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Coach takes plunge as PFC U14 girls win first

By Marco Smits
The Review-Mirror
July 10 2008

In torrential rains, the Portland Football Club’s U14 girls took on Belleville at Kin Park on Harlem Road last week. The girls had played six games so far this season, tying one and narrowly losing the other five. 

At half time, Belleville was leading 1-0 and it looked as if the girls might suffer another defeated when PFC coach Scott Halladay found some inspiration within himself.

A huge puddle had formed at the far end of the bench, and Halladay promised his girls he would slide in head first if they would win the game.

Five minutes after his promise, the girls had scored two goals. They added one more in the 3-1 win. Halladay took a long run and with arms wide spread he got drenched like he never got drenched before. A huge cheer erupted.

“I knew we could do it, it is just that they have to start thinking that as well. I guess this was one way of doing that,” said Halladay.

“We have been in every game this year. Our goals against are down and our goals for are up. We scored two goals last year, we scored 11 already this year,” he said.

Jennifer Crosby opened the PFC scoring. It was Crosby’s fifth goal of the season. Julie Garneau and Michelle Glover scored the other two goals. 

Halladay says the girls have been focussing on shooting technique during practice.
“They had a tendency when coming into the 18 yard box they don’t want to shoot but look for a better shot, and it is starting to pay off,” said Halladay.

This year, PFC expanded from three teams last year to five and there appears to be room for further growth of the local soccer club.

“The club is growing, which is nice, we are five teams this year and hopefully we can get a few more. We are competing much more than we did last year. I have talked to at least three parents who are interested in coaching next year, maybe we can add a couple of teams again,” said Halladay.

The PFC U13 boys continued winning in their incredible season. The boys of head coach Craig Lapierre have not lost a game yet. On Thursday they defeated Frontenac 2-1 on the road. Broden Hawkins and Brady Rodgers scored for PFC. It was Rodgers' first goal of the year. Hawkins has now scored five.

The U18 boys suffered a 0-1 loss against St. Lawrence United.

Taylor Bresee scored for the U11 girls. It was her first goal of the season.

The U11 boys didn't play last week. They return to Portland for a home game at Kin Park this Thursday, July 10 at 7 p.m. against Belleville.

Meanwhile, the victorious U14 girls are looking forward to their next game this week, away against St. Lawrence United.

“When we won, the cheer that came out of them, I have not heard that in a long time. Next week, I don’t know, but the girls are already talking about what to do,” said Halladay.