Paterson and Putrus named Co-MVP as Chill prepare for Fire
Big Paterson save. Photo by James Mirabelli
THUNDER BAY, ON – Wednesday night was an evening of celebration for the Thunder Bay Chill Soccer Club. On the same night as their 2011 Annual Awards Banquet, the Premier Development League (PDL) announced the schedule for 2011 PDL Playoff Championships. The bracket (please see attached document) has the Chill, winners of the Heartland Division, facing the Chicago Fire, runners-up in the Great Lakes Division, Friday night in Pontiac, Michigan.
The Chill secured top spot in the Heartland Division last weekend by ending the playoff hopes of the Real Colorado Foxes with a win and a tie. The positive result set the tone for a week that was filled with playoff preparations and a celebration at the team’s annual awards presentation. The Most Valuable Player of the Year Award was shared by two Chill veterans, Steven Paterson and Anthony Putrus. Paterson, named this year’s PDL Goals-Against Average Champion, was 9-1-2 with eight shutouts this season, while only allowing six goals for the 12-2-2 Heartland Division champions. With thirteen goals, Brandon Swartzenduber was the team’s Top Scorer, and Sicelio Buthelezi was named Top Defender. Rookie of Year honours went to Defender Felipe Souza, who played in twelve of the teams sixteen regular season games.
With the regular season celebrations wrapped up, the team travels Wednesday night to the Ultimate Soccer Arenas, in Pontiac, Michigan. The Fire and Chill will face-off on Friday, July 29th at 5:30 p.m. (EDT). If they advance, the Chill will play Saturday, July 30th, at 7:30 p.m. (EDT). All games can be followed live on usllive.com.
