Sunday afternoon, the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan saw an intense battle for the U16 Boys District title as part of the 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup. Vaughan Azzurri YRSL took on Hamilton Croatia for the final match of the weekend, and after a dramatic 1-1 draw, Hamilton Croatia clinched the championship in a tense penalty shootout, winning 5-4 in sudden death.

The match kicked off with Vaughan pushing the tempo early. In the first minute, Brandon Umana-Ramirez sent in a dangerous cross to Mikhail Vongphakdy-Veleno, setting the tone for an aggressive Vaughan attack. Just six minutes later, Vaughan was awarded a penalty kick, but Hamilton keeper Marcus Sulug stepped up in a big way, not only saving the initial attempt but also blocking the immediate rebound.

Hamilton responded in the 16th minute with a threatening free kick, but Vaughan’s goalkeeper Gianluca Lamacchia was equal to the task, making a solid save to keep the match scoreless. Hamilton continued to press with another free kick in the 25th minute, only for Vaughan defender Adam Campoli to clear the ball off the goal line. Two minutes later, Hamilton tested Vaughan again with a shot saved by Lucarelli.

Vaughan almost broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Renzo Mbaguta Muhirwa’s shot was denied by Sulug, but they finally found the breakthrough just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Umana-Ramirez capitalized on a chance to put Vaughan up 1-0, giving his side momentum heading into the break.

The second half saw both teams create opportunities. Vongphakdy-Veleno tried his luck from distance in the 55th minute, but Sulug remained sharp. Hamilton’s Marko Moravac came close to equalizing in the 76th minute, sending a shot just wide of the post. Vaughan had a chance to ice the game in the 82nd minute when Umana-Ramirez found himself in a good position, but his shot sailed wide.

Despite a flurry of late Vaughan attempts, none could find the back of the net. With time running out, Hamilton Croatia found their lifeline. In added time, Moravac’s intended pass to a teammate went uncollected, so he scooped up the loose ball and chipped it over the Vaughan keeper, bringing Hamilton level at 1-1.

Vaughan had one last chance to win the match with a dangerous free kick in the dying moments, but Mico Penich made a clutch goal line clearance, sending the game to penalties.

In the shootout, both teams were sharp, but Vaughan missed one crucial shot, allowing Hamilton Croatia to win 5-4 and secure the U16 Boys District title in dramatic fashion.

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