A big second half paced the U14 United boys to a 6-3 win over Squamish in rep soccer action last weekend.
Andrew Kraus scored in the first half for United, but they trailed 3-1 at halftime despite outplaying Squamish. The second half was no contest as United scored five goals en route to the win.
James Van't Schip and Evan Murphy each scored a pair while Nelson Troup added a single. Stuart Richey and Nick Murphy were rock solid at the back to anchor the comeback. The coaches emphasized play with the left foot at this week's practices and the lessons paid off on the field. The win keeps United in a three-way tie in their gold division. Coming up is a game against Kerrisdale with whom they are presently tied. The U14 girl's Scorpions played their namesake Squamish Scorpions. They even have the same colour uniforms.
The Coast version played another stellar game with several highlight reel goals, winning 5-1 and maintaining their unbeaten streak.
Tiana Storvold put the home side up 1-0. Kendra Pomfret tallied the next on a Scorpions specialty as she slammed a shot from the penalty spot for a 2-0 lead. The locals lead 2-1 at the half. Candace Veale continued her hot streak as she scored for the fourth consecutive game. Noah Mithrush shook the net with a great strike from 18 yards and Tayler Metcalfe drove a picture perfect cross into the goalmouth allowing Tiana to get her second goal.
While the "gunners" were having a field day, Courtney Lamb anchored a solid defense with strong support from sweeper Kelsey Bellerive. Kim Doerksen had a career game with her fine working effort at the outside left midfield position.
Our girls showed a fine finesse game with strong passing and crossing from the wings. The coaches really have the team in great physical condition and it is the edge they need.
The U14 silver division Celtics lacked finish as their opponents got three goals on an own-goal, a defensive lapse and a clear offside. Jesse Higgins found the net, and his strong game effort earned him the right to wear the coveted Celtic shirt this week. A 3-1 loss ruined a strong effort, though.
The North Shore Nitro's were defused by a strong effort by our U12 girls' Stingrays.
A 0-0 draw showed the improvement in the play of this novice team. Their effort was backstopped by strong goaltending shared by Maya Schutz and Faran MacDonald. I watch these girls practice on Tuesdays at Sechelt Elementary School and if I could bottle some of their exuberance I'd be back playing over-30 football! An injury-plagued U16 boy's Strikers squad took on the Renegades that they played to a standstill in a previous game.
Unfortunately, this past week's game had no official referee and the volunteer ref was not up to par. The game deteriorated to a very chippy affair. Missed calls on both sides resulted in much frustration. The Renegades used their bench strength to wear down the locals to leave them with a 4-0 loss. FieldsShirley Macey Park is now closed for practices to protect the surface for weekend games. Practices at Cliff Gilker and Connor Parks are now to be limited to the sideline areas only. All teams are requested to respect these requirements to preserve the fields for league play.
