The road to the NBIAA  AA Boy’s Soccer title goes through Miramichi.  The James M Hill Tommies are vying for a three-peat as provincial champs next weekend in Fredericton, but despite winning the title the last two years they will not be entering the final tournament as the top seed.

The MVHS Pulamoo finished ahead of the Tommies in the regular season despite never beating their cross-town rivals this year.  James M Hill bested MVHS at the zones, but MVHS got revenge at the regionals this weekend in Bouctouche by getting past the Tommies in a match that needed 9 penalty kicks to decide a winner.

The game was played to a 0-0 draw, and each team scored a goal in the overtime, requiring penalty shots to decide the match.  Both keepers made big saves and the Pulamoo were finally able to secure the win after their ninth penalty kick.

The Pulamoo victory will seed them ahead of the Tommies at the 4 team final weekend in Fredericton and will likely mean the Tommies will face a tough Hampton team in the semi-finals on Saturday.  Last year the Tommies trumped Hampton with a late goal and went on to beat the Pulamoo in the final. 

The Pulamoo are an improved squad from last year which will make the weekend a very competitive one.  Many of the players on both teams play together in the U18 summer program, and although the games are competitive, the sportsmanship and friendship is clearly visible.

Good luck to both teams.