It’s been a while in the making.
The Alpha Aztecs exacted its revenge at the right time, capturing the Burnaby-New West junior boys soccer league playoff title last week with a 2-0 win over Burnaby Central.
And while the squad were fittingly pleased with the win, the team’s focus has turned to what may come in next week’s North Vancouver and District championship at Burnaby Lakes.
Getting the win over the Wildcats – who earlier handled the Aztecs 7-2 – was satisfying, and well-deserved, said Alpha coach Antonio Dal Sasso.
“It was a lot of fun – the boys had fun. We carried the play but (Burnaby Central) were pushing back,” said Dal Sasso.
It was the Wildcats’ first loss of the year.
Marco Consiglio gave Alpha the early lead, finishing a scramble at the 10-minute mark. The game remained close and Central pulled out all the stops seeking the equalizer, but netminder Nick Vavares stood his ground and made two tough saves in the final 15 minutes to keep the clean sheet.
Adding some insurance with five minutes to play was Matteo Flex.
Considering their previous encounter was just two weeks earlier, the difference in result seems inexplicable. But the fact that Alpha carries a roster of 24 players, balanced equally with Grade 10s and Grade 8s, provides some of the answers.
“The Grade 8s learned a lot this year from playing with the Grade 10s,” said coach Dal Sasso. “In league games we gave the Grade 8s a fair share of playing time, but in the playoffs I started my Grade 10s and that was a big difference.”
It ended an 11-year drought for the jr. boys soccer program – the girls jr. soccer team claimed the district title three years ago.
“The win has brought a greater sense of pride within the student body and staff community,” remarked Alpha athletic director Nirmal Chandi. “If these boys stick together, they will continue on a tradition at Alpha for having strong soccer teams.”
The Aztecs finished tied with the Burnaby South Rebels for second place in the regular season with a 3-2 record.
Their other loss in the year came against the Rebels, who provided the opposition in the semifinal.
Once again, Alpha turned the tables, advancing to the final with a 3-1 win.
The defence, led by Luca Dal Sasso and Cole Diepold, was a major force in the decision.
“Defence was the main reason, they played really strong,” said the coach. “I think the team succeeded because they learned over the year to trust each other, play for each other… They come from different clubs, but they’re all buddies.”
