DUNPHY'S CORNER : Jake Warren - A weekend to remember !

Jake Warren

=============

 Jake Warren: A weekend to remember ! 

After the completion of this past weekends Molson Challenge Cup action, Holy Cross moved ahead of the idle Mount Pearl team to move into the 4th and final play-off position. Holy Cross picked up two victories defeating both Corner Brook and CBS by identical scores of 3-0. What was so incredible here was the six goal performance by Holy Cross's Jake Warren. By any standards..... it is a weekend for him remember. Warren has been an all-star since he entered the league and he is currently on pace to be a strong candidate for NLSA Senior Player of the Decade, 2010 -2019. As of right now, he would receive my first place vote. Scoring  back to back hat-tricks is an amazing feat. Taking a close look at the overall scoring and standings, the leagues goal-scoring is way down. I feel this is as a result of the parity in the league. Jake Warren went into the weekend with two goals and after his six goal weekend, he currently stands in 1st place in the goal-scoring dept. 

=======================

  St. Lawrence Laurentians Logo

NLSA Canada Games embarrass the Laurentians

In St. Lawrence, where you are only as good as your last game, the Laurentians were embarrassed right in front of their home fans. On Sunday the NLSA Under- 18 Provincial Canada Games team humiliated the Laurentians by defeating the 1st place Laurentians by a score of 1 -0. The game was scoreless until the 84 minute mark when Jacob Grant scored a beauty, defeating Laurentians goalie Patrick Slaney on the play. The NL Games team is comprised of a group of kids who are Under-18,youth by soccer standards. What I found rather startling in this contests were the number of no-shows for the Laurentians. The Laurentians must have been missing at least a half a dozen regulars. I'm realize some of the missing players had legitimate reason and over the course of a twenty -three game schedule, players will miss a number of games.  I also realize there is a certain amount of honor and pride given to any player who dons the Laurentians Blue and if you make that commitment, one is expected to honor it. Meanwhile on Saturday, the Laurentians, despite being a little short-handed did what is expected of the 1st place Challenge Cup team in NLSA's Senior League, they defeated the Canada Games team by a score of 3-0.    

 

 =====================

Weekend Scores 

Saturday Scores

Holy Cross : 3 v Corner Brook : 0  -- - Jake Warren (3)---Shut-out Thomas Pieroway

St. Lawrence : 3 v CBS : 0  ---- Stefan Slaney, M. Pittman, Devon Ryan -- SO Patrick Slaney

CBS: 1  v Feildians: 0 --- Ryan Day   -- Shut-out : D'arcy Bennett

Sunday Scores 

Holy Cross : 3 v CBS: 0  ---  Jake Warren (3)---Shut-out : Dylan Crichton

Feildians : 1 v Corner Brook : 0 ----  Marek Nakionncky  , Shut-out : Braedon Sheppard

Canada Games : 1 v St. Lawrence : 0  ----- Jacob Grant, Shut-out : Jack Haywood 

 

DUNPHY'S CORNER : BPSA FLORISHING

 

BPSA Home Field  - Marystown Centennial

BPSA President Shane Dunphy & 

his boys Shayne & Ryan 

in Flordia

One of Marystown's

greatest volunteer's 

Bern Pike

 BPSA 2017 Summer Student

Jordon Pike Jordon will work with the BPSA

program while also  developing 

a new BPSA Web-site and working 

on the data for the BPSA HOF

BPSA Under 13 

The BPSA currently has U-13, U-15, U-17 teams in both all boys and girls categories.That's very impressive ! A big thank you must go out to the coaches: U 13 Girls :  Derek and Michelle Strang, Trevor Walsh. U 15 Girls : Joanne Mallay & Elaine Senior. U -17 Girls : Yvette Quirke & Frank Lambe.  U -15 Boys : David Walsh & Chris Rideout. U - 13 Boy's : Mike Kelly, Lorne Barry & Marcia Hanrahan .  Under 17 Boys : Parker Doyle, Jeff Oake and Mackey Loder . 

L-R : Andrew Moulton ( Referee)  -  Nicky Kerr - Ethan Walsh

The BPSA recently had a referees clinic with 14 new people joined on as new officials. These officials will be helping out at the BPSA Minor Provincial League as referees and assistant Referees. Some of them will even be on the line for Challenge Cup League Games. Corey Walsh who has returned home to St. Lawrence will be home from Alberta will be refereeing Challenge Cup League Games. Actually, Corey refereed this past weekend against St. Lawrence and I was rather impressed. He knows the game well and he takes no nonsense from the players.  This is definitely a huge step to help develop officials on the Burin Peninsula.

 Corey Walsh : Laura Windsor Photo 

=====================

SPECIAL NOTICE 

BPSA COACHING CLINIC - JUNE 30, 2017

with

Dragan Mirkovic

GD &  Dragan Mirkovic

Some of Marystown's greatest fans

DUNPHY'S CORNER : Weekend Wrap-up : June 17/18, 2017

Gord Dunphy

========================== 

 Mark Reddy - Mount Pearl

Got to say,"I loved it the Mount Pearl / St. Lawrence series"

Hey, what a battle this past weekend. It was in St. Lawrence between the Laurentian's and Mount Pearl . It was sort of old time soccer, the teams battled hard and made the officials earn every cent they are paid. More importantly this past weekend referee Corey Walsh and his two young linesmen got it right, they allowed the teams to play the game. To often, I witness a referee not allowing any flow to the game. For most part we all know who the referees are, we don't need them, nor do we want them to be the center of attention in a game. They need to control the game and yes at times there will be a need to issue cautions to control the game. However, I also realize that there are times that verbal reprimands should be given to players before the referee goes deep into his pocket or on his jersey to retrieve a yellow card.  I know there are other times a straight yellow can be warranted or for that matter a straight  Red Card is deserved but there is no need for the officials to be card happy.

"Very enjoyable soccer"

Moving on from this early week rant, I must add, Mount Pearl put on a great show in St. Lawrence where the ghosts at the St. Lawrence Centennial field usually lead the home team to victory. It was very enjoyable soccer.   On Saturday, Mount Pearl  were persistent in their efforts and as a result they tenaciously earned a point in a 2-2 draw. Besides the goals scored by the Laurentians Sean Drew and Brent Hennebury,and Mount Pearl's Tyler Forsey and Scott Woodfine, I liked  how Mount Pearl's veterans battle including Andrew Murphy, Kevin Oram, Taedy O'Rourke, Ryan Thistle and Mark Reddy wouldn't back down, they simply wouldn't go away.   I also have a great amount of respect for the offensive abilities of Tyler Forsey, Scott Woodfine and Ronaldo Morris.  Meanwhile, when it comes to the Laurentian players, you can be guaranteed where there's a little commotion happening, you can count on Laurentians captain  Marc Pittman to be there. Now the Laurentian's have newcomer Marc Brefo who hails from Ghana.  Brefo is dynamic, he is another player who draws players and officials to his area of play. I would have to say he is the most physical player in the league but he also has talent. I totally admire his skill set and physical strength. He is Ghanaian version of former St. Lawrence Laurentian star player Alec Turpin. Now proceeding on to Sunday when the Laurentians defeated and shutout Mount Pearl 3-0.  Folks, don't let the score fool you. Mount Pearl and St. Lawrence again clashed and at times both teams viciously fought for supremacy. There's no doubt the Laurentians had the better quality scoring  chances throughout the entire contest but two of the Laurentian goals, Sean Drews and Devon Ryans markers were scored late in the dying minutes. The other Laurentian goal was scored by Brent Hennebury  at the six minute mark. However throughout the contest, Mount Pearl had their chances too, but they couldn't capitalize. During this contest, referee  Corey Walsh handed out five yellows, three going to St. Lawrence and two to Mount Pearl. These sort of contests are what the fans want, they want action, they want teams to illustrate heart and above all they want quality soccer, that's what they saw in both matches between Mount Pearl and St. Lawrence this past weekend. 

 ===================================

Holy Cross lose again

&

 CBS pick up four points in Corner Brook

Erick Mathiasen

I would have to say the biggest surprise this season is the fact that  Holy Cross has faltered so much in the start to the 2017 season. On Saturday at KGV , the Feildians shout-out Cross 1-0.

Simon Pope scored the lone goal for the Feildians. The loss for Holy Cross puts them into 5th place with a 1win -3ties - 3 loss record. I can't say anyone would have predicted such a horrendous start for Holy Cross who have virtually owned the regular Challenge Cup season for the past eight years.  CBS Strikers, playing out of Topsail, are off to their best start in years. This past weekend CBS collected four points defeating Corner Brook 3-0 on Saturday, with league leading goalscorer Erick Mathiasen, scoring a pair for CBS.  On Sunday the teams played to a scoreless draw. CBS's four point weekend currently puts them into 3rd place, with 14 points, behind the 2nd place Feildians who has 15 points, while the 1st place Laurentians, have 22 points. 

     

DUNPHY'S CORNER : Welcoming The Newest Laurentian Newcomers To St. Lawrence

Welcoming The Newest Laurentian Newcomers To St. Lawrence

St. Lawrence Laurentians will play their first home games of the 2017 season on Saturday at 6 and Sunday at1. The Laurentians have three new additions this year: George Lawton, Mark Brefo and Devon Ryan. There is a reason that the Laurentians are currently holding  down first place in the league and the three newcomers have played an very important role in it. Before these guys go to the "Soccer Capital of Canada" I want to introduce them to you.

First, I will introduce to you former Captain of UNB wearing

St. Lawrence Laurentians #16 - George Lawton  

GEORGE LAWTON 

George Lawton - #16

George Lawton lives in St. John's, NL  where the  motive for his initial move to St. John's, NL was to live with his fiancée after he graduated in December.  After choosing not to chase a professional career in England he opted to look elsewhere to play football. The University of New Brunswick was my chosen destination where I would go in the play five years for the varsity reds under head coach Miles Pinsent. I enjoyed lots of success at UNB; winning three consecutive AUS titles, a national bronze medal . Mark captained the  UNB side to the national final in 2015, where they unfortunately lost. Lawton moved to St. John’s  at the turn of the new year and then he decided he wanted to play Challenge Cup soccer so he knew he must  find a new team. As captain of UNB I knew the majority of players around Atlantic Canada. Jordi Slaney was my link to St. Lawrence, and he introduced me to John Douglas who really took me under his wing when I knew very few people. I am thoroughly enjoying my time with St. Lawrence, however, I am struggling to adapt to football as the 'new kid on the block' when it comes to officials.  Off the pitch I am a realtor for Oceans Edge by Exit. I have links to the company in Fredericton and I'm hoping to build a good foundation in St. John's too.

 Dunphy’s Comments

 George has been a tremendous addition to the Laurentians. He stands very tall on the field while demonstrating great leadership abilities. He greatest asset is his vision. He sees the plays so well while directing the traffic and illustrating superb ball distribution. Hey George Lawton , welcome to the St. Lawrence Laurentians.

================

Secondly, I would like to introduce to you from Ghana who will be wearing the St. Lawrence Laurentian #18.  

 MARK BREFO

Mark Brefo - #18

Mark Brefo: (Born , August 20, 1990) is a Ghanaian international student pursuing Masters of Philosophy in Humanities after successfully completing a first degree program in Psychology. Mark has combined education with soccer up to this level and had seen him represent his schools and nation (Shenzhen, 2011). His dedication towards sports has decorated him with many laurels, captainship and being adjudged the best graduating sports personality in 2013. His first entrance to the Memorial soccer team saw the Sea Hawks qualify for AUS championship. Although quiet in the game, his presence is highly noticeable. His aim is to see the Laurentian Army crowned Champions.

Dunphy’s Comments

 I had a little issue for some time getting the pronunciation of this guy’s name right but I finally got it after Blair Aylward did a little tutoring me.  As we are all aware all clubs needs a player who has a physical presents . Well , Mr. Brefo certainly has added this much needed physical presence to the Laurentian midfield. Brefo compliments his midfield mates Jordi Slaney and Jon Grant very well. Mark also adds versatility to St. Lawrence’s lineup. He can play in the backfield or the midfield. He is another solid addition to the Laurentian lineup. Hey Mark Brefo , welcome to the St. Lawrence Laurentians.

==================

Finally, I want to introduce to you the youngest of the trio, who hails from the "Big Land" & will be wearing the St. Lawrence Laurentians #4 - Devon Ryan .

 DEVON RYAN

Devon Ryan - #4  

Name: Devon Ryan Age 20 Position: Winger Grew up in Labrador City, played for Newfoundland provincial team from U-13 to U-18. Devon grew up playing with CBS in the provincial league. After completing high school Ryan went and played a year at Cape Breton University where I was a red shirt for one AUS season. Devon my first Challenge Cup season last year with the CBS strikers.  After one year of university at CBU he transferred to MUN for his second year of university and played as a Sea hawk. This season Devon Ryan has decided to play with the Laurentians this past winter and he loved every minute since he’s started playing.

Dunphy’s Comments

In order to maintain a solid program you need to add youth to your lineup. Devon Ryan brings to the Laurentians much needed youth, speed and a ton of experience of having played in the NLSA elite program. Sure this kid will suffer some growing pains but I feel he is a great investment for the present and the future of the St. Lawrence Laurentians. Hey Devon, welcome to the St. Lawrence Laurentians. 

Dunphy's Corner : Holy Cross Finally Hits the Win Column

Gord Dunphy

============================== 

Thomas Pieroway - Jake Warren - Tyler Kirby

==

Holy Cross Hits the Win Column

 With six points on the table this weekend for Holy Cross , Mount Pearl , Feildians and St. Lawrence a lot was at stake for all four clubs. When the final tally was done Holy Cross had the greatest tally this past weekend achieving four out of a possible six points.  Holy Cross on Saturday battled to get only their third point of the season tying Mount Peral 1-1. All-star Jake Warren scored his first of the season and it was Scotty Woodfine beating  Thomas Pieroway to allow Mount Pearl to clinch a tie.  This tie by Holy Cross was followed up with their best game of the season when the Crusaders  blanked the 1st place St. Lawrence  Laurentians on Sunday by a 2-0 score. Against St. Lawrence,  Tyler Kirby may have not hit the scoreboard on Sunday but it was his running ability combined with his passing skills which set up goals from Holy Cross's, Mike Dunn and Jake Warren thus allowing Holy Cross to get their much needed first win of the season.  On Sunday, the Laurentians started well but lacked discipline throughout the contest. As a result of their undisciplined play before the contest concluded, they were playing two men down as a result of two red cards issued to their players.  St. Lawrence on the other hand on Saturday were were in excellent form. They defeated Feildians 3-0  in a very convincing form with goals coming off the boot of Laurentians Stefan Slaney, Brent Hennebury and Jordan Caines.  John Douglas recorded the Laurentian shut-out.  Meanwhile Mount Pearl managed to get two points over the weekend with their 1-1 tie against Holy Cross and with their scoreless tie against Feildians on Sunday.  Meanwhile, Feildians who had gone into the weekend with an undefeated record, failed to score a goal in their two contests but did manage to pick up one point in their scoreless tie on Sunday in Mount Pearl.

Dunphy Details 

To date, it is St. Lawrence leading the pack with 18 points , followed by Feildians with 12 points, tied for third is Mount Pearl & CBS both with 10 points, Holy Cross with their four point weekend are in fifth position with six points. In the cellar we have Corner Brook who have yet to collect a point after six matches

Molson Challenge Cup Soccer Stats Update

Stats - June 8 -2017

Teams

	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points
St Lawrence	6	5	0	1	16	2	15
Feildians	5	3	2	0	12	3	11
Strikers F.C.	7	3	1	3	10	10	10
Mount Pearl	5	2	2	1	6	5	8
Canada Games	5	2	1	2	8	10	7
Holy Cross	4	0	2	2	2	7	2
Corner Brook	6	0	0	6	1	18	0

 

==========================================

Top Goalscorer's	Goals
A.Buckingham	4
T. Forsey	4
E. Mathiasen	3
E. Dolo	3
J.Slaney	3

Dunphy Corner - Weekendend Wrap-up

Gord Dunphy

===================================

Patrick Slaney

Slaney Blanks Corner Brook 

St. Lawrence Laurentians lead by their goalkeeper blanked Corner Brook 4 -0 and 3 -0 this past weekend. Both Brent Hennebury and Jon Grant scored a pair  over the weekend for the  Laurentians  who now moved into 1st place in the NLSA Molson Challenge Cup Leaague . 

=======================

 Emmanuel Dolo

Dolo scores hat-trick  to pace Games Team to

their 1st victory

 Emmanuel Dolo in his first game of the 2017 season put on shire magic while scoring a hat-trick in steering the NL Canada Games Team to their first victory of the season. It was Dolo's , quickness, skill and tenacity that shocked the Mount Pearl team. Gary McKewon scored Mount Pearl's other goal. While Mount Pearl's  Tyley Forsey connected for a pair and put on a clinic of his own with his great shooting and scoring ability.  

========================================

 Tyler Forsey 

 Aaron Buckingham

Forsey back in familiar territory

Here we are after nearly a month of soccer and again I'm seeing  Tyler Forsey  battling it out with Aaron Buckingham for the Wils Molloy "Golden Boot Award".  I know it;s only early but I do realize, it's been nearly a decade now since Forsey first entered the NLSA Molson Challenge Cup League and it's a fact  that where ever Tyler Forsey has played goals seem to follow him around . Somehow, I don't think this is coincidental, personally,  I feel he is as good of a goalscorer as there is in the country at the Challenge Cup level. He has dazzling speed with a shot that can be struck with either foot. In fact on a given day he can be a goalie's worse nightmare. While the Feildians Buckingham tends to be more of a soldier, a lanky player who is very strong with a rather big frame, who shields the ball well and when given a scoring opportunity can find the back of the net.