WOODSTOCK - In a weekend that can only be described as magical, Stratford Hiller Royal LePage U-10 boys Strikers won the championship of the 17th annual Walter Kirchner soccer tournament.
In conditions ranging from pouring rain to scorching heat, Strikers bested 18 other top-calibre teams, finishing with a record of 5-1 while knocking off several soccer powerhouses on the way to the gold.
The weekend started off badly as Stratford played London’s Southend United in rainy, cold conditions. Despite heavily out-playing the opposition, the sleepy Strikers were unable to finish and and eventually fell 2-1. Will Thibeault scored Strikers’ only goal.
Strikers discovered their offence in their second game as they pounded Norwest Avalanche 7-0. Thibeault scored three and Noah Kuno two, with singles going to Evan Falardeau and Joe Yundt. Shutout to Tanner Hertel.
In game three, Stratford took on London City and once again filled the net, beating the over-matched City team 6-2. Thibeault and Luke Fischer each scored twice.
With a record of 2-1, Strikers finished second in their pool and headed to the quarter-finals Saturday against powerhouse and top LDYSL team, Woodstock FC.
Woodstock was undefeated and had not allowed a single goal prior to facing the Strikers. In a rematch of the lopsided 2008 final, Strikers shocked the tournament favourites 2-1 as Kuno scored the winner with three minutes remaining, sending FC and its supporters home in disbelief.
Yundt also scored a beauty,  and Hertel was spectacular in net.
It didn’t get easier in the semi-finals as Strikers played another undefeated team in Waterloo Gold. Not playing their best game, Strikers hung tough but were scored on with five minutes remaining and all seemed lost. In a desperate attempt to find an equalizer, Hertel made a great pass to Fain who smashed it home to tie it 1-1 with just seconds left.
Extra time solved nothing and the two teams went to a shootout. It ended after nine shooters with Stratford advancing to the final, 2-1.
Thibeault, Polanco, Weinheimer, Fain, Moorehead, Mena, Falardeau and Kuno all scored in the high drama.
The championship game found Stratford facing another monumental challenge in SWRSL-leading Guelph Royals. In their only previous meeting this season, Strikers were ripped 9-1 by a terrific Royals team.
Strikers were fortunate to find themselves only down by one goal early, thanks to more great play from goalkeeper Hertel.
The tide started to turn near the end of the first half when Weinheimer gained possession and sent a great through ball to a streaking Falardeau who hammered it home leaving the two sides knotted 1-1 at half-time.
The grit and determination of Stratford eventually started to grind down Guelph with Strikers carrying the play. Thibeault finally closed the deal, scoring the winner on a great run nailing down another 2-1 victory.
Hertel was named MVP of the final, capping a great weekend.