Toyota’s national event showcase for elite talent

The best amateur clubs are in Saskatoon this week for the 2018 Toyota national championships.

It’s the sixth time, and first since 2009, for the event being staged in Saskatoon. (Manitoba won the last two times it was held here.) Saskatchewan claimed its only championship in 2011. It is the highest level of soccer, below professional, that our country has to offer.

Both men’s and women’s Saskatchewan representatives are local. Revolution and SK Impact FC carry the hopes of the host province.

MEN’S CHALLENGE TROPHY

Revolution is making its first appearance having defeated nine-time champ HUSA Alumni FC on its way to qualification. Led by their leader Jordian (Chico) Farahani at centre back, this isn’t the first time this group of players has tasted success. The core of the club was part of the Huskies side that defied all odds claiming the University of Saskatchewan’s only Canada West soccer title in 2014.

Garrett Peters heads a speedy attack. Just a year ago, Peters was a member of HUSA and scored a hat-trick in a come-from-behind win over Calgary Callies in Surrey, B.C. Twelve months later, he is back at nationals as a member of Revolution.

He is joined by Luigi Bekwayo and Shredrek Samuel, creating a formidable attack that will create problems for the opposition,

Revolution has not been given an easy road. The local side opens Wednesday against B.C. champion Surrey Tigers at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Revolution faces titleholders Western Halifax FC. After that, it’s a date with Fredericton, N.B., Picaroons Friday night before wrapping up group play against the 2016 winners and perennial favourites Edmonton Scottish on Sunday.

Revolution players have been training a lot and feel they are as ready as they will ever be. First place in the pool will play for gold on Monday, while the runner-up plays for bronze.

WOMEN’S JUBILEE TROPHY

SK Impact FC will make its third straight appearance at nationals by improving its roster yet again.

Huskie graduates Leesa Eggum and Erica Hindmarsh have joined the team. These key additions will give support in attack alongside veterans Elizabeth Hudon, Michelle Keene and Leanne Mylymok (Anderson).

Like the Saskatchewan men, the women open up the against B.C. champion by playing Surrey United SC on Wednesday at 5 p.m. It is very important for Impact to get off to a good start. Two years ago, Saskatchewan dominated a B.C. side but failed to score, losing the opener 1-0. A year ago, SK Impact got thumped in its opener against Newfoundland.

Impact, which is in a pool of four, will play the same Holy Cross SC team from a year ago. The host team will end group play against a quick and dangerous Halifax Dunbrack of Nova Scotia. This is no easy task for Impact, but hopes are that playing at home will bring an advantage.

They play all their games on grass at Umea Park. It’s the first time in eight years where the majority of games are played on grass.

Impact are fortunate to avoid some of the heavyweights. Having won four of the last five Jubilee Trophies, Edmonton Victoria Soccer Club is the favourite. Edmonton joins six-time Ontario champion Scarborough GS United, as well as the only other team to lift the trophy in the last half decade, Royal- Select Beauport from Quebec. In soccer, this is considered the group of death.

U-17 CUP

Saskatoon Selects travel to Surrey, B.C. as the lone youth team from Saskatoon to qualify for nationals.

The under-17 boys team qualified by defeating FC Regina in Mosaic Stadium back on July 14. Saskatchewan finds itself in a pool of three alongside Manitoba and PEI.

For a full tournament schedule, download the Canada Soccer app or visit www.canadasoccer.com/ nationals.