Wexford United boys take Robbie title.
Wexford United's Cedric Wong goes for a challenge on Brent McKean of the Ottawa Fury in the Boys under-17/18 championship of the Robbie Soccer Tournament.
Photo/MANNY RODRIGUES
A Scarborough team took the top spot in itsdivision at this year's Robbie International Soccer Tournament.Wexford United beat the Ottawa Fury 2-0 in Monday's under-17/18 division championship match held at Birchmount Stadium."It was a rough go," said coach Michael Sharda who has been coaching the team for the last five years. "The management staff and the parents are absolutely proud of the guys. With all the other distractions at 18 to have them come together and play like they did, you can't beat it."The boys have been playing soccer together for years, he added."We've had a core group," he said. The team, who play in the Ontario Youth Soccer League, are the Ontario Cup champs from last year. They hope to qualify to compete at this year's Ontario Cup being held July 24 and 25 in Vaughan. The Wexford boys are currently competing in the knock out qualifications and must win their next three games.The team won all their games and tied one at this year's Robbie tournament."There was quality competition," Sharda said. "It was a collective team effort. Their work ethic is key. That's why they have success."At last year's Robbie the team made it to the semifinals. This year's win was especially sweet."The boys were very excited, ecstatic," he said. "They wanted to finish the season on a high note before a number of them go off to university and college."