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.
YARD SALE along Stojko Street and Senateurs Way in Fallingbrook from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Something for everyone. Toys. Clothing. Sports equipment. Housewares and more.
THE ORIGINAL NAVAN MARKET rain or shine from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road in Navan. Over 100 vendors in attendance. For more information 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
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.
