14 wins & two ties.

That was the near perfect record of the Hanover Olympia who finished in first place in the Manitoba Major Soccer League's 8th Division.

The Olympia then defeated Gladiators FC 5-2 in the semifinals this past Thursday and followed that with a 2-1 victory over Southside SpVgg in the championship game Sunday morning at the Waverley Soccer Complex in Winnipeg.

Strikers Trevor Harder and Ryan Dueck scored second half goals for the Olympia who won the division title in the soccer club's inaugural season in the MMSL.

 

 

The Olympia trailed 1-nil early but took total control of the game in the second half and put constant pressure on Southside keeper Hayden Glor who made a number of spectacular saves.

“They were putting a lot of pressure up on our defense which was really intense,” commented Harder on their slow start. “Our defense were struggling there for a bit but that also caused their defense to push up which gave us a couple of breakaways and gave us great opportunities to capitalize on them.”

Dueck scored to give the Olympia a 2-1 lead and then for the final seven minutes, Southside started to put pressure on goaltender Jesus De Leon.

“I wasn't crossing half at all,” said Dueck. “I was just playing defense the whole time and it was important to cover that half or else we were being stormed by their jerseys.”

Olympia player/coach Alberto Blandon was thrilled to see the success the soccer team enjoyed this season.

“I feel very honored,” Blandon said. “We play a sport that we love but also with this group of people we were able to put people from practically 11 different nationalities together. That is a great thing and the diversity - you see how soccer speaks only one language.”“Through the soccer team we empower relationships, inclusion, respect and working as a team. It has been an honor and a privilege to be coaching this team for this season and we are looking forward to years ahead.”