It was a morning of high-intensity Sunday at the Ontario Soccer Centre’s Outdoor field. Woodbridge and Aurora went head-to-head in the 2023 Gary Miller Charity Shield for the U15 Boys Championship, and it was Aurora that came out victorious after a scoreless match. 

There were many great opportunities for both sides  – particularly in the second half – but neither team could find the back of the net through regular time. 

The first big chance came from Aurora in the 14th minute with a powerful strike from Noah Potocnik. Woodbridge’s goalkeeper Nicholas Turchiaro was able to block the shot – the first of many big saves in this faceoff. 

Woodbridge attempted to score in the 29th minute when Noah Girimonte tore down the right flank and fired his shot, but this time it was Aurora’s goalkeeper Alessio Rago who was on the ball, tipping it wide of the net. Another great chance came for Woodbridge in minute 35 when Christian Rotundo crossed to a wide-open Steven Reina at the back post, but his shot went just over the crossbar. 

The second half was much more action-packed, with both sides more than doubling the number of shots attempts. 

Woodbridge’s Ivan Nechyporuk tried for a goal in the 51st minute, but once again Rago was able to deflect the shot. Next, Joshua Nicholson made a 56th minute attempt from range, but put a little too much power behind the ball, sending it over top of the net. 

Aurora made two final attempts in the 64th and 78th minute. The former opportunity came from Alexander Boudreau, who missed just to the right of the net. The latter was by Andrea Morra, but Woodbridge’s Turchiaro made a nice two-handed save. 

With a nil-nil full-time score, the match went into a penalty shootout where Aurora was able to get ahead thanks to their goalkeeper Rago, who blocked three of four shots. In the end, Aurora won the shootout 3-1, making them the Boys U15 2023 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield champions. 

Visit the 2023 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield Match Centre for a recap of all the weekend’s matches. 

Watch the full game on the Ontario Soccer Youtube channel. 

Go to the Ontario Soccer Facebook page for the full album.