The U15 Boys final at the 2024 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield was a tense defensive battle between Ottawa South United (OSU) and Woodbridge, with neither team able to find the back of the net through regular time. After a scoreless draw, Ottawa emerged victorious in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy Saturday night at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan.
Both teams showed attacking intent early in the match, with Ottawa's Ali Nazar testing Woodbridge’s defense in the 16th minute, only to see his shot deflected by Foster Nancarrow.
In the 24th minute, Woodbridge forward Gianluca Simonetta launched a promising attempt but sent it just over the bar. A minute later, Ottawa’s Luka Todorovic fired a shot from long range, but it drifted wide of the target. Ottawa kept the pressure on with a corner kick in the 34th minute, but Caleb Larocque’s effort was comfortably saved by Woodbridge keeper Manatsa Mugadza.
The second half continued in much the same way, with Ottawa nearly taking the lead in the 47th minute from a free kick, only for Mugadza to make another crucial stop. In the 74th minute, Ottawa came agonizingly close when Walter Blakely delivered a cross to Gabriel Elayouti in front of the net, but Mugadza once again denied them with a key save.
Woodbridge had their own opportunities, with Tariq Livermore almost capitalizing on a back pass, but Ottawa keeper Aidan Dehartog reacted quickly to shut down the play. In added time, Woodbridge’s Lucas Snow rose to meet a corner kick with a header, but the ball landed on top of the net. Moments later, Jonathan Vasquez tried his luck from range, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Though Woodbridge outshot Ottawa in the second half, neither team could convert their chances, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Ottawa held their composure, while Dehartog came up with clutch saves to secure the victory. The thrilling finale saw Ottawa crowned champions of the U15 Boys division, capping off a memorable night at the 2024 Gary Miller Charity Shield.
Match Highlights
You can watch the full match on the Ontario Soccer YouTube channel.
Championship Photo
Visit the Ontario Soccer Facebook page to see the full photo album.
