Laurier Brantford’s soccer teams, both men and women’s, competed at the Conestoga College varsity tournament on Jan. 19.  

The men’s team has been training all season at the varsity level while the women’s team is a recreational soccer club. 

This was the first-ever varsity-level tournament that a Laurier Brantford women’s soccer club has competed in.  

The girls had an impressive first performance, placing fourth out of six teams. They were the only sport club competing alongside five varsity-level teams. 

The Golden Hawks lost the bronze medal game to the Conestoga Condors in shootouts.  

Laurier Brantford held a 2-1 lead for most of the game. Midfielder Jessa Braun and defender Emily Marra scored the goals.  

Conestoga tied the game up in the last minute to bring the two teams to shootouts, where Laurier Brantford missed all three shots. 

The Golden Hawks lost their first game of the day 7-1 to the Sheridan Bruins, the single goal scored by Braun. 

The Golden Hawks won their second game against the Lakehead Thunderbirds with a score of 4-1. Braun and Jessica Boere each scored one and Rachel Jones hit the back of the net twice. 

Turning it over to the male side… The tournament was the male varsity team’s second one of the year. 

Unlike the women, the men won their bronze medal match with a score of 5-1 against Georgian College.  

Phil Catarino scored two, while Kyle Lutz, Denzel Henry and Tyler Botelho each scored one. 

Golden Hawks played their first game against Sheridan and lost it 4-1. Botelho scored for Laurier. 

For the second game, Laurier Brantford player Lakehead Orillia and won 2-0. Catarino and Luth both scored. 

The next tournament for our male Golden Hawks will be regional championships on March 5 in Ancaster. Here they will try to qualify for provincials. Fans are welcome to come out and cheer as spots are available in the bus!