Spotlight on U16 Girls & Boys Soccer - Both Teams Won Silver at CISAA Yesterday!
U16 Boys Soccer by Patrick Dermody
It was a thrilling day of soccer in yesterday's CISAA Playoffs, and the U16 Boys Cyclones entertained a small but passionate crowd at St. John's-Kilmarnock on their way to a silver medal.
In a hard-fought contest against local rival Villanova, the Cyclones came out of the gates strong with a goal from top goalscorer Lukas Speranza '27 in the opening minutes. CDS held onto the lead into the second half, when a spectacular volley from Villanova levelled the score at 1-1. The Cyclones didn't give up, however, and Kyle Ortiz Fiallo '27 gave CDS a 2-1 lead from a beautiful header directly from a corner kick. A late penalty miss from Villanova gave the Cyclones the belief that it would be their day, and Max Hekkenberg '27 put the game to bed in the dying moments with a classy finish. The Cyclones defeated their local rivals 3-1 and earned their place in the final game, against hosts St. John's-Kilmarnock
All season, SJK and CDS traded places at the perch of Division II, and it appears the home advantage secured by the hosts could be looked at as a defining moment in the season.
The resilience of the lads was immediately put to the test, as SJK scored in the opening minute. The Cyclones weren't shell-shocked by the early onslaught, and quickly the pitch tilted. After a 20-minute spell of CDS domination, Lukas Speranza found the back of the net yet again, courtesy of a thunderous strike from outside the box, sending the match into halftime tie of 1-1.
Speranza wasn't done there; in the opening minutes of the second half, he unleashed another brilliant strike from 25 yards out, finding the top corner and giving the Cyclones a 2-1 lead. The hosts weren't to be counted out, and found the back of the net themselves to tie it at 2-2.
This final was truly a game of inches -- Nick Montemarano '27 glanced the ball off the crossbar from an effort nearly halfway up the pitch, the Cyclones were denied a number of controversial penalty shots, and after a full 80 minutes and 10 minutes of extra time, there was still nothing to separate the two sides. A penalty shootout to decide the winner of Division II seemed almost inevitable, given the parity of the two sides across the entire regular season and playoffs.
Unfortunately, it was not the Cyclones' day and SJK managed to tuck in one extra penalty to earn themselves the gold. The lads can hold their heads high in the knowledge that it was truly anybody's game, and their performances across the entire season warranted a championship. The outstanding teamwork, support, and friendship on display throughout the fall term was certainly gold-medal quality.
Coaches Mejia and Dermody would like to thank all the lads, parents, and fans who supported them all the way 'till the end. See you next season! Up the Cyclones!
U16 Girls Soccer by Geneva WinterinkOur U16 Girls’ Soccer team had a strong season and played hard throughout. They went into playoffs with a three-way tie between BSS and Branksome Hall and were fortunate to finish in 2nd place (Silver medal) as a result of goals for and against.
They had played Branksome Hall in the semi's and despite Branksome’s rough and aggressive play, CDS kept their cool and capitalized on opportunities. In the final game against Havergal yesterday, our girls knew they were going to be challenged. They tried to change our formation and strategy to play more defensively, but unfortunately could only hold off Havergal's offense for one half.
Throughout the season Kaitlyn Wakeam ‘27 and Sloane Cowan ‘27 led their team in scoring this year, followed by strong offensive plays and contributions from Sofia Circelli ‘27. Taylor Cooper ‘28 was new to the sport and the team this year and stepped up as a center back. This team was made up of a good mix of Grade 9s and 10s, gelled well throughout the season, and are already looking forward to next season! - Coach Winterink
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
