Cole Roberts scored twice and added an assist to help propel Windsor Plywood to its second consecutive Williams Lake Soccer League playoff championship Saturday at the Esler Soccer Complex.
In the ladies’ final Chelann Davis found the twine twice for Beamac to boost her club to a 4-1 win over Windsor Plywood.
Roberts, who was later named playoff MVP, opened the scoring early in the first half for Windsor, carrying the ball through a disorganized United Carpet defence to put his club up early.
United Carpet answered back minutes later when midfielder Sean Glanville was hauled down inside the box and connected for his first of three penalty kicks in the match to tie it at 1-1 heading in to the second half.
Windsor’s Nathan Zurak converted on a nice cross from Roberts to open the scoring in the second half, before Glanville, again, evened it up at 2-2.
Roberts put Windsor back on top after punching a loose ball past United Carpet keeper George Fraser on a goal-mouth scramble, before Greg Williams scored an unlikely game winner on a misjudged clearing attempt from close to centre.
United Carpet would make it interesting, however. With time winding down United Carpet forward Grant Gustafson was fouled near Windsor’s goal line, setting up Glanville’s third penalty kick marker to put United Carpet down a goal.
Windsor keeper Aaron Zurak then thwarted off a frantic goal-mouth scramble with just minutes remaining to help his club hang on for the victory.
Windsor beat Celtic Engineering, 5-1, in Thursday’s semifinal, while United Carpet shutout Williams Lake FC 3-0 in its semifinal contest to advance to Saturday’s final. Curt Levens had the shutout in net for United Carpet.
On the ladies’ side Beamac scored four goals in the first half before Windsor found its stride.
Davis (2G), Courtney Strom (1G) and Marilyn Mayard (1G) all scored for Beamac, while Katie McMahen added the lone marker for Windsor Plywood. For her efforts Davis was named playoff MVP for Beamac, while Windsor’s MVP went to McMahen.
Saturday night teams converged at the Oliver Street Bar and Grill to present its year-end awards and dinner. Tom Wong, Windsor Playwood player and owner of Caribou Ski Source for Sports, generously donated prizes for the award winners.
Awards are as follows:
Men’s League Awards
Top goalie (Brad Dobbie Memorial Award): Aaron Zurak (Windsor)
Top defender: Terry Duff (United Carpet)
Top midfielder: Sean Glanville (United Carpet)
Top forward: Grant Gustafson (led league in scoring)
MVP: Luke Moger (Celtic Engineering)
League champions: United Carpet
Playoff champions: Windsor Plywood
Most sportsmanlike: Mike Waterhouse
Russel Lund Memorial Award (team dedication): Grant Gustafson
Oldtimer of the year award: Les McMath (United Carpet)
Playoff MVP: Cole Roberts
Ladies’ League Awards
Top forward: Meagan Cook (Caribou Ski)
Top midfielder: Kylie Gill (Beamac)
Top defender: Shannon Thom (New World)
Top goalie: Crystal Turatus (New World)
MVP: Shannon Thom (New World)
Most improved: Sylke Thamerus (Beamac)
Most sportsmanlike: Sara Fulton (Beamac)
Fran Fulton Memorial Award: Ashlee Turatus (New World)
Bob Rogerson Memorial Award: Heather McKenzie.