Senior Boys’ Soccer CISAA Win Makes History
Last Friday, the Senior Boys’ Soccer team made CDS history by capturing the CISAA Championship on home soil for the very first time. With solid victories over TFS and UCC, the team became the first-ever CDS Senior Boys’ Soccer team to raise the championship trophy at home before their family and friends. This also marked their third CISAA championship in four years.
Among the spectators on Friday was long-time former CDS teacher and coach Jim Lanskail, who was in charge when the Senior Boys won the CAIS Consolation Final in 1999 at CDS, but Lanskail could not remember having a CDS team win the CISAA crown at home during his time with the team. This CISAA championship, the team’s second in a row, was according Coach Townsend, “A total team effort. They were led by a solid core group of Grade 12s who wanted the repeat win, but it took the whole team to get the championship.”
In the first match of the day the team was pushed hard by Toronto French School but a stalwart defence and an opportunistic offence produced a 3- 0 victory in the semi-final. The team was led by captain Will Sherman with two goals and a single from Caleb Clarke. Sherman’s first just before the half-time whistle gave the team the lead and the momentum heading into half-time. It would be a lead they wouldn’t relinquish as they dominated play in the second half never giving TFS a chance. The big lead gave coaches Milonas and Townsend an opportunity to empty the bench and get everyone into the game. The team headed into the final well rested and ready.
The final, against a UCC team looking for revenge for last year’s play-off loss, was a tense affair as both teams struggled to gain an advantage in the wet conditions and muddy field. The score was 0-0 at half-time and it was clear that the first goal would be a game changer. CDS began the half by taking the game to UCC and kept the pressure on, pressing their opponents all over the field. Rarely did the ball travel beyond the CDS back line and when it did, it was carried back and another attack was launched.
The game’s first goal was struck by striker Caleb Clarke who raced beyond the defence to hit home the winner from close range. CDS kept up the pressure and Will Sherman notched another goal, this time at a well-executed set piece. Nabil Hakim drove the ball to the goal where Sherman leaped to head the ball into the net. With that goal, their 2-0 victory and CISAA Championship were assured.
The team finished the year with a record of twelve wins, two losses and two ties in tournament, exhibition, league and play-offs. In addition to the league championship, the team finished tied for third at the CAIS Senior Boys’ tournament held at Rothesay-Netherwood School in mid-October. There they lost in the semi-finals of the Gold Medal round, earning the highest-ever placing for a CDS Senior Boys’ Soccer team.Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
