Niagara United U16 boys rule Welland

The Niagara United U16 boys Target soccer team made the most of its first tournament appearance of the season.

After opening the tournament with a 2-0 loss to the Welland Wizards Friday night, United reeled off three straight victories to capture first place at the Welland Wizards Rose Festival and Tournament this past weekend.

Head coach Rudy Rahal thought the first game was OK but, in his opinion, he felt the goals his team conceded were offside.

“We had a chat that night and told the boys we were better than that. They were eager and they wanted to do something.”

The team did just that Saturday, defeating the Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in “an intense, beautiful game” and the Mountain Hamilton Youth SC 1-0.

The wins put United at the top of the table and moved it into the final Sunday against the Bolton Wanderers, who knocked out Welland. United was winning 1-0 until nine minutes left in the game when Bolton tied up the score. United rallied to win the championship 4-2 on penalty kicks thanks to goalie Lyncoln Davidson, who made two great penalties saves.

Rahal likes the team he has assembled this season.

“This group of boys is very dedicated, talented and willing to learn. We have worked on a few things like moving the ball fast,” he said. “They work as a team, they communicate really well and they have good sportsmanship. They are very, very classy.”

Rahal feels the team had made significant improvement since the start of the season.

“We are moving the ball very fast and the communication is a lot better. Those are the biggest things I have seen.”

The next tournament for the team is the Club Roma TiAmo Festival Cup July 19-21.

The team is currently in third place in the Hamilton Soccer league with two wins, one loss and a tie on Monday.