Soo Croatia wins Caruso Club tourney

BY MATTHEW GILLLIES

After a three-day tournament featuring 16 teams from across Ontario this past weekend, Sault Ste. Marie's Soo Croatia won the championship at the 16th annual Caruso Club Invitational Soccer tournament.

The tournament kicked off on Aug. 4 with the 16 teams playing the first round robin event and continued on to Aug. 5, with the remaining eight teams playing hard to make the final four for the tournament.

The winner of the consolation match was Mississauga Diavoli, the champions of the previous year's tournament. Facing off against Sault Ste. Marie's Soo Betcha Ital Canadians, the final score was six to one.

In the final match of the championship game, Inter Oshawa went against Sault Ste. Marie's Soo Croatia. With a high adrenaline performance, the two teams came to a tie of one-for-one at the end of the 90-minute half mark.

With the decider of the match coming down to penalty kicks, Soo Croatia took the game with a final score of four to three.

Soo Croatia was awarded a cheque for $3,200, while goalie for the team, Scotty Majic, was awarded Most Valuable Player honour. 

Since 1992, the Caruso Club has been holding the annual tournaments in Sudbury.

Nick Nero, organizer of the tournament, said the Invitational Soccer tournament began as way of bringing something new to Sudbury, and giving other city teams a chance to see the performances of different players.

"It started 16 years ago and the question was, what can we do differently for the Caruso Club and we decided to have a soccer tournament," Nero said. "We approached local soccer clubs, starting with $5,000 in prize money.

Since then we've had a lot of support from sponsoring businesses, as well as the Caruso Club being a sponsor.

"This is a good event for the city, it brings a lot of business to the city between players, coaches and family members. The city has been very good as well with accommodating us with fields, extra garbage cans, benches and chairs for the tents."

In 1992, St Thomas' soccer team won the first championship and has played in the tournament numerous times. The team was recognized for its involvement throughout the last 16 years.

"A big thanks to the committee, the city, all the teams for coming out on the long week and being committed to participate, we appreciate it a lot," Nero said.

The organizing committee for the Caruso Club Invitational Soccer Tournament consists of Vince Panella, Nick Nero, Iggy Spadafora, Daniela Fusaro, Mario Anselmo, Elio Massimiliano and Frank Doni.

"A thanks goes out to the Caruso Club for being a major sponsor for the event," Fusaro said.