It’s not easy for the Clarenville High Cougars boys’ soccer team to make it onto the provincial high school soccer scene.
Each year they have to compete in a regional tournament against teams from an area of the province that has a storied soccer history, the Burin Peninsula.
Last month they traveled to Grand Bank for the regional play down. They also played St. Lawrence.
The Cougars earned 3-1 win over Grand Bank but lost to St. Lawrence 3-2 in the final minute of play.
Teacher sponsor Pam Williams says she’s extremely pleased with the team’s performance at provincials. She says even the opposition noticed how improved the Cougars were.
“The coach of Grand Bank made note on our teams’ play and how much they’ve improved over the years,” says Williams. “When our boys first started going to the regionals it was almost like an automatic win for the opposing team. But things have changed. These boys have been together for a while; they’re starting to gel as a team and it’s beginning to show.”
The win over Grand Bank was good enough for a silver medal finish at the regional competition. It also gave the Cougars a wildcard spot at the provincial 3A high school soccer championships that gets underway in St. Lawrence today. That tournament wraps up on Saturday.
Williams says the team is looking forward to playing in the provincial tournament.
“They’re really excited to have the opportunity to play in this tournament and they’re hoping to do well. If they play hard anything can happen."
