In a thrilling showdown at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre on Sunday afternoon, Ottawa Soccer United dominated Pickering FC to claim the U16 Girls Final in a 2-0 victory. 

The action kicked off early, with Ottawa’s forward Naomi Lofthouse testing the Pickering defence in the 8th minute, driving a powerful attempt that was denied. Pickering struggled to find their footing, and in the 13th minute, Mia Ugarte took a free kick for Ottawa that deflected off the defensive wall. Showing her quick reflexes, Ugarte collected the rebound and fired again, forcing Pickering’s keeper, Jess Petkovski, to make a crucial save.

As the game progressed, Ottawa kept up the pressure. Lofthouse directed a shot straight to the keeper in the 25th minute, and Cindy Yang nearly found a breakthrough moments later. Yang navigated through two defenders off an awkward bounce but had her chipped attempt blocked by the ever-alert Petkovski.

At the half, Ottawa had already registered seven shots, five of which were on target, while Pickering managed just one attempt on goal. The halftime numbers highlighted Ottawa’s clear dominance, but Pickering’s defensive resilience kept them in contention.

The second half saw Ottawa capitalizing on their momentum. In the 62nd minute, Yang executed a brilliant turn and fire shot from the top of the crease, sending it just out of the reach of the keeper to put Ottawa ahead 1-0. The goal was a testament to Yang’s composure and quick reflexes in a crowded box. Moments later, in the 63rd minute, Yang struck again with a left-footed effort from the left side of the crease, doubling Ottawa’s lead.

Pickering’s defence held firm under relentless pressure, and their keeper, Petkovski, made a crucial punch save in the 69th minute to clear a dangerous cross. Abigail White nearly added a third goal for Ottawa in the 77th minute, and just two minutes later, she hit the crossbar after receiving a well-placed feed from Yang, narrowly missing another chance to extend the lead.

Ottawa continued to dominate possession and chances, finishing the game with a commanding performance. The final whistle marked a deserved 2-0 victory for Ottawa Soccer United, who demonstrated their attacking prowess and their defensive discipline. 

Watch the full game on the Ontario Soccer YouTube channel.

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