On a cool but sunny September morning at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, York Jets Atletico emerged victorious with a dominant 5-2 win over Guelph Jr. Gryphons Red to claim the 2024 U14 Boys MilkUP Ontario Cup.

The match started with a bang as Guelph's Jacob Schubotz wasted no time, finding the back of the net in just the second minute. Schubotz went one-on-one with the York Jets keeper, Eric Wellhauser, finishing cleanly after a precise assist from Nathan Balogun. The early goal set the tone for a fast-paced game, but York Jets Atletico quickly responded.

Just three minutes later, York Jets equalized when Romeo Francis-Quintana threaded a pass to Marcus Shehata, who was unmarked in front of the net. Shehata calmly placed a high corner kick past the Guelph keeper to make it 1-1.

Wellhauser came up big on multiple occasions, making crucial saves in the 13th, 15th, and 31st minutes to keep the game level and deny Guelph any chance to regain the lead.

The momentum shifted in York Jets Atletico’s favour in the 41st minute when Thiago Freitas-Torres launched a ball upfield to Francis-Quintana who scored to give York Jets their first lead of the match at 2-1.

York Jets had an opportunity to extend their lead in the 50th minute with a free kick but missed the chance. However, they didn’t have to wait long for their third goal. In the 54th minute, Quincy Obeng found Arturo Presti near the net. With a defender pressing him, Presti managed to tap the ball into the net, putting York Jets ahead 3-1.

Presti and Francis-Quintana continued their attacking partnership, with Presti adding another goal at the turn of the 71st minute after a brilliant pass from Francis-Quintana. Just two minutes later, Francis-Quintana scored his second of the match off a rebound, making it 5-1.

Guelph fought back late in the game, with Sam Poloni scoring in the 79th minute after a determined run down the field. The goal gave Guelph a boost of energy, but it was too late to mount a full comeback.

Despite the strong start from Guelph, York Jets Atletico took control of the game with clinical finishing and solid defensive efforts, securing a well-deserved victory and lifting the U14 Boys 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup.

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