The 14 Wing Greenwood Bombers women’s soccer team made history September 23 to 28, as the first women’s team from Greenwood to compete at the Canadian Armed Forces National soccer championship at CFB Borden.
Players from Greenwood have competed in the past, either as part of a regional selection camp or by being asked to join the winning team of the regional tournament, but this was the first year Greenwood won regionals and earned its spot outright.
The Bombers faced tough competition during the round robin: during their first game, they held Ottawa (representing the Quebec region) to a single goal in the first half, ultimately losing 3-0 after the full 90 minutes. Game MVP was goalkeeper Private Anais Messier of 14 Mission Support Squadron.
Game two found the Bombers up against an all-star team from Ontario, which held a selection camp instead of a regional tournament. The Bombers took a 7-0 loss, but learned a lot and was busy throughout figuring out a new formation on the field. Game MVP was Sailor 1st Class Kelly Kisa, a player from CFB Halifax asked to join the Greenwood team for nationals after a stellar performance during the regional championship.
Things really clicked for Greenwood on the third day of competition. It was a coast-to-coast battle, with the Bombers meeting the Esquimalt Tritons. The Bombers came out on top 2-0, with goals scored by Kisa and Sailor 2nd Class Becka Whey, another outstanding pickup from CFB Halifax. Whey also earned the game MVP. On its social media, CISM Soccer Canada called it a “historic first national win” for Greenwood.
The following day, Greenwood, having finished third overall in the round robin, faced second-place Ontario, its only loss being decided in penalty kicks with Quebec in the final round robin game. The Bombers put up a good fight (see for yourself on the CAF Sports YouTube replay at youtube.com/live/urBPNzq3JAw?si=8E1cREDDNLo-6DkX) but, in the end, lost 2-0 to the Ontario all-stars.
“It was a huge improvement compared to the first time we faced them in the tournament,” said Greenwood coach Captain Glenn Duncan. “The team really came together and played hard. I’m so proud of all of them.”
First place Quebec beat out fourth-place Esquimalt in the other match of the semi-finals, setting up the Quebec vs Ontario final. Like the game in the round robin, the final was also decided in penalty kicks, but Ontario came out ahead this time, winning the championship.
Ontario, represented by the team from Petawawa, also won on the men’s side, defeating Halifax, the Atlantic representative team, in a tight 1-0 game.
All semi-final and final matches are available on the CAF Sports YouTube channel, @CAFSportsFAC.
