Two local co-ed soccer teams traveled to Juneau over the weekend for the first ever International Shamrock Co-ed Soccer Tournament.

The teams, composed of members of the men's over-35 league and the women's

Monday night competitive league, had only one practice together before playing six games in less than two days.

"We just threw everyone together and came out with two teams,” said Joe Morrison, who played for Whitehorse PA.

"It was a very competitive tournament, it was tougher than we thought it would be.”

The games kicked off on Friday night with Whitehorse PA and Whitehorse Chilkoot both taking the field.

Morrison said the initial games were an adjustment for the local squads as they adapted to a larger pitch and meet their new teammates.

"It was an outdoor field that was indoors,” said Morrison. "The nets were pretty close to the size of outdoors nets and there were no boards, so it took us a couple game to get used to playing like that.”

The games also had 14 players on the pitch, playing seven on seven. The Whitehorse teams are used to playing five on five.

By 8 a.m. on Saturday morning the teams were back on the field to play three games.

In one of the most exciting matches of the day Whitehorse PA came back to beat the Juneau Orange team, 7-6.

After finding themselves down 4-0 early in the match, Whitehorse battled back to get the win in what Morrison described as a very physical game.

"I couldn't have asked more of my teammates. They really gave it their all”, Whitehorse PA midfielder Andy Todd said after the game.

The two Whitehorse squads squared off against each other later in the day with Whitehorse PA taking home the honours and the Whitehorse Cup.

Morrison said the tournament brought all the of players together.

"Someone said we left Whitehorse as acquaintances and came back as friends and it's true,” he said.

The event was such a success that the organizer, Sylvaine Laferriere already has 22 players signed up for next year's tournament.

Morrison said the two local squads will face each other in a rematch on Monday night at the Canada Games Centre.

"Everyone gained a lot of friends and we're going to try and get out to some more tournaments,” he said.

By the time Sunday's matches rolled around, the players were feeling the effects of Friday and Saturday's games.

"We were just completely wiped out on Sunday morning,” said Morrison.

Whitehorse PA faced Juneau White in the bronze medal game and were lead by an energized team captain in Laferriere.

With noticeable effects of fatigue and injuries, Whitehorse wasn't able to come away with the win.

Sunday saw Whitehorse Chilkoot play a relaxed game against Juneau Yellow for a 7-7 draw.

Whitehorse PA then faced Juneau White in the bronze medal game. "We really had nothing left in the tank,” said Morrison. "Our goaltender held us in as long as he could.”

Morrison said the Juneau organizers were gracious hosts and Whitehorse is hoping to return the favour when the Juneau club travels to Whitehorse for an April tournament.

"They were really exited to have us and they were great hosts,” said Morrison.

It was a very successful tournament. We didn't win but we played hard and had fun.”

Morrison said the team befitted from a balanced attack and the quick development of chemistry.

"Our team really clicked well and we got better as the weekend went on,” he said.

Rachel Pattimore of Whitehorse PA was awarded tournament MVP.

"Rachel played great, she scored a few goals for us,” said Morrison.

"Sylvaine did a great job organizing everything, he put a ton of work into it.

"We're already looking forward to playing again next year.”