Wolves advance in WECSSAA boys soccer playoffs by beating Assumption

Victory put Wolves in WECSSAA semi-final

By Ron Giofu

It was a tense, closely fought game but the North Star Wolves advanced in the WECSSAA boys soccer playoffs last week.

The Wolves defeated the Assumption Purple Raiders 2-1 last Wednesday afternoon in a WECSSAA boys soccer quarterfinal match played at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. The win propelled the Wolves into the semi-final, which was against the Riverside Stingers this past Tuesday (May 23) in a game that was played after this issue of the River Town Times went to press. The semi-final match was played at a neutral field, specifically the turf field at Tecumseh Vista Academy.

“We were down 1-0,” commented North Star coach Gavin Blunt. “We let an early one in but the boys bounced back quickly.”

Blunt noted team captain Carter Prieur headed a shot into the Assumption net to tie the match. Declan Velduis had the game winning goal for North Star.

Nartan Kubilay scored the goal for the Purple Raiders.

Blunt credited his team for an all around effort and said they had to face adversity and come through it.

“The boys persisted and they fought back,” said Blunt.

Blunt said getting the come-from-behind victory was “huge” and believed that from the start of the season, North Star had a good leadership core. He and the rest of the coaching staff believed they could bounce back and handle some difficult situations.

“I’ve said early on in the season that I think we can play with anyone,” said Blunt. “This team is built for success.”

A win in the semi-final game would put the Wolves in the WECSSAA finals, which would be played this Thursday.

Blunt wasn’t sure the exact year General Amherst High School last won a WECSSAA boys soccer championship, but believed it dated back to the 1960’s.

“It’s been a long time since an Amherstburg school did so well in soccer,” said Blunt.