STRENGTH IN DEPTH...07s CSL Boys, who have a goalkeeping vacancy, and 07s CSL Girls
OPPORTUNITIES AT TSA...with welcoming 07s Boys and Girls and emerging coach Neil Jordan
NORTH TORONTO NITROS SOCCER have some sought-after slots open on their gifted 2007 CSL and TSA Boys and Girls squads for Season 2020/21.
The teams will hold Open Development sessions next week as they look for new recruits to complete their rosters ahead of the switch to our indoor training facilities from Tuesday October 13 onwards.
The CSL 07s squads are guided by experienced OPDL level coach Cormac Rea with the TSA groups training under the watchful eyes of emerging Nitros coaching talent Neil Jordan.
Players of all positions are welcome at the Open Development Sessions with the 07s CSL Boys also seeking a dedicated goalkeeper.
Competitive Program Manager Iain King said: “Our aim at every age group of Nitros now is to have three teams enjoying the game from OPDL to CSL to TSA, provincial to regional to district.
“The club mantra of “As many as possible for as long as possible in the best environment possible” is hugely important to every coach in the Technical room.
“Our 07s group throughout the club has so much talent and we look forward to welcoming any new players into the limited slots available to boost the programs further.”
Players looking to join the Nitros family will be welcomed into the squad sessions on the dates shown on home page of the website. Just click here to register.
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 10: 07s GIRLS WIN THE TITLE
THE INVINCIBLES...Nitros 07 CSL Girls went through the entire indoor season at The Hangar unbeaten
PLAYED 18, won 18 and clinched the U13/14 Downsview Hangar Indoor League by 18 POINTS - that was the formidable record of the North Toronto Nitros 07s CSL Girls this winter.
Head Coach Jonathan Coretti is in charge of a depth of talent in an age group where the club also has high hopes for Marc Maunder’s OPDL side.
Yet while Jonathan is looking forward to the outdoor season he believes there should be a hugely respectful glance BACK to the work done with the entire 07s Girls squad by the club’s Grassroots staff led at this age group by Euan Montgomerie.
Jonathan insisted: “This is a true testament to the fantastic work the Grassroots coaches have done at this club.
“There is a load of depth and I am truly lucky to have such a great group of girls.
“The next steps for these girls is to translate our small-sided success in the 6 v 6 format into the bigger game.”
Nitros’ goalscoring record over the indoor season tells a story of domination at the Hangar as they averaged seven goals a game to net 122 over the campaign, losing just seven despite playing without an established keeper.
There is a real recognition within the technical staff at CSL level that these girls must now be pushed to keep them improving.
Jonathan reasoned: “Being as dominant as we were this winter can lead to bad habits if you get too comfortable.
“The CSL outdoor season when it comes will definitely offer greater challenges which will only drive player development even further.”
LOOKING UP...Peyton Price, Rachael Kennedy, Deena Bahaviolos and Amelia Kassam
Alignment between the CSL squads at 06s and 07s level is excellent with the girls often training up an age group to help hone their skills playing at a quicker pace.
And in the last Greater Toronto Indoor Soccer League (GTISL) game before the Coronavirus Crisis stuck there was a chance for two 07s to be called up with the roster short.
Full-back Peyton Price and midfielder Rachael Kennedy did not disappoint in a 1-1 draw with second-placed Paris FC at Mississauga Stadium.
Jonathan smiled: “I was very happy to see both of them being able to have an impact with the 06 squad.
”My goal is to push players to the next level, whether it be playing up in age or OPDL.
“I think our team has many players that can potentially take that next step with hard work.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
EARLY RISERS...Neil Jordan's 07s TSA Boys at 8am ahead of a thrilling win over Mooredale at UCC
THE clock on the famous tower that looms over the picturesque campus of Upper Canada College shows 7.34am on a chilly February Saturday morning.
A day in the life of North Toronto Nitros Soccer’s Competitive Program has just begun.
Irishman Neil Jordan, Head Coach of the TSA 07 Boys, walks briskly through the snow-covered grounds seeking the heat of the UCC Dome and a 9 v 9 exhibition match against Mooredale SC.
Neil, one of Nitros’ emerging coaching talents, is in charge of both the boys and girls TSA squads in this age group.
This is a big day for the boys who are in a dual age group 6 v 6 Indoor League at Downsview Hangar and have had some tough learning experiences in the winter season.
Yet the enthusiasm and desire to improve from dedicated players like midfielder Christian Micucci is as keen as ever.
Beaten 3-1 in Game One of this exhibition series, the challenge is to see if the boys can improve their passing and positional sense and it’s an uplifting performance.
Goals from Conor Sargent (2), Sebastian Giorgi and Everest Shen land a thrilling 4-3 success and Neil grins: “It’s great to see how much the win meant to them and the smiles on the faces.
“More importantly, though, the performance was excellent and they played the right way connecting seven passes for Conor’s second goal. That shows they are taking how we train on board.”
As the boys depart UCC, with another game at Downsview later that day to look forward to, Nitros coaches across The 6ix are beginning their game day preparations.
It’s 1pm at The Hangar and Head Coach Jonathan Coretti is readying his gifted CSL 07 Boys squad for a clash with CAQ Soccer.
They are a dominant title-chasing force in this league but make a sloppy start and are one down within seconds only to recover and romp to a 9-1 win with the help of hat-tricks from Ryan Sarkhosh and Rowan Polanco.
The result sees the 07s move to 102 goals in their 13 outings, an average of almost EIGHT a game but more is asked of them.
TREBLE SHOOTERS...Ryan Sarkhosh and Rowan Polanco
Coach Coretti stresses: “This is a dedicated and serious squad and they were annoyed at themselves for that start.
“The indoor game helps us teach them rotations and movement and they are beginning to master parts of that. We now have a big game coming up against Wexford as the boys target winning the indoor regular season title.”
As the 07s walk from the field veteran Nitros coach Dennis Goodridge takes over the bench with his 06s TSA Boys who face Thornhill Thunder in the same division.
Dennis, this year starting out on his journey towards his Canadian C Licence, saw his side get off to a tough start this winter but they have found their feet now and this is a testing point.
Last time out against this opposition on November 30 they lost 7-1 now two months on there is optimism and momentum after three wins on the spin. Can they do it?
The answering is a resounding yes as Tudor Avram scores twice in a 2-1 win, a morale-boosting turnaround for the squad.
FOUR ON THE SPIN...after a tough start Dennis Goodridge's 06s TSA Boys are improving week by week
Coach Dennis reflects: “They are learning to defend better and in a more structured way through their practices and that has given them a foundation for this run of wins.
“It’s giving them confidence and they are enjoying their soccer which I love to see.”
As Dennis’ side keep the ball rolling on Field 1 yards away on Field 2 Coach Coretti’s CSL 07s Girls juggernaut rack up their THIRTEENTH straight win with a 3-0 triumph over Markham Lightning.
This puts them a massive 13 points clear of Oshawa Kicks in the standings thanks to goals from Peyton Price, Alyssa Freer and Mia Tamburri and the regular season title in that division is looming.
Coach Jonathan stresses: “We need to keep challenging this group and that’s why they will play 5 v 5 tomorrow against our 06s Girls squad who are bigger, stronger and faster than them.
“Ahead of the outdoor season we want to keep pushing them on their passing and receiving skills and their speed of play.”
After that morning boost against Mooredale the 07 TSA Boys are back in league action against Markham Lightning, the team directly above them in the standings.
Being a U13 TSA side in a division that includes U14 sides - including their club mates - is a demanding ask of Coach Neil’s side but the improvement is starting to kick in.
He asks for the same again and with midfielder Micucci inspiring his team he gets it with striker Sebastian Giorgi scoring all FOUR in a thrilling 4-2 win that reignites hopes of making the Play-Offs.
KEY MEN...four-goal Sebastian Giorgi and Christian Micucci
The 4pm kick-off with the 07 TSA Boys means Neil has a conflict as his 07s TSA Girls face North York on Hangar Field 2 at the same time and Manager of Coach Development Iain King takes the technical area for this one.
Again these girls are in a double age group division but Neil’s work on their defensive shape during the week pays off as a Semerah Gravesande hat-trick and a goal from the outstanding Julia Correia secure a 4-0 triumph and the team’s fourth league win of the season.
ON TARGET...hat-trick Semerah Gravesande and Julia Correia
It’s 5pm now and the turn of 05 Girls Head coach Humberto Ferreira’s two groups to take the fields.
Sadly, a time conflict means he can’t be with his TSA side at The Hangar and they go down 4-0 to High Park in a double age division where they have held their own all winter.
Coach Humberto, meanwhile, is at Ontario Soccer Centre with the 05s CSL Girls who are held to a 0-0 draw by an improving Oshawa Turul Fury side.
After six straight wins in the Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) this is the team’s first dropped points as they stay on course for the title.
Humberto sighs: “We had a shorter roster than usual and our rivals have certainly improved this season but the girls were frustrated.
“We remain well in command at the top of the table, though, and the girls have been so focused this season that I know they will bounce back in the next match.”
It’s 8pm now and back at The Hangar former League1 midfielder Russell Rodrigues, Head Coach of the TSA 04 Girls, leads his side to a 9-0 cruise over Bolton Wanderers that enhances their hopes of making the season-ending Play-Offs in March.
Across the city in the Central Tech dome it’s 11 v 11 action now for Iain King’s 06 CSL Boys as they bid to come back off their first two defeats in the Greater Toronto Indoor Soccer League following a four-game unbeaten start.
They do it in a 4-2 thriller against Unionville with captain Elliott Clubb, Rehan Habib, Mani Majidi and Sean Ware grabbing the goals.
BACK ON TRACK...the 06s CSL Boys stormed to a 4-2 win over Unionville in a Central Tech thriller
Iain smiles: “This team puts you through an emotional wringer, we were excellent moving two ahead then gifted away two goals in two minutes to be 2-2 at half.
“I was proud of them in the second-half, though, they are learning new formations and a new mentality out of possession and they stuck to it and passed the ball well to get the win.
“Luca Cohen in midfield exemplified that, his cross for the goal to clinch it was top drawer.”
As Iain packs up to head for home experienced Nitros coach Martinho Kibato’s 03 CSL Boys are in action at Markham Dome in the highly competitive U17 PISL and are edged out 1-0 by East York Predators.
This, though, is a group playing a high level of entertaining soccer under the guidance of a coach with professional playing experience in Portugal and Germany and the talent there is developing at pace.
At 10pm at The Hangar - 12 hours after the 07 Boys TSA side took the field at UCC - Callum Fleming’s 03 CSL Girls kick off against rivals West Toronto in U17/18 division.
The girls are left down after a 2-1 defeat but remain upbeat about the season’s prospects and Callum insists: “That was only our third loss of the season and we have reacted positively after each one.
“The girls have worked really hard indoors this season and we are in good shape for the Play-Offs. The leaders High Park are a year older than us but we will aim to impose our speed of play and movement in the Play-Offs and see where that takes us.”
At 11pm Callum’s team trudge from the field and a Day in the Life of The Nitros Competitive Program is over.
Eleven of our 14 teams have been in action, seven wins, one draw and three defeats across the GTA but far more importantly the club’s mantra and vision has been adhered to.
“As many as possible for as long as possible in the best environment possible.”
Across The Nitros Family in the households of the players, the parents and the coaches it’s time for sleep. After all, there’s practice tomorrow…
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 9: TARA IS A FOUR-CE
ON THE GOAL TRAIL...Tara Davis scored four as Nitros stayed on top of the pile in the PISL
PROVINCIAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (PISL)
GIRLS UNDER-18
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…6 BRAMS UNITED…0
FOUR-GOAL Tara Davis was the star of the show as Nitros dominated their opposition to stay top of the league ahead of a crunch clash with title rivals Oshawa Kicks Renegades at Lamport Stadium on Saturday February 8.
Rosie Nichols and Diba Heydary were also on target in an excellent performance as Head Coach Shane O’Flaherty’s side shrugged off their first league defeat of the indoor season at the hands of Blue Devils Academy in their opening game of 2020.
This time the girls were at it from the first whistle and coach Shane stressed: “It was an excellent performance right from the goalkeeper outwards.
“Our no1 Katarina Rezek made some terrific stops to keep the opposition scoreless and give us the platform for the win.”
Now it’s Oshawa next time out and a huge match for this dedicated squad as they chase the PISL title to add to their honours from last season.
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 8: 05s GIRLS ROLL SIX TO STAY TOP
TITLE IN THEIR SIGHTS...05s Girls with coaches Lisa Parker and Humberto Ferreira
PROVINCIAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE
UNDER-15 GIRLS
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…2 KING UNITED ROYALS…0
DOMINANT Nitros racked up their SIXTH straight win and sent out a message to their title rivals in the PISL this winter.
Goals from Mia Filippazzo and Isabella Franco saw the Green Machine stretch their lead at the top in what has been a superb indoor campaign to date.
This was top against second and seen as a potentially hazardous game for Head Coach Humberto Ferreira’s side but Nitros reacted superbly to the latest obstacle placed in front of their target of clinching the championship.
On a snow-hit Saturday news of the girls’ triumph warmed the hearts of everyone in the Competitive Program.
And afterwards coach Humberto reflected: “We dominated the majority of the play, however, we were unable to capitalise on the majority of our opportunities.
“Overall the girls played well. I was very happy with our defensive organisation and transitions both ways.”
With our girls at 07s, 05s, 03s and 02s all in title contention and the 06s also showing solid development it has been an excellent Fall and Winter for the female CSL program.
Every program boasts very competitive rosters and the 05s are a terrific example of the talent that exists to give North Toronto Nitros Soccer strength in depth throughout their age groups.
Humberto stressed: “The girls have had an amazing season thus far. We have shown dominance in the league and there is massive growth from the outdoor season to now.
"The girls are playing like they are in first place, and practicing like they are in second. That is the foundation of our success thus far.”
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 7: OUR U17 GIRLS No1 PRIORITY
GREEN MACHINE...Callum Fleming's 03 Girls CSL side have made an excellent start to the winter season
NORTH TORONTO NITROS SOCCER’S 03 CSL Girls wrapped up their first half of the Hangar League Indoor 6 v 6 season with just one defeat in their first eight games and their sights still firmly on the title.
In what is a combined age group league with U17 and U18 teams, our younger side lost 3-2 to Toronto High Park’s older age group in the closing game before the holiday break.
They have since bounced back with a 6-0 success over High Park’s 17s ahead of this weekend’s clash with Markham Lightning.
Head Coach Callum Fleming - a former Nitros League One midfielder - is one of our promising developing sideline talents.
And as he looked ahead to Part Two of the season he reflected: “The loss to High Park puts us a point behind them in the league but we will play them in the last game of the season and will hopefully make up for it then.
“That defeat was disappointing, we fell behind 3-0 and ran out of time with our comeback.
“Overall, though, we've had a good first half of the season. My expectations are high and if we play to our full capability then I am hopeful we will have a chance to win the regular season on the final day of the season.”
As a player in Nitros colours Callum was always a dedicated trainer and a fiercely determined competitor on match days.
That has not changed as a coach as we look to drive forward as a club and improve every squad in the standards-based CSL environment.
BY THE LEFT...Nitros striker Sammy York slams in a shot in the win over Asante Elite Pic: Aris Zakinthinos
Callum stressed: “Our goal is to win the league. In my first year coaching we lost some very meaningful games - the semi final of the play-offs in the Hangar to Nitros 2002 last winter when we went down 1-0 and the Cup Final of the Summer League 2-1 on penalties.
“That makes you want to take the next step forward as a team and win games like that.
“While our top priority is success in the CSL this summer, learning to play our best and to get results when it matters most is important for our team.
“In addition to that, we need to continue to build chemistry on the field and identify the roles our players are going to have moving forward.”
This dedicated squad has strong competition for places within it and Callum is looking for the players to inspire each other to improve in 2020.
He reasoned: “While it will be difficult to improve the results in the second half of the season, I’m still looking for more consistency on the field.
“As coaches I feel we always have to look past the scoreboard to finer details such as executing a game plan or learning from prior mistakes.
“The winter is about building into the team we are capable of becoming. It’s never going to be a linear process, there will be good weeks and bad weeks, but if we continue to put in the work I think we can put ourselves into a position to have success at the next level.”
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 6: SHANE'S U18 GIRLS TOP TABLE
ON THE RIGHT ROAD...the gifted U18 Girls with coach Shane O'Flaherty are riding high in the PISL
NORTH TORONTO NITROS U18 Girls have finished the decade on top of the Provincial Indoor Soccer League after making a four-game unbeaten start to their campaign.
A 1-0 win over Clarkson Comets kept Head Coach Shane O’Flaherty’s side in pole position ahead of the holidays.
Outfield players Rosie Nichols and Rachel Turnbull had to put a shift in between the sticks for this one and played a half each, showing terrific team spirit.
And Shane smiled: “They both showed what this team of girls is all about.
“It’s great to finish the decade on top of the provincial league. We look to carry this form into 2020 and fight for the title till end of the season.”
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 5: NEW-LOOK 06 BOYS' SOLID START
IN GOOD SHAPE FOR 2020...some of the 06s Boys CSL squad ahead of their Ontario Cup campaign
NORTH TORONTO NITROS SOCCER’S 06 Boys CSL side have made an impressive four-game unbeaten start to life in the Greater Toronto Indoor Soccer League (GTISL).
The boys were disappointed to leak a late equaliser in their opening 1-1 draw with Pickering before racking up an excellent 4-1 success over Brampton SC in Game Two.
Striker Eric An grabbed the goal in the curtain-raiser and was on target again in that success with new signings Sean Staveley and Rehan Habib and Nitros veteran Chris Wall also on target.
Game Three saw a 0-0 stalemate in a well-matched encounter with Croatia Norval and that set up the final game before the break against Toronto High Park FC.
Nitros pressured an own goal for the opener before the game’s MVP Wade Nelson smashed home a 25-yard free-kick to make it two.
Simon Jarvis then pressed high to win possession from a defender and clip home the third in an explosive opening nine minutes.
After the break Eric An rifled in his third of the season before Jackson Ely capped an excellent CSL debut with a deft dribble in the box that culminated in a shot slammed into the corner.
The best was saved until last as striker Sean Ware took possession on the angle of the box to drift home a brilliant chip and seal a 6-0 success.
Nitros sit handily placed in fourth place two points off the top of the table and Head Coach Iain King said: “We are only at the outset with this group but they are making good progress and learning every time they take the field.
“We have been edged out in excellent exhibition matches with Richmond Hill and Croatia Norval and those games have shown they have much to learn, particularly in transitions after we lose the ball.
“They are growing as a team, though, we have signed five new players and brought four up from our TSA squad and they are starting to gel now.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how they deal with the challenges at the top of the table in 2020 as we have some big games against the top teams coming up.”
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 4: 05s GIRLS TO THE FOUR
NORTH TORONTO NITROS 05 CSL Girls have marched to a flawless 4-0 record to stay top of the Under-15 Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL).
Head Coach Humberto Ferreira’s side carved out an important 3-1 win over Woodbridge Strikers in Game Three with Isabella Franco, Annia Pavli and Odry Silva all on target.
After that one coach Humberto reflected: “In the first-half both teams had periods of dominance scoring one goal.
“The second-half was completely different and after some adjustments our team dominated and controlled the opponent and the ball possession scoring two more goals.”
That win was followed by a tough challenge against Oak Ridges Knights but the girls found the answers again with a 1-0 triumph to keep the ball rolling at the top.
Game Five now beckons next Saturday, December 21, when the 05s face Brams United at Wet ’n Wild intent on going into the holidays with that perfect record and top spot intact.
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 3: IT'S 07s SUPER SATURDAY
They come through Exhibition and Hangar double-headers with four wins
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…6 RICHMOND HILL RAIDERS…1
NITROS’ 07 Girls journey towards their first 11 v 11 season outdoors took a big step forward with an excellent exhibition win over Richmond Hill at Downsview Dome.
Striker Deena Bahaviolos scored a hat-trick with Caitlin Davies, Amelia Kassam and Sophie Breeze also on target for Jonathan Coretti’s side.
Coach Jonathan said afterwards: “It was a great opportunity for the girls to play on the big field and we remain very much a work in progress.
“There were a lot of positives, though, and we passed the ball really well at times and looked confident in possession which was nice to watch. It was a big Saturday for us.”
WSSC MUSTANGS…0 NORTH TORONTO NITROS…1
PART TWO of a hectic day for the 07s Girls saw them edge out title rivals Mustangs in the 6 v 6 Hangar League to rack up their sixth straight win.
Striker Bahaviolos notched the winner as the girls - who have averaged eight goals a game so far - were given their biggest test yet against WSSC.
This latest success puts Nitros five points clear at the top of the table as they continue their development throughout the winter indoor season.
NITROS FAMILY...the 06 Boys and 07 Boys enjoyed their integration 6 v 6 session. The winners were (left to
right from back) Tilian Steininger, Eric An, Simon Jarvis, Liam Stone, Max Doherty and Ashkan Sheykhi
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…4 WOODBRIDGE STRIKERS…0
JOAQUIN CLARKE grabbed a double as Nitros 07 Boys got some valuable 11 v 11 time under their belts in a competitive exhibition game against Woodbridge at Downsview Dome.
Ashkan Sheykhi and Ryan Sarkhosh were also on the mark but this was an excellent team display as the boys began to put into practice some of the hard work being done on the training field under the guidance of Jonathan Coretti.
Keepers Michael Konstantopoulos and Ryan Tiltack racked up clean sheets and Jonathan reflected: “What pleased me the most was that we had worked on pressing the ball high in an organised fashion and at times they pulled that off really well.
“This is a dedicated squad and they are a lot of fun to work with right now, always focused and ready to learn.”
WEXFORD…5 NORTH TORONTO NITROS…6
FOUR-GOAL Ryan Sarkhosh helped shoot Nitros back into the Hangar League title contention with an excellent striking performance against leaders Wexford.
Noah Amaha and match-winner Rowan Polanco were also on the scoresheet as Nitros moved to within a point of the championship pace after two frustrating early season losses to Gil Vicente and Brampton.
It was a busy day for players like the hard-working Andreas Carneiro after that morning exhibition but the 07 Boys mirrored their Girls clubmates with two big results in both formats of the winter game.
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 2: GIRLS LEAD THE WAY
Clean sweep! FOUR Nitros sides top their league tables and 06s win too
GIRLS 02 PROVINCIAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (PISL)
BRAMS ACADEMY…0 NORTH TORONTO NITROS…2
TARA DAVIS and Ariana Bill got last season’s CSL League Cup holders off to a flyer on opening day in the Provincial Indoor Soccer League.
And there was a further boost for the girls afterwards when Nitros announced the team will be hailed at the AGM for their achievements in the summer season.
Head Coach Shane O’Flaherty revealed: “The club will be recognising our CSL Cup victory of last season at the Annual General Meeting on Monday night (November 25) and that’s a great gesture.
“It gives us a chance to reflect and enjoy what was an excellent achievement for the girls.”
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…2 OSHAWA KICKS RENEGADES…2
NITROS grabbed a hard-earned point against tough opposition in Game Two of the PISL and remain undefeated so far with four points from their opening matches.
This time around with injuries and absences the girls had a squad of just 12 players - with two 05 players called up - but they battled back from two down to grab a well-earned point against last season’s CSL League champions.
Rosie Nichols ripped home a screamer of a free-kick to get Nitros back into the game before Mia Vandekas chased down a ball that left Oshawa’s centre-back and keeper uncertain and nicked in to score.
Head Coach Shane O’Flaherty smiled: “It has been a great start for the girls and we are top of the table on four points now, ahead of Oshawa Kicks on goal difference.
“We showed great fight and a never give up attitude.”
Nitros now face Erin Mills Eagles next on Saturday November 30 at Wet ’n Wild.
GIRLS 03 HANGAR LEAGUE
OSHAWA TURUL…1 NORTH TORONTO NITROS…3
HEAD COACH Callum Fleming hailed his team for a second success on the spin at The Hangar - then admitted his new-look squad remain very much a work in progress.
The former Nitros League1 midfielder said: “We have had a positive start to the season. Our practices have had a good level of intensity and also very competitive.
“Yet as a group we fully understand we still have a long way to go to become the team we want to be.”
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…3 ETOBICOKE ENERGY…1
ON-FORM striker Sammy York scored another double for Nitros as they kept up the heat on those chasing them with their third straight win.
Etobicoke also conceded an own goal as the league leaders set up Game Four this Saturday (November 23) when they will tackle Bolton Wanderers and bid to keep the run going.
FLYING START...10 goals, two wins and six points so far for the 05 Girls CSL side who top the PISL table
GIRLS 05 PISL
NORTH TORONTO NITROS…7 CLARKSON COMETS…0
FOUR-GOAL Mia Filippazzo led the way in a commanding Nitros performance that cemented their place at the top of the Under-15 Girls PISL standings.
Olivia Graham, Amy Maisel and Molly Hektor, with her second of the season, were also on target and Nitros move on to Game Three on Saturday evening (November 23) against Woodbridge Strikers at Wet ’n Wild.
Head Coach Humberto Ferreira, whose side have yet to concede a goal in the league, said: “This was a good performance in terms of our offensive organisation and pressing.
“We were very serious and solid during all the moments of the game especially on our defensive transition.
“The score represents the effort and commitment of each player with their team-mates.”
GIRLS 06 GREATER TORONTO INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (GTISL)
KLEINBURG NOBLETON SC…0 NORTH TORONTO NITROS…2
GOALS from Eva Holzman-Sharfe and Estella Irvine gave Nitros a deserved first league win of the indoor season as they dominated Game Two in the Greater Toronto Indoor Soccer League.
With captain Ally Naccarato pulling the strings in midfield and striker Sasha Wilson assisting on both goals Nitros fully merited all three points.
Head Coach Iain King said: “I felt the girls were very unlucky to be edged out in Game One against Oakville Blue Devils so I was delighted for them here.
“We could - and should - have scored more but the back four of Audrey Antonio, Brooklyn Whalen, Maggie Atkinson and Laura Kelly were so solid again and we never looked in danger.”
GIRLS 07 HANGAR LEAGUE
NITROS 07 Girls CSL squad have made a dominant start to their Hangar League campaign crashing in 34 goals in three opening wins to top the table.
The girls - guided by Head Coach Jonathan Coretti - had their resounding latest success with a 12-1 triumph over city rivals Toronto High Park.
Now they face their first big test on Saturday (November 23) when they tackle Brampton Elite.
Our 07 Girls age group is deep in talent with Marc Maunder also leading a strong OPDL squad through their first winter and coach Jonathan reflected: “The girls have looked really strong so far but have to concentrate on continuing to develop their play from the back mentality in the indoor season.”
Strikers Deena Bahaviolos and Alyssa Freer have been in excellent goalscoring form but last weekend’s success over Toronto High Park was also notable for the growing authority at the back from Alex Nodder and Caitlin Davies who stuck to the team’s passing principles as their development continues.
CSL FOCUS EPISODE 1: FLYING START FOR GIRLS
Two sides top leagues, 06s look promising and Deena nets SEVEN for 07s
02 GIRLS PISL
NORTH TORONTO NITROS...2 BRAMS UNITED...0
LAST SEASON’S League Cup winning 02 Girls CSL squad kicked off their Provincial Indoor Soccer League season with an opening 2-0 win over Brams United.
Head Coach Shane O’Flaherty’s side are back in practice for their next Saturday night outing at Markham Sports Dome against Oshawa Kicks Renegades on Saturday November 16.
03 GIRLS HANGAR LEAGUE
MARKHAM LIGHTNING...0 NORTH TORONTO NITROS..3
HOT on the heels of a promotion season into the CSL last time out Callum Fleming's 03 Girls got off to a flyer at The Hangar with striker Sammy York scoring twice on opening day.
Zoe Voudouris grabbed the other as the 03s look to keep up their steady progress since former Nitros League One midfielder Fleming took the next step in his coaching by leading his own team.
05 GIRLS PISL
AURORA...0 NORTH TORONTO NITROS...3
NORTH TORONTO NITROS SOCCER’S 05 CSL Girls surged to the top of the Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) with a comprehensive 3-0 opening day win over Aurora.
Head Coach Humberto Ferreira’s side notched through Molly Hektor, Isabella Franco and Annia Pavli and now face Game Two this weekend with a Saturday evening (November 9) clash against Clarkson Comets in a game that has a 5pm kick-off at Ontario Soccer Centre.
06 GIRLS GTISL
OAKVILLE BLUE DEVILS...1 NORTH TORONTO NITROS...0
EXHIBITION GAME
GENESIS ACADEMY...0 NORTH TORONTO NITROS...3
NITROS have a new-look 21-player squad in the 06s Girls CSL division under the guidance of Head Coach Iain King.
The girls were edged out 1-0 by an excellent Oakville Blue Devils side in their opener in the Greater Toronto Indoor Soccer League (GTISL) but could be proud of their display in their first game together.
That was followed by a confidence boosting 3-0 exhibition game success outdoors on the road in Brampton over Genesis Academy.
Striker Sasha Wilson scored twice and there was a first goal in Nitros’ green for new signing from Mooredale SC Ore Anibaba.
Goalkeeper Madelyne Au made her debut in this one and the coaching staff of King and former NCAA no1 Patricia Koutoulas were later delighted to secure her signing for the season.
Nitros now go into game two of their GTISL quest against KNSC at Monarch Park on Saturday night (November 9) in confident mood.
07 GIRLS HANGAR LEAGUE
NITROS 07 Girls CSL squad had some of their gifted players on duty with the OPDL squad in Ottawa on opening day at The Hangar in the 6 v 6 league but the luckless North York FC found Nitros too hot to handle.
Red-hot striker Deena Bahaviolos scored seven, Katie Pastakia and Jenna Avramis both scored hat-tricks and Alex Nodder and Caitlin Davies were also on target in a resounding opening day win for coach Jonathan Coretti’s side.
MARTINHO'S MARVELS SPOT-ON TO LIFT TROPHY
NORTH TORONTO NITROS SOCCER’S Under-16 Boys are the CSL Cup champions after a dramatic penalty shoot-out triumph over Kleinburg Nobleton SC in the Final.
Nitros edged it 4-3 on penalty-kicks after a 1-1 tie in the season’s finale and their achievement left Head Coach Martinho Kibato to hail a terrific effort from a gifted squad.
Martinho told ntsoccer.com: “I am very proud for the boys and seeing them winning the CSL Cup was special.
“They have been committed, working hard since I took over the team and it is a great pleasure of mine to see them take the Cup home.”
This age group has always had an incredible depth of talent at Nitros with Marko Milanovic’s OPDL side having just sealed three Charity Shields on the spin.
Martinho’s boys show the talent that courses through the entire program at Nitros.
He stressed: “Yasin Ben Mrad brought in the competitive mentality and coupled that with his great individual skills.
“Rei Xhakolli was instrumental in the midfield controlling the pace of the game so often with his ball distribution.
“Daniel Delo was solid in the net with key saving moments through the season, especially at the Final in the shoot-out.
“Those guys were great but I would like to emphasise that this achievement was more one of collective work. The boys wanted to win and they worked so hard for it.”
JOURNEY ENDS IN GLORY FOR 02s GIRLS
RED-DY TO PARTY...the Nitros girls celebrate their League Cup Final win to seal a great season
SOCCER seasons should be journeys of improvement - nothing sums that up better than the route taken by North Toronto Nitros U17 CSL girls in 2019.
At the start of this campaign, with hopes high and ambition keen, Head Coach Shane O’Flaherty’s side were dumped 9-1 by King City in the opening league game of the season.
It would have been easy then to start pointing fingers, for players to go into their shells, for a blame culture to fester.
Instead the dedicated players listened to the guidance of their ebullient Irish coach and his assistant Lyle Scott and they vowed to get better.
This weekend that same team was crowned the CSL League Cup champions and they beat King City 2-1 in the semi-final on the way.
As he soaked up a thrilling end to the season Shane told ntsoccer.com: “The biggest thing of all for the girls was beating King City after what happened in the first league game.
“They are the no2 team in our league and were undefeated in the regular season so to go from 9-1 to beating them shows how the girls have progressed during the season.”
Nitros soccer will always traditionally be about high intensity, winning the ball high and then passing it well. Fast and free-flowing.
Yet at times against strong and physical opponents the girls have to learn a more tactical approach to get the result in competitive play.
Shane admits that was the case against King City and he reasoned: “Suffering such a heavy defeat against King City in the league meant that we had to be very defensive-orientated.
“We played 1-5-4-1 with our wingers doubling up with our full-backs on their wide players who were the biggest threats.
“We looked to frustrate them and catch them on the counter and it worked a treat, we were very compact and organised for the first-half and although they had much of the possession they couldn’t break our low block defensive line and we went into the half tied 0-0.”
After the interval the break Nitros needed as a long Abby Scott clearance sailed up and bounced over the King City keeper and in.
Now with something to cling onto Nitros surged in confidence and Rosie Nicholls smashed a 25-yard volley home to make it two before City pulled one back.
It was too little, too late for the favourites though and Shane’s side held on for a memorable win.
He stressed: “That performance and result shows the maturity the girls have shown since that heavy defeat. They've trained hard and improved massively since the opening game.
“The communication is the biggest change along with being more defensively organised out of possession.
“Our decision-making, choosing the right passes was the difference this time round. We realised when to take risks and when not to.”
After that momentous victory the Final against Oak Ridges beckoned just 24 hours after the semi-final, tough scheduling for a side who had already given so much.
Nitros dug in, though, and got the win they needed with a Rosie Nicholls penalty clinching it.
Shane confessed: “The girls showed a bit of nerves in the Final or it might have been heavy legs from the game the day before .
“Looking back the turning point of our season was a heavy home defeat to Aurora against 10 players.
“We had an honest chat after that match and then we didn’t lose another home game all year.
“Our biggest improvement is us scoring 47 goals compared to 27 last season.
“We are a more attacking expansive team so we have conceded more also but we finished the season in all competitions with 14 wins 3 draws 5 losses.
“That’s a huge improvement on last seasons 9 wins 1 draw 9 losses.”
Coach Shane - who wished the outstanding Camille Flammia a speedy recovery after she was injured in the last league game - believes the improvement in his side is testimony to the worth of the CSL environment.
He said: “The CSL has been a great experience as a whole. It’s a very competitive league and there are no gimme games.
“Overall it’s been a great season, I am so proud of the girls as they have worked so hard in training and games.
“They have shown great maturity and togetherness and winning some silverware is the least they deserved.
“I now look forward to the Provincial Indoor Soccer League starting up in winter.”
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