BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The Sudbury Canadians are going through some growing pains.
The squad recently passed the halfway point of their 2006
season and has yet to earn a win, going 0-6.
In many ways, 2006 resembles the 2005 campaign, in which the
club lost its first seven games before picking up a win. The
Canadians went on to forge a 3-4 record over their final seven
games last season and gained much respect.
The franchise set out a goal of seven wins for 2006, but
with that now completely out of reach, they will focus on
staying competitive and improving.
"We will have a very positive approach to get through the
rest of the season," said head coach Emile Malvaso. "We want to
get that first win and put it behind us and show we're making
progress."
This Saturday, Sudbury hosts the Hamilton Avalanche. Game
time is 2 pm and will be contested at the Cambrian College
field.
"They have the Canadian National team goalie, so we have to have quality shots on her, not quantity," said Malvaso.
"Just taking a shot on net is likely not to go in. We need
many quality shots to score."
The Avalanche is fresh in the minds of the Canadians, as
they dropped a 3-0 decision to them last weekend in Hamilton.
The locals hope for a different result.
"We know what we have to do against them now," said defender
Cara Smith. "We have to play our strengths - play the ball on
the ground and communicate a lot. This should be a win for us.
We're looking to pick it up this weekend."
The Canadians will keep plugging away, regardless of the
outcomes.
"We all work really hard and that's not going to stop," said
Smith. "We're playing more as a team now. We don't feel
outclassed by the other teams. We go into every game, looking
to play our best and win."
The Canadians' brass is cooking up some potential deals to
better the team.
"We're in the midst of trying to recruit a few players, and
they're NCAA players," said Malvaso. "If we can get
them...these girls will make a difference for us."
Despite the struggles, Malvaso sees encouraging signs for
the future.
"Two of our younger players, Natasia San Cartier and Rene
Jacques, are really showing promise," said the bench boss.
"Those players are getting the experience of a lifetime as
Grade 11 students. I am hoping it inspires other young players
that the USL is a viable option for them."
The Canadians still are proving themselves valiantly, but
must put the ball into the net.
"The passion for us to play is there," said Malvaso. "We're a bit more organized. The girls are always ready and willing to compete. Our biggest issue is our inability to score. We have to get a goal or two to put pressure on opposing teams. Goal scoring is simple. It takes people who are willing to pay a price."
