10 October 2009
Albertas Edmonton Victoria is returning to the Jubilee Trophy final after clinching first place in group action at the 2009 BMO National Championships in Saskatoon, SK. Edmonton Victoria won 1:0 over Newfoundland Labradors EPR Kirby/The Dock to improve to six points in two games. While Halifax Dunbrack can catch Edmonton on six points, Edmonton holds the tie-breaker advantage because it defeated Halifax Dunbrack on Friday.
Edmonton Victoria won back-to-back Challenge Trophy titles in 2004 and 2005. It will conclude its 2009 group play on Sunday after 2008 champion Halifax City.
In Group B, host Saskatoon NATA kept its foot in the door for a national medal with a 1:0 victory today at the BMO National Championships Jubilee Trophy competition. Captain Jacqueline Lavallée scored the lone goal in the win over Ontarios North London Galaxy. Both Saskatoon NATA and Surrey United SC, who won 1:0 over Winnipeg South End United, are tied for first place with four points and a +1 goal differential.
Saskatoon may be in a better position heading into the final day as they will know the result of the Surry-London match before it faces Winnipeg. A draw or win by Saskatoon or Surrey is enough to qualify either one for the medal round, but only the first-place team advances to the Jubilee Trophy final; the second place team advances to the bronze medal match.
Both teams know they will need to improve on the final day. For Saskatoon, captain Lavallée explains, 'it will be do or die for (opponent) Winnipeg'. For Surrey, coach Jeff Clarke understands that, 'if we dont play better, we wont deserve to win gold.'
Behind Saskatoon and Surrey (four points each) are North London (three points) and Winnipeg South End United (no points).
The 2009 Jubilee Trophy competition runs this 8-12 October in Saskatoon, SK. The eight teams in the tournament will play three matches against group opponents (Group A and Group B) from 8-11 October. All eight teams will then play on 12 October to determine their final ranking.
BMO Financial Group is proud to support soccer at all levels across Canada, from grassroots to Canadas national teams. Starting with sponsorship of more than 400 Canadian youth teams to the title support of elite youth players at the BMO National Championships, through to the professional-team support (Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and sponsorship of the Canadian mens and womens national soccer teams, BMO Financial Group is serious about Canadian soccer. For more information on BMOs support of soccer in Canada, visit bmosoccer.com.