The Bonnyville Blaze U14 Girls soccer team is looking to learn lessons after taking silver in this past weekend's provincials in Beaumont, hoping to capture gold next year, coming back stronger and wiser.
After beating both Beaumont and Sylvan Lake on Saturday 5-1 and 2-0 respectively, the girls followed up those victories with one over Athabasca in the semi-finals Sunday morning, 2-1.
Despite dominating possession and territory in the first half of the gold medal game against Thorsby, the girls lost the game 2-0 after Thorsby managed to score 10 minutes into the second half on a partial breakaway. Despite continued pressure, the girls were unable to score as Thorsby's strong defensive line and goaltender managed to hold off their efforts.
With less than a minute to go, Thorsby scored with a free kick outside the penalty area, ending the game 2-0.
"While the girls were disappointed, it was an excellent result for us," said coach Scott Cameron. "Many of these girls were a part of last year's U12 team that won provincial gold, so they were really hoping to win back-to-back titles. Of the 20 players on our provincial tournament roster, only five were second year players (born in 1998). The other 15 (all born in 1999), will all be back next year, one year stronger and wiser, looking to capture the gold."
