First, FC Barcelona spoiled the Portage Blaze’s debut in the Winnipeg Women’s Soccer League First Division.

On Sunday, they were back at it again, this time topping the Blaze in the final of the Portage la Prairie team’s own tournament.

FC Barcelona captured the Central Plains Challenge Cup and the $1,200 grand prize with a 4-0 win over the Blaze at Republic of Manitobah Park.

Barcelona remained the only team to defeat the Blaze in league or tournament play this season, though playing five games in two days had taken its toll on the Blaze by the time the final rolled around.

“If we had been fresh, it would have been a different game, I think,” said Blaze midfielder Jill Fast. “They’re a good team, and they move the ball well, but we just didn’t have any subs. We were all injured and sore after playing five games.”

The list of wounded Blaze players kept getting bigger as the tournament went on.

“We had Terri Mauws go down with a possible fracture on her foot, Tiffany Holmes went down with a torn ACL, and Ashley Williams had to sit out with a lower leg injury,” said Blaze head coach Bryan Mintenko.

Meanwhile, Sarah Mansell, Adele Butcher, Jillian Enright, Meriel Bond and Carrie Blanchard were all forced to play through injury in the final with Portage out of subs.

However, the Blaze were extremely pleased to be runners-up in the 16-team tournament.

“It was a great tournament for us,” said Mintenko. “The girls showed excellent physical and mental toughness playing through injuries. I would have to say that, in our nine years of existence, this was our best tournament performance.”

May 11, Whitter Park, 7:30 PM:  Sweat Shack Spirit v South Central Hurricaines

May 13, Blumburg 7, 7:30 PM:  FC Barcelona v St. James Legends

May 19, Memorial, 7:30 PM:  Sweat Shack v Titans

For a list of the full 2009 schedule, click here

Sun April 26 5-7pm
Mon April 27 6-8pm
Weds April 29 6-8pm