Team chemistry is biggest weapon, say Louis-Riel Rebelles after taking down reigning champs on Day 1 of home OFSAA soccer

By Isabella Disley

The Louis-Riel Rebelles enjoyed a perfect start to the OFSAA ‘AA’ Boys’ Soccer Championships on Thursday at Millennium Sports Park, as the province’s top-20 medium-sized schools kicked off play on five fields at the three-day tournament.

Louis-Riel made the most of its hometown advantage with back-to-back clean sheets, shutting out reigning OFSAA-champion Holy Trinity of Bradford 1–0 and Aurora 4–0.

“It wasn’t the nicest game of football in terms of quality, but they showed that they can adapt their style of play, depending on the pitch, depending on the opponent, depending on the situation,” Rebelles head coach Joé Fournier said after his side opened the event by taking down the top-seeded team.

“I think they proved that they have some character, and they have some grit, because we know that they can play nice football. I think it’s going to be very beneficial for them, for this tournament and in the long term as a footballer.”

Many of the Rebelles seniors are experiencing the culmination of between four to six years of playing together at OFSAA, having formed a highly skilled and tightly bonded team together.

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The Rebelles are enjoying playing in the tournament only 15 minutes down the road from their school, and getting to sleep in their own beds and play in front of a hometown crowd.

“The fact that everyone can come see some good soccer, and for the boys to play in front of their parents, their family, their friends, it’s an amazing feeling,” expressed Olivier Roy, who began playing soccer at five years old. 
“It’s amazing to be able to wear the number, wear the badge, it’s an honour. We’re a well-respected team in Ottawa.”

Roy is one of the many soon-to-be graduates and is committed to the Université de Moncton for the upcoming season alongside Rebelles teammates Kautchy Andji-Yapi and Joshua Yao.


“The bond of this team, it’s something different. We play every single day, and we meet up on the weekends,” noted Roy, who will be majoring in communication with a minor in psychology.
 “We’re brothers, and it’s a different type of bond because we have international students, we have players that come from all around the world. The fact that we can all collaborate together and be an amazing family, it’s just another feeling.”

Earlier this year, the team visited the Université de Moncton, home to several Louis-Riel alumni. Another trio are set to join them in the Aigles Bleus flock, while Ryan Spaans is headed to Queen’s University, Maxime Bédard will fly south to Charleston University to study business and compete in NCAA Division II soccer. Europe is also a possibility for some players’ future pathways.

“The whole team, honestly, is just full of passion, and I just respect everyone in the club, and I love playing for them,” signalled Bédard, who also started soccer at the age of five. “We all have this connection. We all just know each other on a personal level, and we play excellently together.”

Despite competing in Ottawa, the Rebelles are replicating some aspects of an away tournament atmosphere, organizing team dinners to create extra bonding opportunities. Fournier mentioned that the goal is rarely to win the tournament, but to develop and grow as a team.

“Usually, the team that has the best chemistry is the team that will succeed the most,” highlighted the Louis-Riel coach of 20 years. “Talent is important, but I think team chemistry, where everyone cares about everyone, is the most important.”

Read More: Long, eventful wait is over for Louis-Riel & Paul-Desmarais boys’ soccer teams set to compete at home OFSAA

Meanwhile, the other host association representative went 1-1 on day one. The Paul-Desmarais Patriotes lost 2-0 to Huntsville before bouncing back with a 5-2 win over Fort Frances.

Patriotes head coach Thierry Avaligbe isn’t setting expectations for results in this tournament, seeking for his players to keep it simple and “to be focused on the game.”

The Patriotes have been playing together for two years, and player Matteo Sarazin described this team as “energetic and passionate.”

After losing the first game, Sarazin explained that “pressure is a privilege, and we want to show that we’re capable of competing.”

Even though Paul-Desmarais is almost an hour west of the venue, Sarazin said that playing in Ottawa “feels good.”

“We’re here to attract big crowds, because we all know everyone here. We’re just trying to show our potential,” he indicated.

The Rebelles find themselves alone at the top of Pool A, while the Patriotes are in a three-way tie for second in Pool D with Huntsville and Thousand Islands at three points apiece.

Both teams will play two more pool matches Friday, in hopes of securing a spot in the evening quarterfinals.

Louis-Riel faces 1-1 Silverthorn of Etobicoke at 9:30 a.m. and 0-2 Thériault of Timmins at 12:30 p.m., while Paul-Desmarais takes on 1-1 Huntsville at 8 a.m. and then 2-0 Catholic Central of Windsor at 12:30 p.m. The four quarter-final matches are all scheduled for 5:15 p.m.

The top two teams of each pool will advance to the playoff round, which concludes with semi-finals and medal matches Saturday at 1 (bronze) and 1:30 p.m. (gold).