Wanderers under-8 boys crowned King Classic champs

The Bolton Wanderers' boys' under-8 all-stars captured the King City Classic tournament title, with hard work and focus. They won the title with a come-frombehind effort over the Laval Delta Dragons.

With only two weeks to select a team, coaches John Ciufo and assistant Pat Marucci were under the gun in preparing the Wanderers' boys under-8 all-stars for their first tournament July 14 in King City - the King Classic. Despite the short time frame, hard work and a focus on skills helped Bolton rise to the occasion.

Bolton opened the tourney against Laval, Quebec's Delta Dragons, and was off to a quick start on a one-timer by Tristan Spinelli. Delta answered with a tying goal late in the half and followed up with two more late in the second half to take a 3-1 lead. Bolton's Giancarlo Piroli made it 3-2 with little time left on the clock and continued to pressure Delta, however came up just short and dropped the opener 3-2.

With their first game behind them, the Wanderers faced the host team, King City. The coaches rallied the boys and they responded. Two quick goals came from Rocco Marucci and Bolton held off a late King City surge to record its first victory, 3- 2.

In the final game of the round robin, Bolton needed a win against Schomberg. Strong defensive play coupled with persistent offensive pressure, the Wanderers left no doubt in everybody's mind that they deserved a shot at the title. Bolton scored a 7-1 victory which was highlighted by a hat trick from Rocco Marucci. Other goal scorers were Tristan Spinelli, Jake Simpson, Giancarlo Piroli and Matthew Amato.

The final was played in harsh, rainy conditions. Bolton was down 2-0 early on in the match and Laval's Delta Dragons thought they were taking home the trophy, until Rocco Marucci scored two late goals to tie the game and send it into overtime. The overtime failed to produce a winner, and the game was decided on penalty kicks. With Bolton successful on all their attempts and two great saves made by goalie, Christian D'Alessandro, the Wanderers became the champions of the King Classic - a sweet victory for a team that had only been together a couple of weeks!