The Gloucester Celtic senior men's soccer team spent Thanksgiving weekend competing in the Canadian men’s amateur soccer championship in St. John's, Newfoundland in the hope of winning a fourth title.
Celtic went into the tournament as the defending champions, having won the national championship in 2013, 2016 and again last year.
After breezing through the group stage by beating the Edmonton Wildcats 3-0, the Conception Bay South Strikers FC 7-1 and Winnipeg’s NKMB Saints FC 3-0, Celtic earned a ticket straight to the final where they faced the hometown Holy Cross Soccer Club.
Despite dominating play throughout the first half, Celtic only had a 1-0 lead at the break thanks to a goal from Luca Piccioli in the 32nd minute.
As play resumed in the second half, Celtic kept up the pressure but were unable to add to their lead. Their inability to capitalize on their superior play would come back to haunt them as Holy Cross eventually scored the equalizer in the 10th minute off a miscue and a deflection inside the Celtic penalty area.
The score remained tied through the remainder of regulation time, which meant the game and the championship would be decided on penalty kicks.
After both teams scored on their first three tries, Celtic's first half hero Piccoli missed on his attempt, sending the ball high over the crossbar leaving St. John's only needing to score on its final shot to win the game.
Despite the loss, the Celtic can still boast an impressive resume that includes six provincial championships, three national championships, and now a silver.
Y2K DANCE from 7 p.m. at the Orléans Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Throw back vibes. Iconic hits. Good Times. See you on the dance floor.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
BREWCHRE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. $25 entry fee gets you in and includes a beverage, two slices of delicious pizza, and a chance at some great prizes. Pizza served at 6 p.m., and cards dealt at 6:30 p.m. Send an email to 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
