Trois-Rivieres score against Serbian Eagles in earlier CSL action

The encounter is a repeat of last year’s final when Serbian Eagles defeated the Attak on penalty kicks in a thriller at Esther Shiner Stadium in North York. The Eagles are still a well-coached collection of mostly experienced pros from Europe with skills galore, while the younger, but quicker Attak team is a highly talented Quebec-based side with some of the most promising players in that province and in Canada.

Serbian White Eagles go back to 1968 and have been prominent from time to time since winning the Canadian championship in 1974. They qualified to compete in the CONCACAF Champions’ League the year following and in recent times have featured in the CSL’s championship game each year since returning to the league in 2006. They won the league’s tough International Division this season.

Trois-Rivieres Attak is very much the new kid on the block in the CSL, but the team has been spectacular with team and player honours in each of their three seasons since joining the league on 2007. The Attak won the National Division in the regular season just ended and took top position in the overall standings of 10 teams. Trois-Rivieres is the reserve team of the current USL champions, Montreal Impact.

The 2009 CSL annual team and individual awards will be presented at the championship game and admission for the 5 pm kickoff at the BMO Field in Toronto’s exhibition grounds is $20. The CSL is providing free admission to children 13 and under, however, offering an opportunity for first timers to see a soccer spectacular at the attractive and increasingly popular lakeshore venue.