York Mills Titans senior girls soccer team is battling its way back to the top.
In a 3-0 romp over the winless Georges Vanier Vikings April 28, the York Mills squad looked in prime form to reclaim the North Region title they held last year.
Coach Tim Heffernan, playfully referring to himself as Man U coach Sir Alex Ferguson, credited the victory to his surging strikers.
“We’ve got some strong physical forwards, fast as well, and that’s a big advantage — in fact I’d say that’s the strongest one,” he said. “The defence, to be honest with you, wasn’t really tested that much, like in previous games.”
Challenging Vanier netminder Niya St. Amant, the Titans netted their first marker when Agnes Lee kept the pressure on.
With thick grass holding the ball up, both teams were held off the score sheet for the remainder of the first half.
The second half proved more fruitful for the Titans as they adapted to the long blades and chopped down the Vikings defence.
After a called-off goal due to offsides, York Mills striker Tayllor Linds found the yawning net twice.
Heffernan’s gameplan was keeping the method of attack simple.
“Our strategy that I’ve been trying to put into them is to get our midfielders, defenders, to hoof the ball over (the opponent’s) defenders and to run onto the ball,” he said. “Not to do any fancy short passes, we’re not the Arsenal or Barcelona football here.”
For Vikings coach Mike Kucera, his team’s match against York Mills was a chance to break a three-year record of being winless.
Though their streak continued against their hosts, he was optimistic his charges could pull through against A.Y. Jackson, also without a notch in the win column.
“I have no idea what their team looks like this year,” he said, adding forward Oriana Carrion and sweeper A.J. McDowell had standout performances.
But the real star was St. Amant, who kept the Vikings in the game.
With the victory, York Mills now sits in a three-way tie for third with Don Mills and George S. Henry. York Mills faced the Lions May 3, unfortunately losing 5-3.