Soccer team still undefeated
Courtesy Kahnawake Senior Women’s Soccer
Arrowhead FC 1 is off to a roaring start of their South West Regional Soccer Association (ARSSO) Senior women’s summer season, moving to 6-0 this week following a 1-0 win against the Pointe-Claire Fire Trucks.
For Paxton Phillips, player-coach of FC 1, it’s not just individual skill that has carried them to a so-far perfect season, it’s also been experience together playing as a team.
“We have had a few new additions over the years, but they have been able to blend perfectly within our already existing dynamic,” said Phillips.
“We have thankfully been able to keep almost the same rosters throughout the years and have players who have been committed to the Arrowheads for years now. Any new additions are players who have been coached under me already within their minor careers, making it easier to integrate them within the teams; or players who are used to playing at a higher calibre and working with teams who are passionate and competitive.”
Effort, along with the skill, has been important to their success as well, she said.
“Every single player on the team gives 100 percent effort, 100 percent of the time,” said Phillips.
That means being quicker on the pitch, harder to catch, and harder to play against.
FC 1 has 10 games left in their regular season, many of which will be hard fought.
That doesn’t mean they can’t be perfect the rest of the way, but Phillips isn’t putting the cart before the horse.
“I think it’s definitely a possibility, but I don’t want to jinx anything,” said Phillips.
“There are a few teams within the league that bring strong competition and give us a run for our money.”
FC 2, meanwhile, is 1-5 after their 4-2 loss to the Chateauguay Cougars - one of ARSSO’s top teams along with FC 1. For Phillips, the results on the scoresheet have not been indicative of how the team has been playing.
“The FC 2s have been playing very well together as a team. The vibes have been great, and I’m hopeful we’ll start getting some wins,” said Phillips, who also plays for FC 2 on occasion.
FC 1’s next game is on June 30 at the field by the Kahnawake Sports Complex against Lakeshore FC at 7 p.m. FC 2 will play the week prior, on June 23 against Ormstown at 7 p.m. also at the Sports Complex field.
Having two teams of women players being able to compete in Senior soccer shows just how much is being built around the sport in the community, according to Phillips.
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“Our Arrowheads have grown beyond what I ever imagined, and I’m honestly so proud of being able to see our presence and the growth of soccer in the community,” said Phillips.
“Our players now volunteer their time coaching all throughout the minor system, and I think we really built something sustainable.”
