Ajax United Magic 1999 Girls: Magic News
Monday, July 132009 A.S.C. Mini Tournament
Magic ’99 Tournament Report
Players on the Ajax United Magic ’99 team got their feet a little wet this past weekend at the Ajax S.C. Mini Tournament. The tournament which took place on Saturday July 11th., and Sunday July 12th. at the Sportplex fields in Ajax, Ontario was the team’s first this 2009 outdoor season, and saw Magic ’99 in the GU10 Group A with four other teams: Whitby, Pickering, Ottawa S. Utd. and Ajax Turboz.
Despite a forecasted thunderstorm, the 9:00 am. kick off for the match against Whitby got off without a hitch. Whitby proved to be bit of a handful for Magic ’99, but the girls hung on to give a decent account of themselves in performance, despite the seemingly lopsided loss to the opponent. Magic ’99’s new found intensity in the second half had Whitby worried momentarily, but not enough to deter them as they also stepped up their game to gallantly stave off Magic ’99's valiant forays into their half.
The skies opened up soon afterwards to deliver the forecasted thunder storm, forcing all competition to a stand still. Luckily, the weather cleared up in time for Magic ‘99’s second game in the tournament against Ajax Turboz, albeit delayed to 12:20 pm. Magic ’99 put up a good fight, but had to again settle for another lopsided loss to a very game Ajax Turboz team.
The third, and last game of the day saw a determined Magic ’99 stepping on to the field against Pickering. Having recovered from two lopsided losses earlier, Magic ’99 quickly established its presence with some intelligent possession play that penned Pickering in their own end for most of the half. The onslaught continued in the second half with Magic ’99 fully in control to chalk up a lopsided victory of its own in the tournament. Pickering however must be commended for continuing to fight to the final whistle. A very spirited team.
Ottawa S. Utd. proved to be a worthy opponent indeed on Sunday, the second day of the tournament. Magic ’99 was first to get on the scoreboard and seemed poised to dominate the opponent. Ottawa S. Utd. however had plans of its own, and battled back gallantly to tie the score. Magic ’99, unfazed by the opponent’s resistance stepped up the pace with some flashes of possession play and tactical build-up to regain the lead. The final whistle eventually sealed Magic ‘99’s second win of the tournament. Ottawa S. Utd. deserves acknowledgement for a clean, hard fought match.
Magic ‘99’s tournament record of 2 – 2 and 0 however, was not good enough to advance to the semi finals, but the girls came away with some very valuable experience and lessons. The Magic '99 coaches and parents alike are quite proud of the girls' demonstration of singular determination and perseverance this past weekend.
Ajax United Magic '99 players, coaches and parents all extend their congratulations to Whitby, the 2009 Ajax S.C. Mini Tournament GU10 champions.