It was a season to remember for Stonewall United — but it won’t feature the dramatic ending they had hoped for.
On Thursday, the sixth-ranked United squad faced third-ranked YFC FC in the opening round of the Manitoba Major Soccer League Division 3A playoffs at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex.
Stonewall entered the match fresh off a late-season surge that saw them clinch a postseason berth in their final regular-season game.
As clear underdogs, United hoped to embrace that role by pulling off an upset against YFC.
From the opening whistle, however, it was YFC generating the early pressure, forcing United into defensive mode. Less than a minute in, YFC was awarded a penalty kick, which they converted for the game’s opening goal.
Despite the early setback, Stonewall settled in and created several chances. Their persistence paid off when Aiden Erickson buried a rebound in front to score United’s first goal of the playoffs and level the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.
United pushed to take their first lead in the second half but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Instead, YFC capitalized on their chances, scoring twice midway through the half to build a 3-1 advantage.
Stonewall refused to back down, and their push to rally was rewarded when Kevin Penner headed in a cross from Chris Dobson to make it 3-2.
With the deficit trimmed to one, United carried momentum into the final minutes, but time was not on their side. YFC held firm to their lead, securing a 3-2 victory and a spot in the semifinals.
“Ran out of time,” said United’s Matt Olnick. “At the end of the day, everyone on the field gave one hundred per cent. I can’t complain at all — it was a full effort by our guys. I’m not upset; we left it all out there. A little more time would have helped, but a few defensive breakdowns led to their goals. Other than that, we played a pretty clean game. Unfortunately, that’s how we go out this year.”
It was a bittersweet ending for United, who were pleased to have squeaked into the playoffs but had aspirations of contending for a championship.
The team wrapped up the summer with a 10-8-3 record, finishing fifth in Division 3A. That result likely keeps them in the division next summer — a prospect Olnick and his teammates are already excited about.
This season marked significant progress for the club, which moved up a division and reached the playoffs after missing out last summer in Division 3B. United also celebrated a gold medal at the Kenora Men’s Soccer Tournament after coming close the previous year.
“We made good, positive strides, and a lot of guys are excited for next season,” Olnick said. “Hopefully we keep the same core group together.”
Olnick highlighted this year’s key additions — Israel Ogungbemi, Bret Sveinson and Masyn Pao — as particularly impactful recruits. All three are expected to return next season along with the rest of the roster.
In the meantime, United will shift their focus indoors, competing for a winter soccer championship in the coming weeks.
