YORKTON — The Gallagher Centre Flexihall in Yorkton hosted a total of 39 teams from across the province for the Sask Cup Futsal Championships Feb. 28 to March 2.
In the men’s division, five teams vied for glory, including the hometown Yorkton United FC. The Yorkton squad opened the tournament on Friday with a strong 4-1 victory over Forge FC. Justin Adam led the scoring with two goals, while Noah Wyatt and Dillon Ferridge added singles.
Later that evening, Yorkton faced FCR Regina, a team comprising top players from Regina. Despite the challenge, Yorkton emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Steven DeLong and Ferridge. Head coach Andy Wyatt praised the team’s defensive play, singling out goalkeeper Austin Stewart for key saves that preserved the shutout.
Saturday’s action saw Yorkton draw 3-3 against Sask Villains in a back-and-forth affair. Ferridge, Wyatt and DeLong found the net for Yorkton, setting up a high-stakes match against six-time defending champions Olimpia FC from Saskatoon.
Assistant coach Benno Looft acknowledged the daunting task ahead of facing Olimpia, a team that has represented Saskatchewan at nationals and boasts a roster of former professional and university players. Yet Yorkton rose to the occasion. Despite relentless pressure from Olimpia, Wyatt opened the scoring with a pass from Nick Looft, and Ferridge doubled the lead before halftime.
Olimpia stormed back in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals to take the lead. Yorkton rallied, with Ferridge equalizing late in the game and DeLong scoring a dramatic game-winning header with just three seconds remaining. The 4-3 victory propelled Yorkton into the finals.
Sunday’s championship game saw a rematch with FCR Regina. With nationals set to take place in Regina, FCR had plenty on the line, striking early with a penalty shot. However, Yorkton responded with three goals before halftime, courtesy of DeLong, Wyatt and Adam. The second half was a defensive masterclass from Yorkton, securing a 3-1 triumph and the provincial title.
Coach Looft expressed gratitude for the community’s support, noting the packed stands and electric atmosphere at the Flexihall.
“I have never seen that many fans at any of our soccer games and the environment was electric," said Looft, adding," the Flexihall stands were packed and it was standing room only. They were cheering so loud throughout the game and when we scored with 3 seconds left versus Olimpia the place erupted.”
Coach Wyatt credited the team’s defensive efforts, highlighting the contributions of centre-backs Nick Looft and Jacob Okeny, as well as goalkeepers Austin Stewart and Tyson Green.
“The key for us this tournament was our defence. We were the best defensive team in the tournament because of the commitment of all players but especially our two center defenders Nick Looft and Jacob Okeny," said Wyatt, adding, "when our defence broke down our goal tending tandem of Austin Stewart and Tyson Green bailed us out with great saves”
With the victory, Yorkton United FC advances to the national championships in Regina from April 10-13, where they will face teams from Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut in round-robin play.
