Challenge cup Soccer home opening day in St Lawrence.
By Jason Pike.
St Lawrence, NL – This past weekend marked the home opener for the men’s Challenge Cup soccer in the town of St Lawrence. The weather did not really want to cooperate on Saturday’s game with St Lawrence versus the Holy Cross Crusaders. Jake Stanford’s Red and Gold team showed yet another stacked roster much as in years past. This year also boasts the return of Emmanuel Dolo, who many thought after a catastrophic injury in past seasons would never play again. But Dolo showed no impairment in his game to watch his touch on the ball. You would never say this young man had ever been injured.
The St. Lawrence Laurentians played a very defensive game. They’re a very much younger, greener team, led by veteran team captain and now head coach Marc Pittman. The Laurentians of now are a pale comparison to the Laurentian dynasty that has been well-known to this province for decades. But they do have a good base of young up-and-coming talent, that if it’s mentored on the right path, we’ll be a much more competitive team in years to come. But no matter how strong the defence and the outstanding goal-tending ability of Laurentian’s goaltender, Robert Hodge, the Holy Cross Crusaders were relentless and walked away with a 5-0 victory.
On Sunday they were met with torrential rainfalls. The Saint Lawrence Laurentians, with home field advantage once again, took on the Newfoundland Canada Summer Games team. When it rained, it poured and at halftime, the Laurentians were down 1-0 to the very young ambitious Canada Game squad, who are preparing to host the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s Newfoundland. In the second half, it was all Laurentians with Hunter Walsh and Marcus Jackman rallying their team to victory with a goal a piece.
Further challenge cup scheduling info can be found at www.nlsa.CA
Also in Challenge Cup News
Felly Elonda of S’Pairs Optical CBS Strikers was named May Player of the Month in Challenge Cup play.
A leader both on and off the field, Felly has been a dominant force throughout May, scoring four goals in four games, including a highlight-reel bicycle kick against St. Lawrence. His relentless effort and commitment have made a significant impact every time he steps onto the pitch, setting the tone for his team. Felly’s presence has inspired those around him, contributing to his team’s undefeated run so far and solidifying his role as a key player in the Challenge Cup this season.
