Goderich Tempest capture First Division Cup

Goderich Tempest recently won the First Division Cup. (Back row, L-R): Anna Keller, Brittany Norman, Christine Lapp, Marianne Van Den Heuval, Rachel Galbraith, Bryn Lewis, Head Coach Ray Lewis. (Front row, L-R): Mascot Percy, Kiley Stewart, Lainey Cox, Karly Howard, Danielle Bean, Shea Frayne, Nicole Evans, Jileesa Mali.

In the London and Area Women’s Soccer League (LAWSL) action, Goderich Tempest captured the First Division Cup with a 4-3 victory over St. Thomas at the North London Soccer Complex.

Over the course of the season, the team had gone through a bit of adversity, yet everyone continued to rise to the challenge.

Mostly due to injury, the Tempest squad went nine out of 15 games this season without its regular goalie.

Karly Howard, captain of the Tempest explains that without players willing to step into new positions or filling gaps for the team, they wouldn’t have seen success this season.

During the season, the Tempest had to play almost two full games at a one player disadvantage on the field, but according to Howard, the team found its second effort and they were able to come out with a victory in both games.

With second efforts and flexibility, having a great coach in Ray Lewis guiding the team since its inception in 1997 has led the Tempest to its recent successes.

“Having such a great coach in Ray Lewis has fostered a dedicated, close-knit team that works hard on the field together and we’re extremely proud of our small-town team being able to hoist the cup,” added Howard.

Currently the team is sitting first in the standings and could likely be promoted to the Elite Division next season, which is the highest level of soccer in the region.