The Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association U17 Boys’ Storm extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches in Division 1 soccer, with a gritty 2-0 win against AUSC Minhas in Abbotsford. They currently sit in third place of the 14-team league, only three points out of first place. They now turn their focus to their upcoming home match at Brother’s Field in Gibsons on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m., where they’ll be looking to make it 10 straight. Big crowds are expected, and it’s shaping up to be a true community event with Coast fans fully behind the boys.
It wasn’t plain sailing for the Storm on their trip to Abbotsford. They were greeted with persistent rain and 4C temperatures but the SCYSA’s lads took to the pitch with no consideration of weather and an obvious purpose. From the opening minute, the team showed a solid and measured approach, maintaining their focus and playing smart, passing football.
The breakthrough came just before halftime, with Zach Pence. He used his skill to dribble past defenders and a sprawling keeper before calmly slotting the ball in the opponent’s net, giving SCYSA a 1-0 lead. Pence’s performance has been on the up this season, and Sunshine Coast football legend Mike Cowie had already taken notice. Just days before the match, Cowie texted the coaching staff, saying Pence “definitely has what it takes to play that role” of the number 9 striker. And Pence responded in style, showing exactly why Cowie’s words hold so much weight.
With a 1-0 lead at the break, SCYSA came out for the second half with the intent of putting the game out of reach. In the 70th minute, Sam Pratt sealed the win with a clinical finish from just outside the eighteen to make it 2-0, the goal the result of some incredible tic-tac-toe football that all started with Kalen Zayshley’s deft return pass to an attacking and awaiting midfield.
While the attack was efficient, it is SCYSA’s defence that is still the central story of this squad. The team has eight clean sheets this season with only one goal against. Charlie Garden and Jakob Helfer were once again rock-solid at full-back, making sure AUSC couldn’t get in behind them.
The excitement around the team is growing, and this Saturday’s match at home (after several games on the road) promises to be more than just a football game—it’s a proper community event.
