The U17 Girls 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup Final between Barrie Spirit and Guelph Jr. Gryphons Red lived up to the anticipation, delivering a thrilling contest under unpredictable conditions at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre. With the weather in Vaughan shifting between wind, rain, and fleeting moments of sunshine, both teams battled through the elements in a game that would ultimately be decided by penalties.

The first half saw Guelph Jr. Gryphons take control early, with Rylie Anselmini breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute. Anselmini showcased her skill, weaving through multiple Barrie defenders before unleashing a precise shot into the high corner of the net, putting Guelph ahead 1-0.

Just three minutes later, Guelph doubled their lead when Rachael Van Milligen fired a free kick from distance, sending a screamer into the opposite high corner, leaving the Barrie defense stunned and giving Guelph a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Barrie had chances to respond late in the first half, but Guelph goalkeeper Julia Delaney was in fine form. Delaney made an impressive save in the 41st minute, denying a dangerous Barrie chance, and followed it up just two minutes later, snatching the ball out of midair from a threatening corner kick to preserve Guelph’s lead heading into halftime.

In the second half, Barrie Spirit came out with renewed determination. Barrie goalkeeper Hayley Tilotta kept her team in the game with a crucial save in the 48th minute, and moments later, Barrie found a breakthrough. Briley Cafaro capitalized on a loose ball in the box, firing it into the top corner in the 50th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The momentum shifted further in Barrie’s favour as they found an equalizer in the 62nd minute. A well-placed corner from Renee Reiper found Brynn Emack, who tapped the ball in to level the score at 2-2, sending Barrie fans into a frenzy.

Guelph had a late chance to regain the lead in the 84th minute, but the shot went off target. Despite Guelph’s early dominance, Barrie was the more offensively aggressive team, taking 11 shots compared to Guelph’s 7 throughout the match.

With the score tied after regulation, the match headed to penalties. Both teams made four successful penalties, while one was saved, pushing the shootout into sudden death.

The pressure mounted as both goalkeepers came up with clutch saves on the first attempts in sudden death. Then, Julia Delaney proved to be the hero for Guelph, making another critical save to give her team the advantage. Laila So stepped up next and coolly slotted home the decisive penalty, securing a hard-fought victory for Guelph Jr. Gryphons Red.

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