On a sunny and windy Sunday afternoon at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Gloucester Celtic secured a resounding 6-1 victory over Scarborough GS United to claim the Men’s 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup title. From the opening whistle, Gloucester’s attack was relentless, leading to an emphatic win.

The action began early, with GS United’s Kahlil John-Wentworth stopping Gloucester’s Joseph Kewin with a clean tackle. A corner kick in the 6th minute gave Gloucester their first real chance, but GS United keeper Paulo Dos Santos made a diving save to deny Cristopher Malekos.

Gloucester broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Zachary El-Shafei coolly converted a penalty kick. Just four minutes later, El-Shafei found the back of the net again after following up on his own rebound off the post, thanks to a precise cross from Robbie Murphy.

Despite GS United’s attempts to close the gap, Gloucester’s defense remained strong, with Justin Earle heading a dangerous shot out of bounds in the 28th minute. Moments later, Darius Kerr-Cooper’s shot for GS United missed the mark.

Gloucester continued their offensive push, adding a third goal in the 33rd minute when Kieran Sanders delivered a pinpoint cross to Javane Henry, who made no mistake in securing the goal. Henry struck again in the 65th minute, breaking through GS United’s defense to score his second of the match.

The score rose to 5-0 in the 77th minute when Henry assisted Bezick Evraire with a cross, and Evraire headed the ball into the net. GS United finally responded in the 84th minute with a penalty kick by Osman Hussein, but Gloucester had the final say in the 89th minute, as Zackary Tremblay capitalized on a free kick, sealing the 6-1 victory.

Next up: Nationals in Surrey, BC October 8-15

And the journey continues; representing Ontario at the - 2024 Canadian Soccer Association National Club Championships in Vancouver. This is the top level of senior amateur soccer in the country where Men’s and Women’s teams from across Canada will be competing for the National Title.

As Gloucester moves in to high gear in preparation for this grueling week long competition, there is also a new challenge. Funding! Travel and accommodations for the week will run just under $30,000 (Vancouver is far!). Although ambitious, the club's goal is to raise as close to that as possible so every member travels at no cost to themselves.

Every donation counts! We HOPE we can count on you to help us reach our goal!

To donate, visit: https://fundrazr.com/32S4O9?ref=ab_6ZjEugQsgDu6ZjEugQsgDu&utm_campaign=donation-thankyou&utm_medium=email&utm_source=09-2024