Sting on to Premier Division after finishing 1st
Posted By David Gough, COURIER PRESS STAFF
Posted 1 month ago
The Wallaceburg Sting senior men's team capped off their season in style on Saturday, by beating an undermanned London Benfica 7-0 at Kinsmen Park to clinch first place in their league.
The Sting finished in first place of the Western Ontario Soccer League's First Division with 39 points, which was one point better than Chatham.
By finishing in the two top spots, Chatham and Wallaceburg will both advance to the WOSL Premier Division.
The last and only time the Sting advanced to the highest division was in 1999.
"Defence and goaltending," said Sting player Ryan Nowakowski of the reason for the Sting's success. "It's the whole reason for it."
The Sting only allowed eight goals in 18 games. Wallaceburg goalkeeper Sam Youlton had a remarkable 13 shutouts in the 18 games.
Only three players remain from the 1999 team -Derek Suitor, Ken Kopko and Nowakowski.
Coach Rob Kraayenbrink also played on the 1999 team.
"We'll probably have some tough games but it will be worth it. It will be a good learning experience," Nowakowski said of the promotion up to the top league.
It will take commitment to do well in the Premier, said Sting manager Alfredo Attardi.
"It's a nice group of kids," said Attardi of the Sting.
Except for 4-5 veterans, the bulk of the team is 21 years old or younger.
The Sting also had the most goals in the First Division with 43.
Other than Youlton, the entire Sting roster came up through the Wallaceburg minor soccer system.
"We're all home grown, and we have some good up and comers too," Nowkowski said.
This is the 50th season for senior men's competitive soccer in Wallaceburg.
The players marked the accomplishment with framed picture of the 1959 team along with a picture of the 2009 season.
