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Woodbridge Strikers win U-14 OPDL Charity Shield in penalty thriller

By Staff, 11/01/18, 12:45AM EDT

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Woodbridge’s keeper Giancarlo Varano would stand tall making two saves to give his team a chance to win

Play. Inspire. Unite. 

The top soccer athletes in Ontario were in action this weekend as the Ontario Soccer Centre played host to the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Charity Shield.

Twelve teams, across six divisions, competed for provincial glory as the U-14, U-15 and U-17 OPDL age groups wrap up their 2018 seasons.

In the U-14 Boys division, Whitby SC took on the Woodbridge Strikers in close affair.

Woodbridge got things going in the 25th minute when Oluwasefunmi Taiwo pounced on a rebound to make it 1-0 for his side.

Whitby would draw levels five minutes from half time when a deflection off a Woodbridge defender found the head of Erion Metaj who made no mistake in heading the ball into the back of the net.

Both sides would trade chances throughout the remainder of the game but neither side could find a way through.

The game would end 1-1 and they headed to penalties.

In penalties Woodbridge’s keeper Giancarlo Varano would stand tall making two saves to give his team a chance to win.

Kyle Lush would follow that up with a save of his own to keep his team in the match.

With the score 3-2 in penalties Woodbridge stepped up to the spot and Lush would make another spectacular save to give his side another chance at life.

Whitby would convert their chance to knot the score at 3-3 and send it to extra shooters.

In extra shooters, Woodbridge converted their chance and Whitby missed theirs and Woodbridge was crowned U-14 Boys OPDL Charity Shield champions.

Scouts from around North America were in attendance all weekend to take in the action. As well, representatives from Canada Soccer were on site to witness the next generations of stars.

While also an integral opportunity to showcase the immense talent found within the OPDL before fellow OPDL members, scouts and families, the Charity Shield raises money for Ontario charities.

Every dollar accumulated through the $5 admission rate is donated to Ontario charities, as chosen by the winning teams in each match.

Woodbridge donated their proceeds to the Canadian Liver Foundation. 

OPDL Charity Shield highlights

Highlight of the Match

Championship Photo

Visit the Ontario Soccer Facebook page for all the photos from the final.