Tillsonburg FC U14 boys capture EMDSL Tier II league cup

Elgin-Middlesex District Soccer League U14 Tier II league champion Tillsonburg FC: (front row, left to right) Ethan Rocco, Raheel Quereshi, Carter Curley, Luke McKee, Avery Draper, Ethan Brown and Colby Van Dyk. In the back row, are: Manager Carrie Kowalski), Max Suderman, Jakub Tremblay, Jaxon Crann, Oliver Weger, Connor McDermott, Logan Thompson, Marek Tremblay, Myles Marlor and Coach Ken Van Dyk. Alex Tremblay is absent from the photo. (Helsdon Photography Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

The Tillsonburg FC U14 boys locked up the 2025 Elgin-Middlesex District Soccer League Tier II title with a satisfying 2-0 shutout victory over the London Wolves Monday, Aug. 25 in London.

“It was a great cap off to a very strong season,” said coach Ken Van Dyk.

His squad finished the year with an 11-2-2- won-lost-tied record, scoring 57 goals while allowing only 22, a plus-35 differential equalling its 35 regular season points.

Tillsonburg headed into the contest tied in the standings with the Oakridge Gladiators, who had prevailed in the division cup final a couple of weeks previous.

“It was nice to tip them for the league,” said Van Dyk.

Tillsonburg was down four regular players for its final game, rescheduled from earlier in the season.

“But the boys who were there played well, played strong,” said Van Dyk.

The Wolves came out fast he credited, but Tillsonburg was able to absorb their early pressure and gradually assert its game. Call-up Adam Van Wychen opened scoring late in the first half, connecting from around the top of the 18-yard box.

“He was able to put it over the keeper,” said Van Dyk of a welcome opening mark. “Definitely settled some nerves.”

The goal seemed to deflate London a little he added.

“And allowed us to take control possession-wise for the rest of the game.”

Logan Thompson upped the advantage to 2-0 midway through the second half off a free kick. Tillsonburg keeper Luke McKee recorded his league-leading fifth shutout to secure the title-clinching victory.

“That came down to both his strong goaltending and the defence we were able to put in front of him,” said Van Dyk.

Offensively, FC was powered by four of the division’s top five goal scorers, a quartet led by Colby Van Dyk with 17 markers, Alex Tremblay in second place with an even dozen, and Max Suderman and Ethan Rocco in fourth and fifth place, with 10 and eight goals respectively.

“They played as a team, moved the ball really well,” credited coach Van Dyk.

A number of players upgraded their game last winter by playing indoor soccer out of London he continued, part of a ‘good, dedicated core group of boys’ who put the time and work into this season’s success.

“Really a joy to coach them, to be honest,” he concluded.