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Vaughan SC wins U-16 Boys OPDL Charity Shield in penalty thriller

By Staff, 11/02/17, 10:02AM EDT

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Vaughan keeper Carmen Luca Cacioppo makes three penalty saves on the day to lead his team past Toronto FC Academy

Play. Inspire. Unite. 

The U-16 Boys OPDL Charity Shield between Toronto FC Academy and Vaughan SC was a display of athletic prowess and solid skill all over the park.

Things got underway early when Toronto’s Jason Russell-Rowe was hauled down in the Vaughan box, resulting in a penalty in the 7th minute.

Vaughan’s keeper Carmen Luca Cacioppo was up to the task however, turning away the opportunity from the spot to keep it locked at 0-0

Russell-Rowe redeemed himself shortly after as an intercepted pass found his foot and he calmly slotted it home to make it 1-0.

Cacioppo would be called on a few more times throughout the half to keep his team in the game and kept Toronto’s lead to just 1-0 after the first 45. 

After the restart, it looked as though Vaughan had tied it. Dujon Martin, with his back to goal, turned quickly just outside the 18-yard-box and his shot, which beat the keeper, glanced off the post and went wide.

Vaughan continued to press and with just under five minutes remaining they were rewarded for their hard work when a Frank Ross Di Matteo shot deflected off a Toronto defender and found the back of the net, knotting the game at 1-1.  

With both teams pressing for the win, a furious final minutes ensued with both teams trading chances down the stretch.

Neither would be able to find a way through however and the game headed to penalty kicks.

In penalties, Cacioppo starred once again making two saves to lead Vaughan to victory and capture the U-16 Boys OPDL Charity Shield.  

Highlight of the Match

Championship Photo

Visit the Ontario Soccer Facebook page to see all the photos from the final. 

This year, the OPDL is also running a silent auction, where those in attendance and those watching from home can bid on some fantastic prize packs and gear. 

Visit the Silent Auction website to place your bid. 

Last year, over $2,900 was raised and that money was given evenly to Sick Kids Hospital (Vaughan U-14 and U-15 Boys), Breast Cancer Foundation (Ottawa South United U-14 Girls) and Holland Bloorview Concussion Centre (Markham SC U-15 Girls).