THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Lakehead Express (LEX) Under 18 Girls Rep Team defeated the Lakehead Express Grandview Dental Impact 2-1 in the finals of the 2011/2012 Elite Women’s Soccer League (EWSL) indoor playoffs. Goals from Alyssa Johnston and Haley Mrakic secured the win for the LEX youth over their senior counter parts.
After falling behind early courtesy of a goal from Impact’s Nikki Arapov, striker Johnston tied the game shortly after finishing off a chance created by her teams’ combination buildup. Mrakic was the beneficiary of some beautiful passing from the U18G’s, slotting home the eventual game winner in the 15th minute of the first half. The tide changed in the second half with Impact having most of the possession and chances. However, the U18’s defense held strong, back-stopped in goal by Camille Shaw, keeping Impact off the score sheet in the second half, and ensuring the gold medals around their necks.
The win marks the 3rd year in a row that a Lakehead Express team has won the EWSL indoor and outdoor league and playoff titles since the inception of the league. LEX also swept the field in individual awards from the league. Breanne Pasqualino (Impact) won the Top Goal Scorer, Melissa Parenteau (Impact) won the Top Goalkeeper, and Haleigh Robertson (U18G) won the league MVP. This is the second time that Robertson has received this honour. Impact won the regular season of the league with a record of 17 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie, with only 10 goals against. The U18G’s came second in the regular season with a record of 14-4-2, with 55 goals four, and only 15 against.
The Lakehead Express Soccer Club has a longstanding tradition of preparing and developing players to excel and contribute on and off the field. The club is proud to be Northwestern Ontario’s only competitive soccer program that continues to promote all players for scholarship opportunities in Canada and the United States, allowing them to seek success in education through athletics.