The Yukon Strikers Under 12 Girls Soccer Team came back from the Richmond B.C. Invitational Thanksgiving Soccer Tournament with a silver medal.

In four games of play, the girls scored 17 goals while holding their opponents to only three. Before losing a close 2-0 gold medal match, the girls had racked up two wins and a tie.

Yukon was proudly represented by net minders Anna Janowicz (tournament captain) and Mikaela Ponsioen, who also covered striker positions for the team. On defense, Danica Avery, Emily Ross, Chloe Turner-Davis and Aimée Parker kept opposing attackers at bay for most of the tournament.

Mid-fielders were also key to success in the tournament, both in putting the ball in the net and helping defenders in the Yukon end of the field.

Players in this position for Yukon were Amy Kemshead, Hannah Milner, Jenine Vickerman, Jessica Wilson and Sam Wintemute. Front-line strikers for Yukon were Lauren Leslie, and Mallorie Hanson. These girls worked with the mid-fielders to keep the pressure on and put a number of goals into the net.

Team coaches Sarah Hanson and Derek Parker were proud of the girls' effort and determination.

"The girls showed up to play,” noted Hanson. "They demonstrated how disciplined play contributes to team success, holding down their positions and closely marking their opponents. The girls challenged hard and won most of the 50-50 balls. We were very proud of their play and know these girls will get even better in the years to come.”

Parker was also pleased with the hard work of the team over the weekend tournament.

"We didn't know what to expect as we had never played these teams before. The girls just seemed to pull it all together in every game. Though we lost in the final, the girls still played as a team and everyone was able to hold their head up high.

This was the last game for this group of U-12 girls, and it's a pretty good way to end the season.”

Team manager Leslie Gomm added that some girls from the U-12 squad couldn't make the tournament, but should be noted for their contribution through the year towards a very successful season for the entire squad. This includes the following U-12 players: Abby Smart, Brook Fusick, Cara Schamber, Eliza Paul, Eloise Lafortune, Golia Cazon, Jamie McLeish, Jenelle Cousins, Josie Storey, Kathleen Pereira, Odessa Beatty, Teaghan Wilson and Zoe Painter.

"All these girls should be recognized for their hard work and commitment,” said Parker.

Submitted by Derek Parker