THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Thunder Bay Chill is on the road this weekend to start the 2013 PDL season in Winnipeg to play two games against WSA Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba Soccer Complex. The Chill is looking to start the season with a couple of victories as they venture towards making the post season for the 7th season in a row.
WSA Winnipeg started their season on the road last weekend when they traveled to Des Moines, IA to face the Menace and lost 1-0. The Chill is 7-1 against WSA Winnipeg who is now entering their third year in the PDL.
Not traveling with the team due to injuries are 2012 PDL MVP Sullivan Silva, new comer Zephaniah Thomas and Adam Augruso. The Chill look to take six points this weekend prior to the home opener on June 1, 2013 against the Des Moines Menace. The Chill is looking to new comer Sunny Omoregie and Gavin Hoy to fill Silva’s shoes and carry the load up front. Omoregie most recent play has been with a first division team in Malta while Gavin Hoy of Thunder Bay plays his collegiate soccer at Oakland University.
The Chill’s back end is again being steadied by veteran goalkeeper Stephan Paterson who is returning for his 10th year with the club. In addition, three out of four defenders from last year also return to solidify one of the stingiest defenses in the PDL in 2012 who allowed only 10 goals in 16 regular season games.
Coach Tony Colistro is very happy with new players that are being added to the midfield, although he cautioned that the team still needs to come together as they have not played much as a unit. “We have a number of options to work with and can play different formations with the players we have available” he commented, “but this weekend will be difficult as we have only been together as a whole team for about a week”, he continued.
Game times this weekend are 8:30 pm EDT on Saturday and 6:00 pm EDT on Sunday.
The Chill is coming off a great season in 2012 with a 13-2-1 record, losing to eventual Champions Forest City London in the Central Conference semi final. The goal this year will be to make it back to the Championship Final where the Chill has been twice before. However, it all starts with these two games in Winnipeg this weekend.
The Thunder Bay Chill plays in the Premier Development League (PDL) which is comprised of 65 teams throughout North America and is in their 14th season of play.
Other Notes – The Chill will open at home next week Saturday June 1, 2013 at the newly named tbaytelfield at Chapples Park. Kick-off is 7:30pm. Few tickets still remain for the league opener against one of the Chill’s biggest rivalry in the Menace. Call the box office at 623-5911 for game day tickets.
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