Manitou, Boston Pizza capture soccer crowns

They were the top teams in their respective divisions during the regular season, and last night at St. Francis Field, Manitou Forest Products and Boston Pizza proved that they were the best teams in the Borderland Soccer League this year.
Manitou clinched their second straight league title with a tight 1-0 triumph over International Travel Services in the men’s final, while over on the other pitch, Boston Pizza throttled Taggs’ Source for Sports 8-1 to put the wraps on a perfect campaign.

The winning goal for Manitou came early on in the match, as Mike Sande made a couple of nifty moves before placing his shot into the back of the net.
From that point on, goalkeeper Jameson Shortreed was able to make a number of huge saves to prevent International Travel Services from tying up the game, and allowed his team to pick up the win.
The women’s championship game meanwhile was a one-sided affair, as Boston Pizza found the net early and often to open up a 6-0 lead at halftime.
Colleen Hogan, Laureen Peters, and Adrienne Smith each scored a pair of goals for the winners, with Mandy Armstrong and Alyssa Holliday also finding the back of the net.
Courtney Roach was able to break the shutout bid of Boston Pizza goalkeeper Amy Wilson-Hands, as the Taggs’ striker converted a penalty late in the match.
With the league championship crowns now in their back pockets, both Boston Pizza and Manitou will now prepare to battle it for the district championships, which will be held here on Aug. 25 and 26.
Both teams will be going up against the winners of the men’s and women’s leagues from Kenora, Dryden and Sioux Lookout.