Rolling to Victory

By Kelly Sharp

       Keepers were kept busy during 7-aside women's soccer tournament at Michelle Lamarche Fields

The smaller nets and field suited End of the Roll just fine in the Michelle Lamarche seven-aside women’s soccer tournament at the Michelle Larmache fields in Prince George. The division one Prince George women’s soccer team did not allow a goal enroute to capturing the six-team open division. A pair of scoreless ties on the opening day of the tournament left End of the Roll needing three consecutive playoff victories to pocket the $500 first-place prize money. The Prince George team blanked league rival Mr. Quick 1-0 advancing to a semi-final game against Phoenix FC of the Edmonton District Soccer Association. Another 1-0 triumph moved End of the Roll into the open division final. A 3-0 victory over division one opponent Treasure Cove Casino completed the weekend of shutouts. Geotech/Savers won the 16-team recreational division.

The most entries in the seven-year history of the Michele Lamarche tournament reflected the growth of women’s soccer in Prince George. The Prince George Women’s Soccer Association has a come such a long ways since the spring of 1992 when the PGWSA expanded from four to seven teams.

“We can’t take any more teams,” said Prince George Women’s Soccer Association president Shona Talbot. The ’07 PGWSA league features 25 teams, 4 divisions plus room for novice pick-up games.

“More than half the participants in our league are over 30 years of age,” added Talbot.

The head coach of the Phoenix Football Club of Edmonton says women’s soccer is also extremely popular in the Alberta Capital. Comparing soccer facilities is a different matter.

“This is unbelievable,” said Phoenix head coach Paul Maccagno in praising the Larmarche fields.

“It’s a lot better than Edmonton,” said Phoenix assistant coach Morris Storoz. He added the city of Edmonton soccer fields are an embarrassment.

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