LAREDO, TX – The Thunder Bay Chill endured all the elements on and off the field Saturday night in Laredo to cap one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history to become the first-ever Canadian champions of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League. The visitors survived 100-degree heat, an initial deficit and a second half red card as they battled the defending champions to a 1-1 draw before capturing the title in penalties 4-1. 

Two years ago, Thunder Bay only posted two wins on the season for a team-worst 2-11-3 record in nine years of play. Saturday night, it was two saves in penalties by Stephen Paterson that put the Chill down in PDL and USL history in front of 3,451 at Texas A&M International University. 

 

You would not have expected the final result given Laredo controlled much of the possession in the match, allowing the hosts to get the initial scoring chances of the game before Thunder Bay began to find their own opportunities.

 

 

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