Both teams came out playing a disciplined and direct game with few mistakes being made by either side.
The teams were very evenly matched in the first half with the both defensive formations limiting the number of scoring chances.
By half-time, neither side had found the back of the net and the scoreboard stood at 0-0.
The second half was a see-saw battle with both teams pressing for the go-ahead goal.
As the clock ran down, both teams upped the pace and intensity, but no clear advantage was created by either side and it seemed this match would be decided by kicks from the penalty mark.
The, in the first of two minutes extra time, a flash of brilliance as a cross from the left side found the right foot of the Lightning’s #6 Katie Arsenault who drilled the ball into the back of the net to give Pickering a 1-0 lead.
At the final whistle, the remaining minute of extra time had run out for the Red Devils and the Pickering Green Lightning were crowned Ontario Cup Champions.
Coaches’ Comments:
Reported by Robyn Gmeindl / OSA Competition & Events Coordinator
Photos & Video by Wolf Ruck / OSA