Soccer players open college seasons in fine form

(Note: This is a corrected version of the Soccer Scene column that was published Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012).

By John Rider
Soccer players from Thunder Bay are already back at their respective university or colleges and suiting up for their varsity teams.
Kaitlyn Quarrell kicked off the new campaign in grand style by hitting a hat trick for the University of Detroit Mercy in a 4-0 victory over Canisius. Also starting well was Olivia Colosimo, who playing in the unusual role of left back, but ventured forward to complete the scoring as Butler defeated Indiana-Purdue 3-1.
In men’s varsity action, goalkeeper Mac Pytyck recorded a shutout in his opening game as Delta State University blanked NWCC 4-0.
No doubt we will hear more stories from our out-of-town players in weeks to come.
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LEAGUE WATCH: The Thunder Bay Chill finished off their inaugural campaign in the Winnipeg Youth Soccer League this past weekend. In the Under-18 Boys division, the team recorded a 2-2-0 record over the two days. The highlight was a 3-0 victory over Bonivital SC, with goals from Mitchell Hanusch, Paul Ochnicki and Joseph Quadrilatero.
At the Under-15 level, the boys went 1-2-0. Nick Chiapetta and Hunter Anderson netting in a 2-1 victory over Portage Trail SC.
The Under-14s won two of three games, including a 7-1 win over FCNW. Matthew Pawlicki striking four times and Anthony Valente adding a pair.
On the girls side, the Under-15s went 2-1-0, starting with a 4-1 result over FCNW. On target were Ali Wood, Lexi Adduono, Katherine Meo and Morgan Perozak.
Haleigh Robertson and Jenna Ward each scored as Grand Portage Velocity beat the Chill Under-14 Girls 2-0 in the quarter-final of the Thunder Bay Women’s League division one playoffs.
The Lakehead Express Under-15s edged Mr. Lube 4-2 in the other playoff match.
The Wildcats edged Legends 3-2 and Tigers blanked Ice 4-0 in the second division. Games continue this week with both division finals slated for Wednesday evening at Fort William Stadium.
In the Men’s Premier Soccer League, Adam Augruso, Vince Pileggi and Jon Potvin were all on target as the Rainbow Realty Raiders beat Fury 3-1, while Nick Rizzo scored twice as the Spiders doubled Air Bravo 4-2.
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INTERNATIONAL WATCH: There was disappointment for the Canadian girls at the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup. After thumping Argentina 6-0 in their opening game, the Canadians then lost by 2-1 scores to both Norway and Korea, thus not making it through to the knockout stages of the competition.
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PRO WATCH: Toronto FC came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw with Houston in Major League Soccer action. Montreal Impact blanked DC United 3-0, but Vancouver fell 2-1 to Portland.
Manchester United won its first game of the English Premier League season by beating Fulham 3-2. Rivals Manchester City drew 2-2 at Liverpool, while Chelsea are the early pace makers with three straight wins including a 2-0 result over Newcastle on Saturday.
Other results from top European pro leagues include Juventus defeating Parma 2-0 in Seria A, while AC Milan falling 1-0 to Sampdoria. In Spain, Real Madrid was upset 2-1 by Getafe while fierce fivals Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 with both goals coming from Lionel Messi.

(John Rider’s column runs weekly in The Chronicle-Journal. Reach him with soccer news at jrexp@tbaytel.net)

John Rider’s column runs weekly in The Chronicle-Journal. Reach him at jrexp@tbaytel.net.