Huron United clinches second win against Oriental

Kitchener and District Soccer League is a competitive amateur Canadian men’s soccer league in operation as the KDSL since 1975. Historically the league has operated with a first or premier division and a second division. As of 2013, only one 11 team premier division competed for a KDSL title and there hasn’t been a second (or lower division) since the 2010 season.

There is also a cup tournament called the KDSL Cup. In previous decades, the KDSL Cup was named after the chief sponsor of the tournament, such as the Molson Cup and the Da Silva Cup. Some teams also participate in the Ontario Cup with the only Ontario winner coming in 1981 when the Greek backed KW Olympics or “big blue machine” collected the honours. The league champion also has the option of joining the Ontario Soccer League (OSL).

Most teams are located within or around Kitchener, Ontario as well as other nearby cities such as Stratford, Cambridge, Guelph, and other smaller communities. Playoffs at the end of the season determine the champion of the league with the top six teams qualifying for the playoffs in each division.

Playing further north that KW, the teams play in:

Kiwanis Soccer Complex Main Field 3005 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound
Optimist Park 6067 Line 87, Listowel,
Spinrite Soccer Field (Steve Kerr Memorial Complex) 965 BinningSt W, Listowel

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 Huron United Notches 2nd Win of the Season in a gritty 4-2 victory over Oriental

by Anirudha Panditrao

The first 20 minutes of the match witnessed Oriental dictating the pace of play, showcasing their ability to retain possession. However, Huron United made an early breakthrough at the 15-minute mark when Kyle Branscombe and Jason Leiskau applied intense ball pressure, forcing an errant pass from an Oriental defender. In an unfortunate turn of events, an uneven bounce led to the goalkeeper fumbling the ball into his own net, resulting in an own goal and granting Huron United the early advantage.

Undeterred, Oriental regrouped and managed to equalize the scoreline at the 25-minute mark. Despite the best efforts of Huron United goalkeeper Haydon Armstrong to cutoff the opposition’s break, a scramble found the back of the net, leveling the playing field to a 1-1 scoreline.

Huron United was able to weather Oriental’s initial attacking play and establish their own offense as the first half neared its end. At the 35-minute mark, Ryan Schriek initiated a play with a precise pass to Adam Carty in the midfield. Carty, displaying exceptional vision, delivered a through ball to James Tigert, who sprinted past the opposition and finished with precision, giving Huron United a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

The second half saw Huron United emerge with renewed determination. Employing positive ball pressure, and quick closeouts, they effectively neutralized Oriental’s offensive efforts. Their persistent efforts were rewarded around the 60-minute mark when Chris Coady’s long throw caused chaos in the opposing team’s box, resulting in an own goal by the Oriental defender. Huron United extended their lead to 3-1, firmly taking control of the match.

Continuing their attacking onslaught, Huron United struck again at the 75-minute mark. Carter Obasohan, the team’s right attacking midfielder, skillfully evaded a defender to get a break and delivered a cross to Adam Carty, who unleashed a left-footed strike into the bottom right corner of the net, further solidifying Huron United’s lead with a convincing scoreline of 4-1.

In the dying moments of the game, a defensive scramble awarded Oriental a penalty shot at the 90-minute mark. Seizing the opportunity, Oriental converted the penalty, securing their second goal of the match. However, it was not enough to mount a comeback against Huron United’s gritty performance.

After a complete team effort, the players held a vote for the Man of the Match. Attacking midfielder Riley Cherrett emerged as the recipient of the award, impressing everyone with his relentless efforts in the midfield and contribution to the team’s success. Additionally, James Tigert (CDM), Haydon Armstrong (Goalkeeper), and Andrew Benny (Left Back) received honourable mentions for their outstanding performances throughout the game.

Huron United FC’s triumph over Oriental signifies a promising start to their season, with their second win adding to the team’s growing momentum.

Team record can be followed at:

https://www.kdslsoccer.com/teams/default.asp?u=KDSL&s=soccer&p=home
Team can be followed on facebook @Huron United FC
Team can be followed on instagram @huronunited