Just when you think Yukon soccer players have pulled out all the stops, that there couldn't possibly be any surprises left in the bag at least, not this year the local athletes keep turning more heads at Outside tournaments.

This past weekend, seven soccer teams from the territory were in action down south, four of which took part in the Canadian Soccer Association national club championships.

As reported in the Star Tuesday, the Yukon Selects men's squad finished 10th overall, after making history by picking up the first point ever for the territory in a tie with Nova Scotia. They then went on to beat New Brunswick.

But the Selects weren't the only team which posted impressive results, as the U-16 Icebreakers girl's crew also finished 10th, ahead of Newfoundland and P.E.I. During the tournament, the Icebreakers defeated P.E.I. 5-0 in a playoff game.

'They played really well, certainly in the game against P.E.I., which they won,' said Icebreakers coach Bruce Thompson. 'So they beat a province, which was pretty exciting for them.

'We sort of held our own against B.C., too, which was the first game we played. 'They beat us 7-0 but we had several scoring chances.'

Thompson said B.C. was probably the strongest team the Yukon faced, although there were a couple of players on other teams who were putting games together with the national team. The Icebreakers were excited just to be on the field with players of that calibre, he said.

'Our team spirit was really, really good. We had really good midfield play, really strong defence.'

The coach was also impressed with the attitude of the players while they were on the road, pointing out they were quick to rise at 6 a.m. when they had to and were always in bed early.

The Icebreakers will be taking some much-needed time off now that they're back in the territory. They were practicing four times a week for the past couple months in anticipation of the nationals.

But when they do eventually hit the practice field again, they'll do so knowing they're in a better position to compete Outside, now that they know what to expect and how they can raise their level of play.

'I think we're better prepared now,' said Thompson, when asked about the recent success of Yukon soccer teams. 'We have more of an understanding of what calibre is out there.

'I think we can compete very well with all the smaller provinces. They're in there. They could win any of those games.'

Two U-14 teams from the territory were in Moncton, N.B., over the weekend, where they gained valuable experience at nationals. The Blazers and Grizzlies competed in the girl's and boy's categories, respectively, the first time the Yukon went to U-14 nationals.

In their final game, the Grizzlies held N.B. to a 3-3 tie before losing in a shootout. The Blazers won the Fair Play Award for the tournament.

Three more teams were in action at Thanksgiving tournaments in B.C.

The U-16 boys Badgers returned home with a silver medal from the North Delta tourney, collecting a record of two wins, one tie and one loss. Their only loss came in the final, 2-1.

The U-13 boys Krushers claimed one win and two losses in their weekend tournament. Mayo resident Walker Ewing scored three goals for the Krushers while David Ratcliff and Jesse Latoski also found the back of the net.

The U-12 girls team, the Wildfire, had a record of three ties and one loss at the North Shore Thanksgiving tournament, where they tied for third place overall.

Dahria Beatty netted all three of the Wildfire goals over the weekend while Sabrina Clarke and Kendra Murray recorded strong performances in goal.

'For both the Wildfire and the Krushers, this was their first outside competition,' said Brian Gillen, president of the Yukon Soccer Association.

'And we are very proud of how they acquitted themselves. Our teams need to be exposed to the standard of play Outside. The speed, competitiveness and physical aspects of play this weekend shown by their competitors will be very valuable lessons for these young teams.'

At the national championships, B.C., Ontario, Quebec and Alberta dominated the top three places in each division, said Gillen.

He said the local players now understand what it takes to compete at the same level as the 'big four' and have a new appreciation for what Yukon coaches have been preaching over the years.

'It's all about dedication to fitness, nutrition, the mastery of basic soccer skills and the intensity of the game.'

Gillen agreed that it's been a very successful year for Yukon soccer and the president believes, with the right attitude and training, it can only get better.

'For example, the U-12 boys Wolves winning the recent Langley Labour Day tournament, the Canada Games men's team tying a Nova Scotia team seeded third in the tournament, the Icebreakers raising Yukon ranking in U-16 nationals,' he pointed out. 'It all bodes well for the game in the Yukon.

'But we have to find a way to get our teams Outside at high level tournaments more than once a year, to raise our overall competitiveness.'