan Slaney

5.Gerard Quirke Memorial Trophy- Award Of Excellence

Marc Pittman
  
6.Robert Kelly Memorial Trophy - Most Valuable Player

Clinton Edwards 

7. Kevin & Myles Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Award

Jordi Slaney

8. Keith Walsh Memorial Award – St. Lawrence Laurentian’s Fan of the Year Award

Sandy & Joy Slaney


2014 Intermediate Soccer Awards

Most Valuable Player: Adam Kelly 

Most Dedicated Player: Kyle Walsh

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Liam Haley

Top Defender : Brent Hennebury


Monday, November 10, 2014

NLSA announces it 's 2014 Award Winners


 2014 NLSA Award Winners
Junior Male Player of the Year: Emmanual Dolo
Junior Female Player of the Year: Anna AuCoin
Senior Male Player of the Year: Jake Warren
Senior Female Player of the Year: Malorie Harris
Team of the Year: Memorial Seahawks Ladies
 Executive of the Year: Gord Dunphy
 Volunteer of the Year: Jean Thompson
Coach of the Year: Dragan Mirkovic
Ross Arlett Memorial Award: Mike Edmunds

2014 NLSA Hall of Fame Inductees
Joe Browne : St. John's
Clarence Senior : Burin
Murdock Hiscock : Fortune
Walt Mavin : Mount Pearl / Fortune
Ed Kelly : St. Lawrence

2014 NLSA Honary Life Members
Brian Murphy : St. John's
Ed Moyst : Mount Pearl
Doug Sweetapple : Corner Brook
Clayton welsh : Grand Bank



 

Congratulations to the 2014 MUN Seahawks on claiming the AUS Banner

The Memorial Sea-Hawks won the AUS women's soccer championship banner for the first time in it's history. They defeated the UNB Varsity Reds by a 3-1 score in the championship game.

 
-----------------------------
 
 Sea -Hawks Award Winners 
 
Emily Bailey - Jessie Noseworthy - Jane Pope 
Memorial soccer player Emily Bailey won the AUS Rooke of the Year .
Bailey along with Jessie Noseworthy were given first team all-star honours.
While Jane Pope received a second team award.
 


2014 Challenge Cup/ Jubilee Trophy National Report

By
Gord Dunphy

The  National Club Challenge Cup/Jubilee Championships run  from October 8-13,2014 and was hosted in Vaughn, Ontario. It was a super tournament with both teams representing the NLSA performing exceptional.Holy Cross:  In the Sr. Men’s Challenge Cup Division all ten provinces and the NWT were represented. The host Ontario also were permitted a second entry to have a twelve team schedule.
The structure for the tournament was a  four division format comprised of three teams in each division.  Holy Cross/Kirby were  the NLSA representatives. They were grouped with the Saskatchewan and Quebec representatives. In Holy Cross’s opening match, NL were upset as Saskatchewan defeated NL by a 2-0 score. Holy Cross came back with revenge in their second contest as they upset the 2012  National Challenge Cup Champions from Quebec by a 1-0 score. This victory put Holy Cross on to a quarter final play-off. Holy Cross faced the host Ontario Provincial champions in the quarter final and what a game it would turn out to be. Holy Cross opening the scoring early in the contest. Ontario tied the contest late in the first half and then went up 2-1 relatively early in the second half . Then Holy Cross dug down, and clinched the tying goal late at the end of regulation for a 2-2 final at the end of regulation. As CSA rules state, a tie would send the game directly to a penalty kick –shoot out. It took both teams to have seven shots each before Ontario won.  What a heartbreaker!!  The following day, Holy Cross dominated the representatives from New Brunswick and beat their reps by a 2-0 score. In Holy Cross’s  final match they were playing against British Columbia, and had gone up on the BC reps 4-2 in the second half before BC tied the game at 4-4 before the end of regulation. This time Holy Cross prevailed and scored on all of their 5 penalty shots and won the match by a 5-4 score and clinched 5th place.  It was a great finish. It was a great tournament by the NL Men’s Holy Cross team. Holy Cross showed they belonged, and above all, they have earned the respect of the nation. They realize they lost to the 2014 National Challenge Cup champions on pk’s. Certainly a remarkable effort by coach Jake Stanford and his 2014 Holy Cross Team.
Kirby United: In the Sr. Women’s Jubilee Trophy Division seven provinces were represented. There were no teams from PEI, Saskatchewan or New Brunswick . As a result of only seven provinces entering, as in the men’s division, the host Ontario team were permitted a second team. The structure for the Jubilee National Tournament was different. It had just the two divisions with groups of four in each division. The NL entry were seeded with both teams from Ontario and the Alberta Rep. Kirby United opened up the tournament with a fine showing against the Ontario Provincial Champions and tied the host 1-1. In Kirby United’s second contest they faced a very strong team from Alberta and through pure determination they again tied a very strong team. This time it was a 2-2 score. However, in game three, it was all Kirby United when they defeated Ontario #2 by a very one-sided 3-1 score. Ontario just managed to score their one goal in the dying moments of the game. These two ties and their victory placed NL second in their group and paired them up against the second place team in the other division for a Bronze Medal showdown.  However, in the Bronze Medal contest NL’s opponents from Quebec took it to the Kirby United and they defeated the NL entry by a 2-0 score. In the end it was a very similar occurrence for the Kirby United NL team. They too earned respect and showed the nation that they belong and can compete with the best in the country. They also realize that they played the 2014 National Jubilee Champions to a 2-2 score in their round robin game. And again, we had a remarkable showing by our NL coach Dragan Mirkivoc and his Kirby United Team.

In concluding I must add, I was very proud to be Newfoundland and Labrador rep at this national tournament. Again, my hat goes off to both NL coaches and their team's performances on and off the field. Both clubs played remarkable and were true ambassadors. I would like to thank Ontario Soccer, you were great hosts. I also want to thank the CSA but there is one thing I would like to address and that is I would like to have all Challenge Cup and Jubilee Trophy games played for duration of 90 minutes.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Ryan Dunphy displaying a little soccer skill

 
Ryan - shielding the ball
 
Ryan  doing the
bicycle kick 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Holy Cross /Triniity Pub Masters are New Brunswick Bound for the Eastern Canadian Masters Championship




2014 Holy Cross Masters

 Sheldon Barry scored the goal to give
Holy Cross a 1-1 tie in the first game of
the Eastern Canadian Championships.



No gameDateHourReceiverResultsVisitorFields
M02 (M O-35)2014-09-2513:00NS-Athens United
5 - 0
NB-New BrunswickUNB
M01 (M O-35)2014-09-2515:00NL-Holy Cross Trinity Pub
1 - 1
QC-CS LongueuilUNB
M04 (M O-35)2014-09-2611:00ON-Ottawa Royals OT1
8-1
NB-New BrunswickUNB
M03 (M O-35)2014-09-2613:00PE-PEI Molson Masters

1-3

QC-CS LongueuilUNB
M05 (M O-35)2014-09-2713:00NL-Holy Cross Trinity Pub

0 - 3

PE-PEI Molson MastersUsher Field
M06 (M O-35)2014-09-2715:00NS-Athens United
vs
ON-Ottawa Royals OT1Usher Field






















Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Holy Cross are medal contenders

Holy Cross : 2014
NLSA Challenge Cup Champions



Gold, Silver, or Bronze
For the past  five decades the NLSA has given a team the prestigious honor of being named the "Team of the Decade". The teams that have won that distinction over the years are clubs which have generally dominated at the provincial level and have been legitimate medal contenders at the national level. The Laurentians  first won the "Team of the Decade" in  the 1970's. During that particular period, they won two national silver medals. Holy Cross, who were "Team of the Decade" in the 1980's, won both a "Gold" and a silver medal at the nationals. The Laurentians were again named " Team of the Decade" in both the 1990's and for the first 10 years of the 2000's. During this time they  found themselves on the podium three more times,winning a national silver and two national bronze medals.
 Holy Cross Today
This brings us to the current edition of the Holy Cross/Kirby Team. This club is definitely on pace to be a serious contender in winning the next NLSA "Team of the Decade" honor. They have won the NLSA Provincial Challenge Cup five out of the past six seasons. They know how to win and they know the hurt of a loss. The loss they suffered to the Feildias in 2013, in a semi- final match, may be just what this team needed. As most clubs do when they excel, they get over-confident, they get a little to cocky for their own good. The 2013 loss may have brought the team back to reality. Holy Cross came back in 2014 under the guidance of  Jake Stanford,  much more focused, determined and disciplined. Yes, the Laurentians did challenge Holy Cross this season and they played Cross with heart . But  in the end Holy Cross  answered the bell when it mattered the most, by winning the Challenge Cup in a pretty convincingly style with  a 2-0 score. 
National Championship - Vaughan, Ontario
Next comes the real big challenge, the National Sr. Men's Challenge Cup, and it will take place in Vaughan, Ontario from October 8-13. The Sr. Men's Championship is now played  with  four divisions of three clubs with the top two teams advancing to a quarter final play-offs. Holy Cross are by no means in an easy division. They are grouped with Saskatchewan and Quebec. Saskatchewan  at one point were mediocre at the National level but for the past five or six years they basically have a stacked team and it will be no different this year.  Quebec are always competitive and are generally medal contenders. Where does this put Holy Cross? Holy Cross will be no push over. They have the experience and are going to Ontario for all the right reasons, to win. Holy Cross's rookie goalie Thomas Pieroway,  who was named "Rookie of the Year", brings stability to this key position on any soccer team. Chris Pope, who is the leagues most underrated fullback, along with Andre Le and Jeff Slaney are very solid. Coach Staford will have to determine who his fourth back is from Brian Reddy, Alec Pretty and his son Andrew.  Holy Cross will more than hold their own with any club in the country in midfield,with all-stars Matt Breen, Mike Brushett, Zack Wade , Jon Hawco and Scot Woodfine .Add to the mix here is their former captain Ryan Yetman and big Mike Dunn, both of whom bring strength and a physical element to the game. Up front the team has the leagues MVP, Jake Warren and the best striking playmaker in the game today, Steve Delong who also can put the ball in the net. 
Ready for the Big Show !
There is no doubt in my mind this club got what it takes  and  are ready for the big show.  However, victory and winning doesn't come easy. Getting to the National Challenge Cup isn't easy and it should never be taken for granted. One must realize that each time you get there it could be your last.
 Despite all of this, I feel the time has come that Holy Cross will again stand on the podium and another medal will be added to the Holy Cross showcase. 

Good luck guys ! 


Senior Men's and Women's Schedule
Game 1 - Men.-Wednesday, Oct 8 : Holy Cross vs Sask  at 5:30 pm
Game 2. - Men - Thursday, Oct 9 : Holy Cross vs QC at 5:30 pm
Game 3. - Women - Thursday, Oct 9 : Kirby United vs Ontario # 1 at 8:00 pm
Game 4. - Women  -  Friday, Oct 10 :  Kirby United vs Alberta at 5:30 pm
                 Note : Men : Off Day
Game 5. - Women - Saturday, Oct 11 : Kirby United vs Ontario # 2 at 5:30 pm
                 Note : Men's Game TBD










 
 

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Molson/ Duke of Duckworth are 2014 All - NL "A" Division Master Champions

2014 Molson All - NL "A" Masters Champions

Duke of Duckworth have won the "A" Masters Championship. Duke defeated Holy Cross on pk's after both teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after regulation time. Bernie Manning scored the goal for Holy Cross and Robie Mills replied for Duke. 

Holy Cross to travel to New Brunswick
Holy  Cross had earlier in August captured the right to represent the NLSA at the Eastern Canadian championships which are to be played in New Brunswick later in September.


(L) Gerard Kenny - CBS Soccer 
&
Tournament MVP - Ed Mills


(R) Gerard Kenny CBS Soccer 
&
Tournament MSP - Sean Connolly 



Paradise 1% Realty are All - NL "B" Division Master Champions

All -NL "B" Champions : Paradise 1% Realty

1% Realty squeezed by  Cooper's Heating/Dewalt by a 1-0 score to capture the All - NL "B" Division Championship at Nugent's Field, in Kelligrews. Lloyd Slaney scored at the 60 minute mark to lead 1% Realty to victory. Charlie Harris, recorded his third shut-out of the tournament as he was named tournament MVP.


Tournament MVP : Charlie Harris (L) 
(R) Gerard Kenny (CBS Soccer ) 


Tournament MSP : Rod Millie (L) 
(R) Gerard Kenny (CBS Soccer )

2014 Marystown United Masters Soccer Team

2014 Marystown United - A team full of energy and fun !

Thursday, September 4, 2014

CBS Hosting the Molson All NL Masters "A" & "B" Tournament


Gerard Kenny & Darin Bent

It's a ten tournament hosted by CBS.  $ teams are competing in the "A" Division
and 6 teams are competing in te "B" Division 
In the"A" Division is: Holy Cross, Mount Pearl, Feildians and Duke
In the "B" Division is ;
MUFC/Goulds, CBS and Cooper Heating  in one division.
While the other group is comprised of Martstown, Coast 101 and 1 % Realty

Wednesday, September 3
6:00 p.m. – MUFC/Goulds: 2 vs Conception Bay South : 1
Game decided on PK’s
Thursday, September 4
6:00 p.m. - 1% Realty; 3  vs Performa Coast 101 : 0 
Friday, September 5
6:00 p.m. – Marystown Mariners ; 0 vs 1% Realty; 3
7:00 p.m. – Holy Cross ;2 vs Molson/Duke of Duckworth; 1
7:45 p.m. – Cooper Heating/DeWalt; 3 vs MUFC/Goulds; 0
Saturday, September 6
11:00 a.m. – Performa Coast 101:0 vs Marystown United:1 
1:00 p.m. – Cooper Heating/DeWalt: 3 vs Conception Bay South: 0
3:00 p.m. – Holy Cross: 1 vs Feildians : 0
5:00 p.m. – Mount Pearl : 0 vs Molson/Duke of Duckworth : 4

Points "A" Division
Holy Cross : 6
Mount Pearl : 0
Feildians : 3 and +2
Duke of Duckworth : 3 and +3
Points "B" Division
1% Realty :6
Marystown :2
Coast 101 : 0

MUFC : 2
CBS : 1
Coopers Heating : 6
Sunday, September 7

12 Noon – “B” Championship game 
                      1% realty vs Cooper's Heating/ Dewalt

2:00 p.m. – “A” Championship game
                     Holy Cross vs Duke of Duckworth/Molson