After two days and 136 games, the annual JulyFest Soccer Tournament wrapped up on Sunday evening this past weekend.
Over 64 teams in men’s, women’s and masters categories hit eight fields in Marysville and Kimberley in one of Western Canada’s largest soccer tournaments.
In the men’s competitive division, the Missoula Athletics won the final in penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation with the Montana Rapids. The Athletics overcame a two-goal deficit and scored in the final minute of the game to even it up and force the dot shots.
The Athletics even included a few masters players from Cranbrook and Kimberley, who volunteered themselves onto the team to help cope with injuries.
The Athletics took the title from the Cranbrook Unicorns, who were the tournament champions last year, but were unable to make it to the finals this year.
Tournament organizer Simon Davidson said the men’s competitive division was wide open and that there were many skilled teams that played each other in tight, entertaining matches.
In the women’s competitive division, the Montana Rapids dominated the competition and won the final 5-2 over the Cochrane Rangers. While there were many good teams in the women’s division, Davidson noted that the Rapids were clearly one step up from the rest.
For local teams, the Kimberley/Cranbrook Masters team lost in the semifinals to the tournament champions. In the Recreation division, Los Amigos, based out of Cranbrook, lost to the eventual tournament champions in the semis as well.
On the ladies side, a Kimberley women’s team lost 3-1 to a team from Calgary in the Recreation finals.
Davidson would like to thank the School Board and the City of Kimberley for their help in securing and preparing the soccer fields. He also would like to acknowledge and thank sponsors who supported the event.