Perhaps the biggest challenge, in all of sports, lies in trying to remain positive when defeats keep mounting. Although the Sudbury Canadians U-13 Girls have struggled to hit the win column this summer, it would be difficult to question the effort that coach Ted Leck receives each and every time his young team takes to the field.

Entering CGSL (Central Girls Soccer League) play at the worse possibly time, before the start of OYSL (Ontario Youth Soccer League) competition at U-14, the Canadians saw their season record drop to 1-12 after a pair of weekend losses.

Through it all, the local squad continues to battle tooth and nail for every loose ball, matching the aggressiveness and effort of every opponent that makes their way north. The reality, as Leck fully understood entering this season, was that the Sudbury squad would likely be at a talent disadvantage with almost every other team in the league.

The reasons are many, but certainly the sheer difference in population base, most notably with the multi-cultural aspect of the GTA, allows for the development of children for whom soccer is a family way of life.

The hurdle that must be overcome in trying to level the playing field while going toe for toe with the most talented young soccer players in the province was made crystal clear, once again, at home this weekend.

Having fallen 4-1 to the second place Ajax Soccer Club on Saturday, the Canadians took to the Delki Dozzi Sports Complex Sunday afternoon, looking to match the Darlington Fusion (5-3-3).

The task at hand was made that much more difficult with the absence of striker Sarah Mulvenna, with fullback Courtney Sauve making the move up front for the locals.

While the Canadians could hold the Fusion at bay for stretches at a time, the constant pressure eventually results in defensive breakdowns, opportunities on which gifted players will capitalize.

Certainly the case for Zoe Longstreet, who makes no mistake on a loose ball inside the box, opening the scoring for Darlington in the 16th minute of play. The fitness of the Sudbury side helps keep this game close, as the Canadians dart quickly to pressure the adept ball movement of the Darlington side.

In the 29th minute, Sudbury keeper Megan Coutu comes through with one of her best saves of the game (and there were many), sliding low to deny a well placed shot from Mikayla Mona.

Just five minutes later, the Fusion narrowly misses the chance to double their lead as Braedyn Tutton picks up a rebound in close but shoots wide to the left of the Sudbury net. Looking to hold the visitors to a 1-0 half time lead, the Canadians are victimized by a late drop in intensity.

With less than a minute remaining in the half, Mikayla Mona is given too much space in close as she spins and fires, providing Darlington with a little more breathing room.

Leck attempts to keep his players in the game, making frequent changes while dealing with various knicks and bruises throughout the second half. Another defensive breakdown, this time off a corner kick as the Fusion outnumber the locals on a short ball, playing a give and go against a single defender, with Longstreet drilling her second goal of the game.

Sudbury is unable to mount much in the way of sustained offensive pressure, as Darlington closes out the scoring in the 73rd minute when Mikaela Pearsall breaks in unmarked, redirecting a well played cross to make the final score 4-0.

Despite the setback, there were certainly positive takeaways for coach Leck, including the play of his midfielders, most notably Brianne Rodrigue and Rachel Leck, who matched up pretty well against a good-sized Darlington side.

The local crew also welcomed the addition of Timmins outside midfielder Sydney Lia, added to the roster midway through the season to provide a little more depth. Lia scored the only Sudbury goal of the weekend, connecting on Saturday against Ajax.

And on the back end, it's difficult not to notice the presence of interior defender Jenelle St Jean, an absolute workhorse, especially in light of the fact that a good majority of the play occurs on the Sudbury end of the pitch.

Despite the setbacks in the loss column, St Jean says that there is plenty of improvement taking place. "I think we're playing much stronger than last year. We pass and we communicate better, and we know what we're doing much more this year", explained St Jean.

With a long-term approach in mind, St Jean and her mates look to constantly support each other, understanding that a positive outlook will payoff in the end. "I try to just keep on cheering them on, telling them good things - just that we can do it," said St Jean.

And in the fairness, the team almost "did it" last weekend, losing by scores of 2-1 (North Toronto) and 3-2 (Toronto Eagles) on the road. The Canadians, who closed out the home portion of their campaign on Sunday, complete the 2010 season with three more games, battling North Toronto and Unionville/Milliken next weekend and facing Vaughan on September 11th.