The U14 rep Scorpions defeated the Vancouver Titans 2-1 last Sunday to capture the gold division title at the West Vancouver invitational tournament.
Two wins and a tie put the Scorpions into the championship final, which was a close affair right from the opening whistle.
The Titans got two early breakaways that were thwarted by defenders Duncan Armstrong and Liam Rankin.
Jordan Kammerle scored two quick goals in response, which proved to be very important, as injuries and fatigue took their toll. Several players were unable to continue, leaving the remaining boys with few substitutes to help out.
The Titans eventually scored one, but the Scorpions found a way to lock it down.
The Scorpions started the tournament against the same Titans team they played in the final.
The Titans, well known for their tight defence, kept the Scorpions’ forwards and midfielders outside the box, forcing them to shoot from a distance. Shots by Bradley Huddlestone, Jordan Kammerle, Everett August, Cole Cooney and Keegan Inkster sailed high and wide. Defenders Duncan, Evan Griffin, and Philip Fogarty assisted goalkeeper Tristan Tidder in keeping the Titans scoreless in the 0-0 tie.
Saturday afternoon the Scorpions faced a familiar foe, the West Van Hawks.
Bradley dominated the centre midfield, tackling the Hawks and feeding his teammates with accurate passes. Jordan scored a hat trick with help from his peppy midfielders Gabe Goerzen, Quin Towert, Finn Rogers and Ben Luporini.
House league player Jordan Dunk joined the Scorpions for the tournament, and had a beautiful shot at the Hawks’ net, saved by the keeper. Keegan had several chances, and scored the last Scorpions goal of the game in the 4-0 win.
The West Van Rangers U13 metro team was the opponent Sunday morning.
Jordan, Keegan, Ben and Bradley all had chances, but the Rangers’ keeper was strong. Late in the first half Liam powered his way down the outside of the field, and sent a tight angle shot into the far side of the Rangers’ net.
The skilled Rangers got their passing game going, and popped in a goal on a scramble in front of the Scorpions’ net. With no time left on the clock, Liam tried again to carry the ball all the way to the Rangers’ net. A Rangers’ defender was called for obstruction, and Everett took the penalty kick and converted it for the game-winning goal.
The Scorpions now have a month to prepare for the first round of the Coastal Cup on April 6.
— Submitted
