By: Tony zito, TEAM MANAGER

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If I was to start with saying we’re all feeling disappointed with our opening game result, it’d be an understatement. Despite my BIG ask of playing in a different formation, without the proper reps, collectively, I think we should be more satisfied then down about how we played. Our only difficulties were in the final third. We just couldn’t get that last touch in their 18. I applaud our effort though, We were pressing for that equalizer and they were on their heels. This is very encouraging.

I asked us to maintain possession and move the ball quickly and effectively. I heard our utility player, Alonso Gartner commenting that he believed we had over 60% of the control, and I agree. We will get more comfortable with the new configuration. Our success will be compounded with some minor adjustments.

I’m grateful for your efforts and that the post-game discussion was spirited and supportive.

That’s the WOLF PACK way!

Our goal scorer:

Carlo Z.

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By: Mark Burger, TEAM COACH

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The OT2 Wolves’ season as defending champions, did not start out as planned. The roster has taken a hit during the off season and this affected game 1, as the Wolves made the trip to the Hornets Nets to face Gloucester Sporting with only 10 healthy players.

Forced to soak up pressure and defend, the Wolves were able to maintain possession early but had very little offensive thrust. Under increasing pressure, the Wolves succumbed to 2 quick goals. Then in an unexpected twist, Kevin Beyer, who’s on the injured list for another 6 weeks with a broken thumb, felt sorry for our undermanned team. He entered the match to even up the players.

This made an immediate difference, as the Wolves were able to slowly gain control of the match. Unfortunately, the finishing was off, and cross bars and shots over the bar, ruled the day. Only Eamon Kavanagh, our ‘Man of the Match’, was able to bulge the twine as the Wolves fell 4-1.

It was a frustrating match as the Wolves would have had a better result, with a few more players.
However, our exasperation soon subsided, as Domenic Morgante hosted with style in the parking lot: featuring charcuterie, Italian sausage, chicken parmigiana sandwiches, and mouth-wateeing canoli.

A post-game feast that has certainly raised the bar for the rest of the season.

(Editor’s note: now that’s a celebration to savour!)

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By: Amedeo Melone, TEAM KEEPER

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Our Wolves OT5 started off the season with a few new faces and a solid roster of vets.

We pretty much dominated the Lynwood team aided by ‘Speedy’ Petey Stewart, who curved one off a Lynwood defenders head to start the scoring. A mid-game stoppage had our resident doctor, Jason Leclair swapping the cleats for a lab coat and doing his civic duty by calling for the Ottawa paramedics to help one of our opponents, who suffered a concussion.

A total of 4 goals were scored, the final tally was a Scotty Gray PK and the game ended un a 2-2 tie.

Lynwood sent a message of heartfelt thanks, not to Jason for his diagnosis and aid of their teammate, but to Wolves keeper, Amedeo Melone and Mark Jones, for their extraordinary efforts to keep this game close.

All in all, not the best start to our season. Our team exemplified, above all else, their reputation for sportsmanship, and legendary comraderie.

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By: Frank Maiorino, TEAM MANAGER

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Our Wolves OT6 put up a brave fight while maintaining their composure in the first game of the season against a spirited North Dundas side.

The game started with even play through the midfield as both teams took some time to get their legs back after a long Canadian winter. North Dundas struck first on a flukey shot from the left sideline that curved into the net just under the hands of our Wolves keeper and by the goal posts that were, unfortunately bent backwards, allowing the ball to sneak into the net. North Dundas, buoyed by the early goal, began to play with increased aggressiveness that caught Wolves players a little off guard given that this was an OT6 game but they persevered nonetheless. Our Wolves had a few great chances in the half taken by Kevin Moorhead, Oscar Arrieta and Salvador Herencia Carrasco that just sailed over or next to the net.The first half ended 1-0.

The game remained 1-0 until early in the second half when North Dundas was awarded a penalty shot due to a hand ball in the box. The North Dundas player took the shot which bounced off the post and hit our keeper who quickly kicked the ball out of harm’s way keeping the score 1-0. Wolves missed a few more close chances that were quashed by aggressive North Dundas’ defenders. North Dundas then sailed a long ball into the heart of the Wolves defence that evaded sweeper Bruno Bossio and was controlled by a speedy Dundas player who took the ball around the Wolves keeper and tucked it into the net.North Dundas led 2-0. North Dundas took advantage of a fatigued Wolves team after that and scored a couple of lucky goals that rebounded off the Wolves keepers hands. One hard and low long range shot that hit and just dipped under the keeper’s hand into the net and then another soft spinning shot that bounced off the keeper’s hands and spun back into the net making it 4-0.

Salvador Herencia Carrasco then scored on a penalty shot for the Wolves after a handball in the box making the score 4-1.North Dundas wrapped up the scoring on another hard shot into the corner of the net from the top of the box and another penalty shot awarded when a North Dundas player was taken down lightly in the box.

Final result was a humbling, 6-1 for North Dundas.

Wolves next game is against the Ottawa Bears.

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