Niagara United Juventus wins another championship
The Niagara United Juventus 2011 girls soccer team capped an incredible season Nov. 2 at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughn by defeating Darlington Energy 2-1 in the Provincial IModel Championship.
The team concluded its season ranked fourth in Canada.
“Juventus Academy Niagara is so proud of our Niagara United Juventus 2011 Girls I-Model team and coaching staff for their extraordinary accomplishments and collection of trophies acquired over the course of the 2024 outdoor season,” said Ernie Scervino, Juventus Academy Niagara’s technical director. “To be undefeated during league play, winning the Robbie International tournament, becoming the U13 Girls Ontario Cup Champions and ending the season off with capturing the 2024 Provincial I-Model C-1 Championship is a true testament to the dedication, commitment, and hard work that each and every player and respective coach put forth to achieve this type of success.”
The championship game was scoreless at the half as Juventus worked off the rust of not having played since winning the Ontario Cup on Sept. 14. Darlington Energy had played league games right up until the championship.
“To play a game after the Ontario Cup was hard. We were fortunate to train with coach Joe Mangiacasale’s Niagara United Juventus boys team to keep us sharp with so much time off,” Sirianni said. “It was difficult with that much time off to come back and play.”
At half-time of the championship, Daytona Wiens was moved to striker to create more space with her passing and it led to more chances on attack. Ella Yetman opened the scoring five minutes into the second half and then Riley Woehl netted the eventual game winner about five minutes later. With 15 minutes left in the game, Darlington made it interesting by cutting the lead to 2-1.
“Bianca Walker had excellent control in the middle of the field both defensively and distributing the ball to her teammates. Lucia Sirianni was tenacious on defence as she challenged every ball which frustrated the Darlington strikers and forwards,” Paolo Sirianni said. “Sydney Vanklinken and Ava Covelli really stepped up for the team and had a great impact on the game defensively. They were able to limit the Darlington attack, win balls, and transition the ball to our offensive players.”
Goalies Emma Konderka and Payton Foster each played a half and were excellent in the game, including a big save in the second half by Foster which kept the score at 2-1.
“Darlington is a very good team and they really played well,” Sirianni said.
In winning the game, Niagara United Juventus followed the script it has used all year.
“Our team gets a lot of recognition for our offensive power, however, we have been built from the back first, which focuses on being strong defensively,” he said. “Ashley Stret has been a strong sweeper for us, who keeps the defensive in the proper shape while commanding the whole unit.”
In 15 league games, including the championship game, Juventus only gave up five goals and recorded 10 shutouts. In five Ontario Cup games, the squad only allowed three goals.
“Our defence gave our offensive players the opportunity to be creative and showcase their skills,” Sirianni said.
Players participating in the game were Emma Konderka, Payton Foster. Ashley Stret. Lucia Sirianni, Michela Lombardi, Colbie Sutherland, Bianca Walker, Dhillin Ruggi, Daytona Wiens, Mya Stienstra, Riley Woehl, Ella Yetman, Ava Covelli, Sydney Vanklinken and Evie Haine.
Lucio Ianiero will be replacing Sirianni as head coach of the team next year.
“I have stepped down in order to be the assistant coach due to the time needed to be the coach of this team,” Sirianni said. “I’ve been looking to step back due to the plans that we are making for next year. Coaching this team has been a joy and I care tremendously about these girls, and moving into an assistant role allows me to be involved while balancing so many other things in my life. As a parent and a coach, I am excited for the girls to have an opportunity to learn and play for a coach of Lucio’s calibre and pedigree I am lucky to have the support of Niagara United, Juventus Academy Niagara, and Juventus Academy Toronto this past season. It was truly memorable for all of us.”
Scervino praised Sirianni for his efforts.
“I would like to personally acknowledge the head coach for the amazing job he has achieved with this group through meticulous session planning, reviewing countless hours of match play, creating a professional training environment with a strong focus on team unity/camaraderie, while being an extraordinary leader on and off the pitch. As the club technical director for Niagara United Soccer Club, I have had the opportunity to watch Paolo’s growth and development as a coach over the years, which was driven by his passion and love for the game, along with his determination and perseverance to be a high level coach one day. Juventus Academy Niagara directors are very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience and witness theses amazing accomplishments with this group. Moving forward, Juventus Academy Niagara will continue to grow and strive for excellence in Ontario, by utilizing this exceptional group of players and coaches as a sample to what hard work, effort, and laser focused mentality can achieve today, tomorrow and into the future.”
Sirianni is already looking forward to 2025.
“We are looking bigger and beyond for next year.”
