ISSC HARPS 2008 RSSL Challenge Cup Winners
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ISSC HARPS - Richmond Senior Soccer League Challenge Cup 2008 winners. (L-R) [FRONT] Noah Pawlowski (goalkeeper). [MIDDLE] Steven Mantle, Padraigh Blake, Mike Roche (coach), Rory Connolly, Rob Orban. [BACK] Evan Creedon, David O'Sullivan, Denis Tasic, Cian Lawlor, Iain Kelly, Sean O'Neill, John Messager, Paul Stack (manager) with Setanta the dog (team mascot).
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PRESIDENT of Richmond Soccer Senior League Noel Estacio presenting the 2008 Challenge Cup to winning Captain of ISSC Harps Rory Connolly.
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By BRENDAN FLYNN
VANCOUVER - ISSC Harps debut in the 2007/08 season of the Richmond Senior Soccer League Premier Division culminated in rewarding fashion when they finished runners up in their league campaign after losing five of their opening games on the trot.
Given that success, Harps took their cup campaign one step further by making it to the RSSL Challenge Cup Final at McNair High School on March 30.
In a tough and hard fought battle, Harps came out deserved winners in a game that eventually went to extra time and it was the penalty shoot at the end that would ultimately decide matters.
Harps were in control of the game from the get go and with goals from Davey Sullivan, Sean "Cesc" O'Neill, and Stevie Mantle with John Messager also putting in a decent first half performance up front, victory was within their grasp…..or so it seemed.
Mike Roche, Rory Connolly and Stevie Mantle left little for Dragons to play for in midfield and with superb performances by Paudge Blake, Denis Tasic, Iain Kelly and Cian Lawlor in defense Dragons were left with little to show after 45 minutes.
Rob Orban also put in a decent performance when substituting for Mike Roche in midfield.
A run of fine saves from Noah Pawlowski in the Harps net was surely frustrating the Dragons' effort to change the score line and it was only a matter of keeping the game plan for the second half and Harps would be deserved winners.
Dragons had other notions however and with 20 minutes in the second half to go had pulled two goals back and just before the final whistle leveled the game after Harps keeper Noah Pawlowski was beaten in a goal mouth scramble from a corner.
Extra time saw Harps play most of the game on their heels but intelligent play and the cool heads of Mike Roche and Rory Connolly in midfield, Dragons were facing the daunting task of winning the game on penalties.
Harps goalie Noah Pawlowski made two wonderful saves in the shootout and on that performance alone could lay justifiable claim to Man of the Match.
Harps players, manager Paul Stack and coach Mike Roche are to be congratulated for putting in a tremendous display of exciting football all season long.
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