Wanderers romp at 'Robbie'

The "mini" segment of the world's largest annual charitable youth soccer event, The Robbie took place June 24, with Bolton being represented by two talented teams - the girls under 9 and under 8 selects. Both squads went undefeated in their matches, chalking up a few shutouts, and putting on a display of offensive firepower that overwhelmed opponents.

The under 9s saw an explosion of goals in two matches: 5-0 against El Salvador, and 6-0 against Barrie. Game three saw the club work a touch harder to earn a 3-1 victory over Scarborough Blizzard. Tournament goals came from a variety of contributors: Julia Ficociello with a total of four, Laura Bernardi with three, Adriana Carter and Mikaela Dodig with two each, and Victoria Ramos, Julia Pettella, and Adaija Wilson with singles. Alana Gnida, Alyssa Mattacchione, and Sabrian Landolfiall provided excellent support, while Rachel Kernohan recorded the shut-outs.

Meanwhile, the Under 8s employed their "heart and soul, let's get some goals" strategy. And did they ever! Second efforts and a barrage of shots resulted in a 9-1 drubbing of Scarborough Blizzard with single goals coming from Abbey Donnelley, Madison Johnston, and Jessica Dodig. Emmah Barber, Liza Knill, and Jocelyn Coulombe all picked up a pair.

Game two against West Rouge included a hat trick by Elaina Mikulski, two from Emmah Barber plus singles from Madison Johnston, Liza Knill, and call-up Shannon Higgs (subbing for forward, Sarah Slater and absent defender, Madison Osvaldini).

Holding the opposition off and enabling Elizabeth Haarmann to record her first shut of the season, were dynamite defenders Alessia Boem, Kennedy Hanczyk, and Julia Ruffolo. 8-0 the final.

The final match of the day saw the Wanderers take on High Park's West End Wildcats. Bolton controlled the play by working the wings and darting into defensive holes to find finishing touches coming from Emmah Barber, Jessica Dodig, and Abbey Donnelley. Final score 3-1.

In all, a tremendous undefeated weekend for the Wanderers' girls under 8 and under 9 selects! Congratulations to both clubs! And congratulations to the organizers of The Robbie, which during its 40 year history has raised nearly $1.1 million for charities: The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Canada.