Canadian Womens' Soccer News

[Joe MacCarthy]

Big East Women's Soccer postseason honours announced;
ND's Katie Thorlakson named Offensive Player of the Year
for second consecutive year

http://www.bigeast.org/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/110305aad.html

Nov. 3, 2005

Providence, R.I. - Notre Dame's Katie Thorlakson has earned Offensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year. Irish teammates Candace Chapman, Jen Buczkowski and Kerri Hanks have also earned postseason conference honors. Chapman has been named Defensive Player of the Year, Buczkowski has been selected as the Midfielder of the Year and Hanks has earned Rookie of the Year honors.

Thorlakson, a senior forward for the Irish, has been selected as the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. As a member of the defending National Champions, the senior became the fifth Irish and 17th NCAA Division I player to reach 50 career goals and 50 career assists. During the regular season, Thorlakson led the league for BIG EAST games in assists (16) and assists per game (1.33). She leads the nation in assists and assists per game, and ranks in the top five in points per game (2.83).

For her efforts this season, Thorlakson was named the Soccer America Player of the Week (Oct. 10-17) when she posted two goals and five assists during ND wins over then-No. 17/10 Connecticut (4-0) and Providence (6-0). The 2004 Soccer America Player of the Year was named to the 2005 M.A.C Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Chapman has helped to propel No. 5 Notre Dame to a 17-2-0 record heading into the postseason. Chapman and the ND backline have held opponents to 0.63 goals per game, allowing 10 goals in 18 matches. The preseason All-BIG EAST selection has helped the Irish to 12 shutouts and allowed just 74 shots by opponents. She also ranks fourth in the conference for BIG EAST matches in assists with eight and fourth in assists per game with 0.44. The senior has recorded eight goals and 12 assists this season.

Chapman was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 17 when she recorded one goal and three assists during victories over Connecticut and Providence. She was one of three Irish players named to the M.A.C Hermann Trophy Watch List in August.

Offensive Player of the Year: Katie Thorlakson, Notre Dame, Sr., F
Defensive Player of the Year: Candace Chapman, Notre Dame, Sr., D

All-BIG EAST First Team
Elizabeth Eng, Connecticut, Fr., F
Meghan Schnur, Connecticut, So., M
Brittany Taylor, Connecticut, Fr., F
Julianne Sitch, DePaul, Sr., M/F
Jamie Craft, Lousiville, Jr., F
Jen Buczkowski, Notre Dame, Sr., M
Candace Chapman, Notre Dame, Sr., D
Kerri Hanks, Notre Dame, Fr., F
Katie Thorlakson, Notre Dame, Sr., F
Jillian Loyden, Villanova, Jr., GK
Marisa Kanela, West Virginia, Sr., M

All-BIG EAST Second Team
Niki Cross, Connecticut, So., F/M
Chrissy Skogan, Georgetown, Jr., M
Michelle Pitzl, Marquette, Jr., M
Julie Thompson, Marquette, Sr., F/M
Brittany Bock, Notre Dame, Fr., M
Christie Shaner, Notre Dame, Jr., D
Jamie Pelusi, Pittsburgh, Sr., GK
Holly Ryder, St. John's, Sr., M/F
Laura Koch, Villanova, Sr., D
Ashley Banks, West Virginia, So., F/M
Amanda Cicchini, West Virginia, Fr., M

All-BIG EAST Third Team
Jen Lee, DePaul, Jr., D
Shara McNeill, Georgetown, Sr., M
Monique Gjini, Louisville, So., M
Gina Lower, Lousiville, Sr., M
Meghan Connelly, Marquette, Fr., M
Erica Bohn, Notre Dame, Sr., Gk
Amanda Cinalli, Notre Dame, So., F
Lizzie Reed, Notre Dame, Jr., M/F
Zoe Avner, Rutgers, Sr., M
Lana Bannerman, West Virginia, Jr., GK
Kambria Riggins, West Virginia, Sr., D

[Joe MacCarthy]

Friday, November 04, 2005
Denoncourt Accepts Role with FIFA

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2342

http://tinypic.com/i5nbcw.jpg
Sonia Denoncourt

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association will be losing one of its most valuable resources in November.

FIFA has announced the hiring of former Canadian international referee Sonia Denoncourt, one of the most respected FIFA officials and certainly one of the best officials to ever represent Canada. Denoncourt is expected to assume her new role with FIFA in early December.

“This is a superb opportunity for Sonia and we certainly wish her the best in this new and exciting role,” said Andy Sharpe, President of the Canadian Soccer Association. “In this case, Canada loses one of its most prized resources but in turn, FIFA gains perhaps the most recognizable female officials in the game.”

Denoncourt will take over the newly formed ‘Women’s Referee Development’ program for soccer’s world governing body and will be based at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

“I feel extremely honored and fortunate to have been offered such a wonderful position at FIFA - it is a dream come true,” said Denoncourt. “Working with FIFA, the greatest sport organization in the World, represents such an honor and I am very grateful to get this lifetime opportunity.”

Prior to accepting the position with FIFA, Denoncourt was the Director of Referee Development for the Canadian Soccer Association since her hiring in April 2001.

Denoncourt is certainly no stranger to FIFA. The 41-year-old Sherbrooke native has been in the middle of some of the biggest games in Women’s soccer – the 2003 Women’s World Cup Semi-final between Germany and USA; the 2000 Olympic Final in Sydney, Australia as well as matches in the 1996 Atlanta Games, and the 1995 and 1999 Women’s World Cup.

She was also nominated as a FIFA Instructor in early January 2004 and has worked for FIFA as both a referee instructor and administrator at several major tournaments and events since that nomination.

“I wish to thank the Canadian Soccer Association for their unconditional support during my career, as well as the Quebec Soccer Federation which I grew up with. Soccer allowed me to make so many friends and I thank them all for their friendship. I hope that I have provided leadership, motivation, vision and inspiration, direction and support during my time at the CSA.”

Earlier this year, Denoncourt was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame – a year after she had been inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Huskers Advance to NCAA Second Round
Courtesy: NU Media Relations
Release: 11/11/2005
http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38&SPID=26&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=212473

http://tinypic.com/i5na55.jpg
Junior forward Brittany Timko scored the game's only goal in Nebraska's 1-0 win over Creighton. Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Lincoln - Big 12 Player-of-the-Year Brittany Timko scored the game's only goal on a free kick early in the second half to power Nebraska past Creighton 1-0, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at the Nebraska Soccer Field on Friday afternoon. Timko's 11th goal of the season moved the Huskers into the second round where they will face Portland on Sunday at 1 p.m.

With the victory, Nebraska improved to 14-7-1 on the year and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the 10th consecutive season. The victory was also the 200th in the 12-year history of the program and Coach John Walker's 200th career win as a head coach. Creighton ended its season with 12-6-3 mark.

Nebraska dominated play throughout the contest, outshooting the Bluejays 24-8 on the day. NU outshot Creighton 12-6 in the first half, but CU moved to the second half in a scoreless tie thanks to two Husker shots that hit the post, two more that hit the crossbar and three saves by Creighton goalkeeper Valerie Zimmerer. For the game, Nebraska attempted nine shots on goal, while holding CU to just three shots on goal, all in the first half.

Despite some unfortunate bounces in the first half, the Huskers continued to apply pressure and made the most of an early break in the second half when Timko laced a shot over the wall and over the head of Zimmerer to give NU the only goal of the game at 48:46. Timko, a junior from Coquitlam, British Columbia, peppered the Jay defense with seven shots for the game, including three shots on goal.

Creighton was never able to mount a consistent attack, as the Huskers dominated the shots 12-2 in the second half. NU also controlled the corner kick battle, attempting 13 corners on the day, while surrendering just two corner kicks to the Jays.

Zimmerer led Creighton with eight saves, including five in the second half, while NU goalkeeper Jamie Klages needed just three saves to post her sixth shutout of the season.

Canadians at Nebraska

20 Andrews, Sasha D 5-11 Sr. Edmonton, Alberta, (Southern Methodist)
26 Dennis, Tanya D 5-6 Jr. Brampton, Ontario (St. Marguerite D'Youville)
9 Iacchelli, Selenia MF 5-9 Fr. Edmonton, Alberta, (St. Francis Xavier)
21 Jamani, Aysha F 5-3 Fr. Calgary, Alberta, (National Sport School)
7 Raber, Sari MF 5-6 So. Richmond, B.C. (Robert A McMath)
17 Timko, Brittany F 5-8 Jr. Coquitlam, B.C. (Centennial)

[Joe MacCarthy]

Timko Highlights Huskers' Big 12 Honours
Courtesy: NU Media Relations
Release: 10/31/2005
http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38&SPID=26&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=209798

http://tinypic.com/i5n87t.jpg
Brittany Timko repeated as the Big 12 Player of the Year on Tuesday after winning the award in 2004 as well. Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Junior Brittany Timko became just the second player in league history to repeat as the Big 12 Soccer Player of the Year when she earned the nod for the second consecutive season, the league office announced Monday. Timko was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection and was joined on the squad by senior Sasha Andrews, another repeat selection. Freshman Aysha Jamani was named to the All-Big 12 second team, as well as earning Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors.

Timko is only the second player to earn two Big 12 Player-of-the-Year honors and the first since former Husker Christine Latham claimed consecutive honors in 2000 and 2001.

Timko leads the team with nine goals, 18 assists and 36 points. Her 18 assists and seven game-winning assists are both single-season school records. In 2004, Timko became the first player in the 11-year history of Nebraska soccer to lead the team in both goals and assists and is on pace to repeat the feat in 2005. She ranks first in the Big 12 in assists and assists per game, and second in the nation in assists and third in assists per game. Timko also ranks second in the Big 12 in points and points per game and fifth in shots and shots per game.

Timko has recorded 19 points in her last six games, including having a hand in each of Nebraska’s last 10 goals and 13 of the Huskers’ last 15 goals. She was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 25 and was named Top Drawer’s Soccer National Player of the Week today.

Andrews has anchored the Huskers’ defense that has seen several key injuries. In addition to solidifying the backline, Andrews has been a big part of the offense, scoring six goals and adding one assist for a total of 13 points. Her six goals are tied with freshman Aysha Jamani for second on the team, and Andrews is one of just three players with at least 10 points for NU this season.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Andrews leads the Huskers with four game-winning goals this season. She has set career highs in goals and points, while also adding two assists.

In her first season at Nebraska, Jamani has scored six goals and added three assists. Her 15 points rank second on the team to Timko’s 36. Jamani has not been shy in her first season, ranking second on the team in shots (45) and shots on goal (28). She is also tied with Timko for the team lead in multi-goal games with two.

All-Big 12 First Team
Kati Jo Spisak, GK, Texas A&M
Holly Gault, D, Kansas
Sasha Andrews, D, Nebraska
Kasey Mooroe, D, Texas
Fran Munnelly, MF, Colorado
Lauren MacIver, MF, Oklahoma
Laura Probst, MF, Texas A&M
Caroline Smith, F, Kansas
Brittany Timko, F, Nebraska
Ashlee Pistorius, F, Texas A&M
Melissa Garey, F, Texas A&M

Player of the Year: Brittany Timko, Nebraska

All-Big 12 Second Team
Joanna Haig, GK, Iowa State
Laura Munnelly, D, Colorado
Yolanda Odenyo, D, Oklahoma State
Stephanie Logterman, D, Texas
Allison Kidd, MF, Colorado
Elyse Nikonchuk, MF, Missouri
Caitlin Kennedy, MF, Texas
Katie Griffin, F, Colorado
Aysha Jamani, F, Nebraska
Jesyca Rosholt, F, Oklahoma State
Kelsey Carpenter, F, Texas

All-Big 12 Newcomer Team
Dianna Pfenninger, GK, Texas
Yolanda Odenyo, D, Oklahoma State
Kasey Moore, D, Texas
Stephanie Logterman, D, Texas
Missy Geha, MF, Kansas
Jessica Bush, MF, Kansas
Angelika Feldbacher, MF, Oklahoma State
Laura Grace Robinson, MF, Texas A&M
Nikki Keller, F, Colorado
Aysha Jamani, F, Nebraska
Jesyca Rosholt, F, Oklahoma State

[Joe MacCarthy]

Sinclair up for top award

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2005/11/16/1309837-cp.html

ST. LOUIS (CP) - Christine Sinclair, who won the U.S. college soccer award last year, and four other Canadians are up for the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy.

The five are among 15 finalists for the award, which goes to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America player of the year in Division I competition.

The award is regarded as U.S. college soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy.

Sinclair, a senior from the University of Portland, is bidding to become only the third player to capture back-to-back Hermann Trophy awards. Mia Hamm (1992-93) and Cindy Parlow (1997-98), both of North Carolina, are the only others to achieve the feat.

The four other Canadians named finalists are: Katie Thorlakson of Langley, B.C., defender Candace Chapman of Ajax, Ont., (Notre Dame), Brittany Timko of Coquitlam, B.C., (Nebraska) and goalkeeper Erin McLeod of Vancouver (Penn State).

Sinclair, a native of Burnaby, B.C., who leads the Pilots and NCAA with 37 goals and 87 points, is also one of 24 women's players on the short list for FIFA's female player of the year.

Others in the running include last year's finalists: Heather O'Reilly of North Carolina; and Tiffany Weimer of Penn State.

The three finalists will be announced Dec. 9, with the winner to be named in St. Louis on Jan. 6.

2005 MISSOURI ATHLETIC CLUB HERMANN TROPHY WOMEN'S SEMIFINALISTS

Name Eligibility Position Hometown College/University

Jen Buczkowski Jr. Midfielder Elk Grove, Ill. Notre Dame
Lori Chalupny Sr. Midfielder St. Louis, Mo. North Carolina
Candace Chapman Sr. Defender Ajax, Ontario Notre Dame
Kerri Hanks Fr. Forward Allen, Texas Notre Dame
Sarah Huffman Sr. Midfielder Flower Mound, Texas Virginia
Lindsey Huie Sr. Midfielder Mission Viejo, CA. Portland
Erin McLeod Sr. Goalkeeper Vancouver, B.C. Penn State
Iris Mora Sr. Forward Cancun, Mexico UCLA
Heather O'Reilly Jr. Forward E. Brunswick, N.J. North Carolina
Jill Oakes Sr. Defender West Hills, Calif. UCLA
Christine Sinclair Sr. Forward Burnaby, B.C. Portland
Lindsay Tarpley Sr. Forward Kalamazoo, Mich. North Carolina
Katie Thorlakson Sr. Forward Langley, B.C. Notre Dame
Brittany Timko Jr. Midfielder Coquitlam, B.C. Nebraska
Tiffany Weimer Sr. Forward North Haven, Conn. Penn State

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canadians key in women's soccer final four

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2005/11/25/1324281-cp.html

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (CP) - Kara Lang of Oakville scored in the 73th minute, while Danesha Adams added four goals to lead the UCLA Bruins over the Virginia Cavaliers, 5-0, Friday in a quarter-final match at the NCAA women's soccer tournament.

With the win, the Bruins will play the Florida State Seminoles in one of two semifinal match-ups at the women's College Cup.

The women's College Cup final four, featuring UCLA versus Florida State and Penn State against the winner of Portland-Notre Dame, takes place Dec. 2-4 at College Station, Texas.

Lang and Adams terrorized the Cavaliers with the two recording eight shots each to account for all 16 of the Bruins' shots.

Lang's 16th goal of the season goal came on a through ball from midfielder Christina DiMartino. The Canadian national team midfielder received DiMartino's pass from the right flank and deposited it behind Virginia goalkeeper Christina de Vries to extend UCLA's lead to 4-0.

Lang finished the match with one goal on eight shots before being substituted in the 75th minute.

In an earlier quarter-final match goalkeeper Erin McLeod of Vancouver came up big in the second half to lead her Penn State Nittany Lions to a 2-1 victory over the Santa Clara Broncos.

The win gives Penn State University their third berth in the women's College Cup and a match-up with the winner of the Portland-Notre Dame quarter-final match that took place later Friday.

McLeod faced eight shots and made three saves, all in the second half, to keep PSU in the match then preserve the victory.

In the 76th minute, McLeod made a stellar diving stop to preserve the 1-1 tie at the time, blocking a shot by Santa Clara forward Tina Estrada, who had broken free in midfield and had a clear chance on goal.

Later, with 10 seconds left in the match, she made a diving stop on a shot to the left side of the goal by forward Elyse Shelger.

McLeod, who plays for the Canadian national team, also was a key on offence contributing to the tying goal.

She took a free kick off a yellow card and sent the ball to forward Tiffany Weimer. Weimer took it, turned, and lofted a soft touch pass over several defenders to midfielder Carmelina Moscato of Mississauga, Ont., who headed the ball toward the goal.

Several players from both teams scrambled for the ball before Santa Clara's Danielle Potts kicked it into her own net for an own goal in the 64th minute.

Moscato played 54 minutes before being substituted, while Canadian defender Holly Lincoln did not get into the game.

Three of the Canadian national team's top players were featured in the Portland-Notre Dame quarter-final match.

Record-breaking striker Christine Sinclair of Burnaby, B.C. led the University of Portland Pilots against Notre Dame featuring striker Katie Thorlakson of Langley, B.C. and defender Candace Chapman of Ajax, Ont.

The Pilots advanced to the College Cup with a 3-1 win Over the Irish.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Soccer player, 11, spotlighted
By MORRIS DALLA COSTA -- London Free Press

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2005/12/01/1332233-sun.html

It has become the measure of greatness in young athletes.

You are called "Gretzky-like" and the heavy mantle of expectation is thrust on your shoulders.

Jim Bujouves has coached 11-year-old soccer player Chantale Campbell for three years.

"She has attributes which are Gretzky-like," he said. "I can only surmise from other coaches who have been on the soccer scene for 25, 30 years. At this age, she is the best female soccer player they've seen in 20, 25 years."

Bujouves has coached Chantale and her twin-sister Emilie for three years with the London City Flash.

They'll turn 12 in January. Chantale has been selected as one of the 25 members of the under-14 provincial soccer squad.

"For three years, she's played for teams that are two years ahead of her age (with London City)," said Bujouves. "But at the provincial level, it's unusual to allow an underage (one year younger) to be involved in the process. It's unheard of having a child two years younger make the provincial squad."

Dave Peak is the regional development coach for the Ontario Soccer Association under-13 boys' and girls' team. Peak handles practices for the provincial players in this area. Chantale practises with him twice a week.

"She is technically and mentally well beyond her age," said Peak. "You don't see that very often. She is at the level of someone who is much older."

Peak has been around a long time as a player and coach. Is she the best player he has seen?

"By far, by far," he said. "The best boy or girl at that age."

That's some heavy-duty praise considering the London area is producing many fine soccer players, especially in female soccer.

"It's a ton of pressure, so it has to be managed," said Bujouves. "That's what makes her unique. The parents have allowed Chantale to play at the level she is capable of playing. It has been her own initiative, not the initiative of her parents or others. There were many people who wanted to hold them back, but it was her desire to move down that path and she's handled it very well."

None of this seems to affect Chantale.

"I know I'm going to have bad days. But I feel great. It gives me a challenge and I get to meet other players. It helps me be a better player."

It's a highly competitive, physically demanding situation. Beside the two-a-week practices with Peak, Chantale is in Toronto every weekend for Saturday and Sunday practices with the provincial squad. That means a 4:30 a.m. wakeup one day and 6 a.m. the other.

"It doesn't bother me anymore," she said. "Before when I had to get up, I thought, 'I'm tired.' Now I'm used to it."

A number of factors make her a special package. She has played in an older group for a number of years and played a lot. She works hard at her game and the fact that her twin sister is a very good player as well has helped.

"She has great awareness of the game itself, a first touch with the ball that makes her so good," said Peak. "She finds space for herself and knows how to lose a marker (her defensive check). She is doing things that are years beyond her."

Those are intricacies of the game that often escape far older players.

"You've met people who have the intangibles. You can't explain what they have, but they have it," said Bujouves. "And she's a twin. I'm a twin and I know what a competitive environment will do for you."

Sister Emilie is no slouch as a player, either. She has worked her way onto the regional under-13 squad, playing a year ahead of her age group.

"They're competitive about everything," said father Terry. "They go outside and play volleyball, but they play volleyball with their feet. It's bah, bah, bah this and bah, bah, bah, bah that. 'You're cheating.' 'No. I'm not.' It's hysterical. They always try to get the edge on each other."

And with "Gretzky-like" potential, it's not surprising Chantale has Gretzky-like ambitions.

"I want to make the national team and play for Team Canada," she said.

[Joe MacCarthy]

NCAA FINAL FOUR: Canadians will be front and centre in College Station, Texas, for the NCAA Women's College Cup soccer final four.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2005/12/01/1332767-cp.html

Record-breaking striker Christine Sinclair (Burnaby, B.C.) and forward Elsa Hume (Victoria) lead Portland (22-0-1) against Penn State (23-0-1) whose roster includes Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod (Vancouver), midfielder-forward Carmelina Moscato (Mississauga, Ont.) and defender Holly Lincoln (Toronto).

In the other semifinal Friday, freshman Kara Lang (Oakville, Ont.) leads UCLA (21-1-2) against Florida State (20-3-1).

The final goes Sunday.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canuck's goal sends U. of Portland to NCAA title match

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2005/12/02/1334910-cp.html

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (CP) - Canadian national team players Christine Sinclair and Kara Lang helped lead their respective schools to a showdown in the NCAA women's College Cup championship match on Sunday after the University of Portland and UCLA won their semifinal matches Friday.

In the first semifinal, Sinclair beat Penn State goalkeeper and Canadian national team teammate Erin McLeod on the final penalty kick, sending Portland through to the final.

Lang scored the Bruins' fourth goal as UCLA dominated second-seeded Florida State 4-0 in the late semi-final to earn the other berth in the title match.

Two of the nation's top five scoring teams went scoreless for 110 minutes - the 90-minute regulation and two overtimes - before Sinclair, of Burnaby, B.C., gave the Pilots a 4-3 win in the penalty kick shootout.

Both teams, though, had their chances with Portland and Penn State tallying 20 and 12 shots and 10 and seven corners, respectively.

UCLA (22-1-2) controlled the play against FSU for the entire game, outshooting the Seminoles 20-9. Lang, in only 58 minutes, scored one goal and five shots on goal to lead all players.

Her 17th goal of the season came in the 78th minute when she one-timed a cross from Stephanie Kron from eight yards out.

Top-seeded Portland (23-0-1), playing in its eighth College Cup, will go for its second national title in four years Sunday at Aggie Soccer Stadium. UCLA will be making its second straight appearance in the final and looking to capture its first women's soccer championship.

The Portland-Penn State game featured five Canadians, three of whom play on the Canadian women's national team.

Sinclair, the second-leading scorer in the history of NCAA division one women's soccer with 108 goals, led all players with six shots on goal. Penn State forward and Mississauga, Ont. native Carmelina Moscato logged all 110 minutes recording two shots, while McLeod of Vancouver played the entire match recording 10 saves and her own shot on goal.

Penn State defender Holly Lincoln, of Toronto and Pilots forward Elsa Hume of Victoria did not see any action.

Penn State (23-1-1) has lost in the semifinals of all three of its semifinal appearances in the last six years. The Nittany Lions lost to North Carolina in 1999 and Portland in 2002.

Portland and Penn State each converted two of its first three penalty kicks in the shootout before Portland keeper Cori Alexander stopped a shot by Heather Tomko. Colleen Salisbury then beat McLeod with a low shot to the corner to give Portland the advantage.

After Penn State forward Sheree Gray scored, Sinclair won it when McLeod guessed wrong and dived to her left as Sinclair ripped a simple shot into the opposite corner.

The Pilots celebrated by piling on Sinclair just outside the penalty area, while the Lions ran to console McLeod, who made 10 saves.

The game featured the nation's top two scorers in Sinclair, who led Division I with 37 goals during the regular season, and Penn State's Tiffany Weimer. But the individual duel was tempered by swarming defence by both teams.

Sinclair had the two best shots of the overtime periods, launching one off the right post and getting stopped by McLeod on a point-blank chance.

[Joe MacCarthy]

UCLA meets Portland in NCAA women's title match

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2005/12/03/1336121-cp.html

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (CP) - The UCLA defence hasn't seen an offence like Portland's all season. Teams with contrasting soccer styles and two top scorers on the Canadian women's national team will face off for the Women's College Cup on Sunday at the University of Texas A&M's Aggie Soccer Stadium.

Underlying the Portland offence versus UCLA defence match-up is the showdown between two of Canada's most dynamic soccer players, Portland Pilots striker Christine Sinclair and UCLA Bruins midfielder Kara Lang.

The Bruins had the nation's second-best scoring defence during the regular season, allowing only eight goals in 24 games. Portland ranked fourth in the nation, scoring 3.26 goals per game during the regular season.

Bruins' coach Jillian Ellis bought her team shirts with blue collars before the season, hammering home the well-worn mantra of the old-fashioned work ethic.

"That's what our team is all about," said sophomore midfielder Stephanie Kron. "Hard work is what got us here."

Portland coach Garrett Smith said the only colour the Pilots identify with is the one they wear on their uniforms.

"We're purple," Smith said. "I wouldn't label this team, because they do it all - they play with finesse, they defend together, they attack together. They do everything together, so I wouldn't label us beyond purple."

The Pilots (23-0-1), playing in their eighth Final Four, are going for their second championship in three years. They beat Santa Clara in the 2002 final.

Just like three years ago, Portland beat Penn State in the semifinals. This time, the Nittany Lions were a much stingier obstacle.

The Pilots and Nittany Lions played 110 scoreless minutes - 90 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtimes - before Burnaby, B.C.-native Sinclair, the NCAA's leading goal scorer with 37, netted the game-winner at the end of a penalty-kick shootout.

Sinclair is also the NCAA division one's second leading goal scorer all-time.

The Pilots said Saturday they were still emotionally drained from Friday's game.

"Just the sheer minutes, going into double overtime and then, even though you're just standing there during PKs, your body is so tense," said freshman midfielder Megan Rapinoe.

UCLA (22-1-2) has rolled to its third straight Final Four, outscoring five opponents 25-0 after Friday's 4-0 rout of Florida State.

In that game, Lang, of Oakville, Ont., scored the fourth goal and led all players in the game with five shots on goal.

Lang, who plays professionally for the Vancouver Whitecaps womens' team of the W-League, scored 17 goals this season.

The Bruins have shut out 17 of their last 19 NCAA tournament opponents, but say they're not caught up in their own gaudy stats.

"When it comes down to it, none of the past games matter," said Kron. "Yeah, we've shut out opponents. The fact that we've scored that many goals isn't as important because it's tomorrow's game that's going to make the difference."

The Pilots have reached the final without much recent production from Sinclair, who's been shut out of their last three games.

The Bruins, who allowed only eight goals all season, say the game plan still centres on Sinclair.

"You've got to get up close to her and not give her too much room and respect her," Ellis said. "But then, you've got to take care of your business. If you can put them on the defensive and you're in their half, guess what? She doesn't get much of the ball."

If fans count, Portland will have the edge Sunday. More than 500 purple-clad supporters made the journey from Oregon - some even drove - and wildly cheered for their team during Friday's semifinal.

"I kind of figured there would be a lot of people here," Rapinoe said. "It's kind of crazy to hear the chants you usually hear at home thousands of miles away. They've definitely been a huge factor. It's awesome."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Pilots Win 2005 National Championship With A 4-0 Win Over UCLA
12/4/2005

http://www.portlandpilots.com/sports/wsoccer/release.asp?release_id=3373

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Senior Christine Sinclair sets NCAA single-season scoring record as the unbeaten Portland Pilots win their second national title in four years.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The No. 1 Portland Pilots are the 2005 NCAA National Champions after a dominating 4-0 win against the No. 4 UCLA Bruins in the College Cup Final at Aggie Soccer Stadium on Sunday. Senior striker Christine Sinclair scored twice giving her 39 goals this season for a new NCAA single-season record. Sophomore midfielder Angie Woznuk added a goal and two assists, while freshman forward Megan Rapinoe also scored and recorded an assist to give UP its second national title in the past four years. The Pilots (23-0-2) are only the second national champion (North Carolina, 10 times) to finish a season unbeaten.

The Bruins finish the season at 22-2-2. It’s the second-straight loss in the College Cup Final for UCLA as Notre Dame defeated the Bruins in 2004 on penalty kicks.

It’s the second national title in any sport for the University of Portland. UP won the 2002 NCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship, meaning the four current Pilot seniors, Sinclair, midfielder Lindsey Huie, defender Kelsy Hollenbeck and forward Colleen Salisbury, finish their careers on The Bluff with two national titles. Portland also becomes just the third school in NCAA history with multiple titles, joining North Carolina’s 17 championships and Notre Dame’s two.

"What do you say after a game like that?" asked Portland coach Garrett Smith. "The first thought through my head was, ‘Clive (Charles), there’s number two for you.’ This program was built on a great foundation and this team just showed the whole country what it’s built out of. It’s built out of a lot of class, a lot of talent, and a lot of hard work, and a foundation that will always be with us."

The Pilots wasted little time getting on the board as Woznuk scored Portland’s fastest goal this season in the second minute. Huie started the play when she stole a UCLA pass about 30 yards out from the Bruins’ goal. Huie then found Rapinoe who advanced it toward the 18-yard box. The Bruin defense collapsed on Rapinoe who sent a pass to an unmarked Woznuk in the middle of the box. Woznuk punched it inside the right post giving Portland the early 1-0 advantage. The score was the first allowed by the Bruins this postseason.

"I think as far as the goal goes, that’s exactly what we needed," said Woznuk. "To score a goal that early makes the other team question a little bit what they are capable of."

UCLA had its first good look in the 15th minute when sophomore midfielder Danesha Adams made a run down the middle of the field. UP junior goalie Cori Alexander and junior defender Kari Evans momentarily slowed down Adams, but the ball deflected to the left inside the penalty box. Adams had an open net, but from a difficult angle from the extreme left of the goal, her shot from 10 yards out hit the side netting of the Pilot goal.

UP responded with another goal six minutes later from Sinclair, the reigning national player of the year. Sinclair ended a career-long three-game scoreless streak off a perfect ball from Woznuk. Woznuk made a run down the middle of the field but reversed direction about six yards from the goal. Woznuk passed it back to streaking Sinclair who fired a rocket into the top right corner of the net from the top of the box to make it 2-0.

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Sinclair added her second goal of the game with about 4:00 left in the half. Sophomore forward Natalie Budge’s cross from the right made it through a handful of defenders and found Sinclair inside the box to the left of the goal. Sinclair made a turn, beating the UCLA defender, and went low just inside the far post for a 3-0 Pilot lead. It’s the 110th career goal for Sinclair, second most in NCAA Division I history, and gives her 25 career post-season goals, an NCAA record. Her 56 career post-season points are also tops in NCAA history and her 252 overall career points are fourth best all-time.

Portland suffered a scare in the second half when Sinclair hit the turf after bumping knees with UCLA’s McCall Zerboni. Sinclair was on the field clutching her right knee for about a minute before climbing to her feet. She stayed in the game and appeared to be all right.

UCLA tried to apply more pressure in the second half, but it was the Pilots who dominated the time of possession. The Bruins recorded eight shots in the second half, but never seriously challenged the Pilot frame.

Portland was able to find the net one more time to take a 4-0 lead. Woznuk fed Rapinoe just outside the box to the right of the arch. Rapinoe cut back towards the middle of the field to lose her defender and finished inside the near post with her left foot just out of the reach of Bruin goalie Valerie Henderson. It’s the 15th goal this season for Rapinoe and her sixth of the post season. Woznuk picked up her ninth assist.

This marks Portland’s first win ever against UCLA as the Bruins won the previous three meetings. Portland finished the match with a slight 13-12 advantage in shots and had five shots on goal to the Bruins’ four. Alexander made three saves for her 11th shutout this season. Henderson made one save for UCLA.

"I felt like we were completely focused," Huie said. "Nothing could pull us away from what we planned to do because we had absolutely nothing to lose today."

Sinclair was named the tournament’s offensive MVP, while Alexander was named the defensive MVP. Huie, Woznuk, Rapinoe and sophomore defender Stephanie Lopez were named to the all-tournament team.

The Pilots are scheduled to fly into Portland International Airport at 11:35 a.m. Monday morning. A celebration is planned to honor the 2005 National Champions starting at 1 p.m. on Monday in the Chiles Center on the UP campus. The championship trophy will be on hand as will the entire Pilot team.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Two Canadians up for award

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2005/12/09/1346375-cp.html

(CP) - Two British Columbians are among the three finalists named Friday for the women's 2005 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, the highest individual honour in U.S. college soccer.

Christine Sinclair of Burnaby and Katie Thorlakson of Langley - teammates on the Canadian women's national team - are vying for the award along with Penn State University forward Tiffany Weimer. The finalists were determined in voting by Division I women's soccer coaches, members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

This is the second time in the last couple of weeks that Sinclair and Thorlakson will face each other in a competition.

On Nov. 25, Sinclair's University of Portland Pilots beat Thorlakson's Notre Dame Fighting Irish 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the NCAA women's soccer championship on their way to winning the Women's College Cup national title over UCLA 4-0 on Dec. 4.

The winner, which will be announced on Jan. 6 in St. Louis, Mo., will receive a crystal soccer ball trophy.

Sinclair, a senior forward, led the country in goal scoring and set a new NCAA single-season record with 39 goals.

The West Coast Conference Player of the Year, Sinclair led the Pilots to an undefeated season, earning Most Valuable Player honours at the Women's College Cup. She won the 2004 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy winner and could join Mia Hamm and Cindy Parlow as the only women to win the award two straight years.

Thorlakson, a senior forward, played in all 25 matches and led the Fighting Irish with 18 goals and 35 assists to tie for the team lead with 71 points.

The Vancouver Whitecaps forward is a two-time Big East Offensive Player of the Year winner. In 2004, she led Notre Dame to the national championship and was named the Women's College Cup's Most Valuable Player.

Weimer, a forward with Penn State, led her school with 32 goals and owns a share of the NCAA record for consecutive games with a goal (17).

Former U.S. women's national team star Mia Hamm and current U.S. men's national team midfielder Claudio Reyna are past winners of the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Sinclair, Thorlakson up for NCAA's top honour

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2005/12/09/1346203-cp.html

CARSON, Calif. (CP) - Canadians Christine Sinclair and Katie Thorlakson are finalists for the 2005 women's M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, awarded to NCAA soccer's top player.

The third finalist is Penn State's Tiffany Weimer. The finalists were determined in voting by Division I women's soccer coaches who are members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The winner will be announced at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan. 6.

Sinclair, a senior forward from Burnaby, B.C., led the NCAA in goals with 39 for the University of Portland. She also led the Pilots to the NCAA title an undefeated season, earning MVP honours at the Women's College Cup.

Sinclair won the award last year and could join Mia Hamm and Cindy Parlow as the only women to be honoured in consecutive years.

Thorlakson, a senior forward from Langley, B.C., led the Fighting Irish with 35 assists and added 18 goals to tie for the team lead with 71 points. She played in all 25 matches for a Notre Dame squad that reached the NCAA quarter-finals.

Weimer led Penn State with 32 goals.

Sinclair, Thorlakson, defender Melanie Booth of Burlington, Ont., (Florida) and Vancouver goalkeeper Erin McLeod (Penn State) were named to the NSCAA Division 1 first all-American team.

It's Sinclair's third first all-American selection.

Notre Dame defender Candace Chapman, from Ajax, Ont., and Nebraska forward Brittany Timko, from Coquitlam, B.C., were selected to the third team.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Players In The News
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Player of the Week: Katie Thorlakson
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2671

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Katie Thorlakson

In just a couple of weeks, Katie Thorlakson is expected to get her first taste of international action in more than a year. After missing most of the 2006 season with an ACL injury, Katie should be part of Canada’s Olympic development team that plays México on 22 April and Argentina on 24 April.

Canada will send a mixed group of players to the 2007 International Soccer Festival in Alabama: veterans returning from 2006 injuries (like Katie and teammate Kara Lang) and youth prospects (which will make up most of the roster). These two games won’t count as full caps since Canada isn’t sending its best team; the rest of the senior team will actually take part in a scrimmage against the University of Portland.

Katie, 22, has won 13 caps with the senior team, the last of which came on 4 March 2006 in Victoria, BC against Nederland. She has also won 27 caps with the youth team, winning a silver medal at the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championships Canada 2002. She graduated from the U-19 team to the senior team in 2004 and earned her first full cap on 30 July 2004 in a 0:3 loss to Japan.

Katie grew up in Langley, BC playing just about every sport imaginable. She played soccer at the University of Notre Dame and was named a M.A.C. Hermann Trophy finalist in 2005. She has also played for the W-League’s Vancouver Whitecaps.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Zadorsky touted as upcoming star
By AMANDA ROBINSON -- Sun Media
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2007/06/13/4257209-sun.html

Soccer coach Joel Georges has a prediction: In at least two years everyone will be talking about Shelina Zadorsky.

By then the 14-year-old won't be known as the next Charmaine Hooper, Canada's all-time leading women's soccer scorer. Instead Georges -- Zadorsky's former coach --believes she'll be in a league of her own and other players will be compared to her.

"She's a phenomenal player," Georges said. "Every game you expect something out of the ordinary."

A striker who can play strong with both feet, Zadorsky's considered a rarity by coaches. Willy Latyn, another former coach, said few of the world's top players have this ability.

And Soccer Canada has taken notice.

Zadorsky travelled to Ottawa for a nine-day training camp that ended Sunday, missing her first OFSAA -- in which top-seeded London Aquinas fell in the round-robin -- to play with Canada's best.

It's the first of a series of camps for 20 elite players hoping to earn a spot on the under-17 national team, which will participate in the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand in 2008. It's the first time this age group will compete in a tournament run by the world's governing federation.

"She will make it," Georges said. "There's no doubt in my mind."

Zadorsky remains humble about her prospects despite playing on the under-16 Ontario team in Chile this year. "I don't really know. There are a lot of different players here," she said during the camp in Ottawa.

At an early age, Zadorsky was groomed to be an athlete. She was on the soccer field at four years old and cycling and running at five. Her mother Mary, who played competitive volleyball and basketball when she was young, wanted her three children to build up their cardio system and play high-contact sports.

While her two older daughters played soccer and were talented, Mary noticed something special in her youngest.

"You could see very young she definitely had a gift. She's got a drive and that's what the coaches see."

Latyn said her natural striker ability kicked at four years old when she was scoring five and six goals a game.

"She always wanted to play, while some kids were out there picking dandelions."

When Zadorsky was nine, Latyn and Georges teamed up to coach her on a Kitchener Spirit rep squad.

She's been named MVP numerous times and last year earned the Golden Boot award as the Ontario Youth Soccer League's top scorer.

"It was exciting to know that I scored the most goals in the league for my age," she said.

But in January her long run with the Spirit came to an end when her family moved to London. Leaving her old team "was tough," but soccer made the change easier. She joined the London City Supernova.

And she won the hearts of Aquinas fans after scoring a spectacular goal in the Thames Valley Region Athletic Association AAAA final, which the Flames won 3-1 over the Lucas Vikings.

Top U.S. schools are already wooing her, but the Grade 9 student seems indifferent to the attention. She's focused on playing for Canada.

"I would feel so honoured to represent my country in the sport I love playing," she said. "If I could do that, that would be awesome, and if I work hard, I know I can get there."