It was a strange goal in the game's final minutes, but it was the one that put the Under 16 Humboldt Hurricanes over the top to defeat Hollandia Rtimi 3-2 in the Saskatoon Youth Soccer League final.

Head Coach of the team, Jesse Schwartz explained the situation.

"They passed it back to their keeper, and they consider it an intentional pass back, so it was an indirect free kick from outside the box," he explained. "Our guy looked at the ref and said 'can we go?'. As long as they don't ask for space, they can play the ball. He instantly put the ball where it went, passed it to the side, and Robbie (Hufnagel) put it in the net."

He credited the play to the smart thinking of Teijon Abel-Douglas, who Schwartz noted is always aware of what's going on during the game.

The Hurricanes took a 1-0 lead early on a goal by Damon Schwartz, with the two sides exchanging goals later in the first half, giving Humboldt a 2-1 lead at the break.

Hollandia tied the game with about 10 minutes left, and nearly grabbed the lead on a close call shortly after when they hit the post.

Hufnagel then gave the Hurricanes the late lead.

"It was a great game. They came out and played hard and we had a lot of fun out there," said Schwartz. "It was a good game, a fun game, and a close game. Those are the ones that get you going and keep you on your toes."

This was the team's first season in the Saskatoon league, and Schwartz said that everyone enjoyed their experience throughout the year.

"Its just a lot of fun to push the kids every day, every week. Every week we play a meaningful game and its a nail biter, down to the wire, and they're having so much fun doing it."

The league championship, coupled with a provincial title in late February made for an outstanding year overall.

"Going into that one, after winning, the final to the storybook ending was to come here and get City, and we talked about that after provincials was over, we weren't done yet."

While one season ends for the team, another is about to begin in mere weeks, as they have been invited back to play in the outdoor version of the league.

"That begins mid-April already, so we don't get a whole bunch of a break, so we'll be right back at 'er, but we're excited to keep the momentum going into the next season."

Schwartz added that the outdoor league will be 11 players against 11, different from the indoor version of 8 on 8, and even varying from provincials as well, where they played six aside.


Hear more from Schwartz below with Bolt FM's Tyler Bieber.