The U15 Thunderbirds pulled another one out of the fire Saturday at UBC, rescuing a point on the last play of the game.
Playing on the vast and fast, brand-new, artificial turf pitch, the VUFC Vikings passed the ball sharply, though their scoring chances were few against the Thunderbirds’ defence with centre backs Quin Huibers and Jake Richmond-Benner having another massive game.
In possession, Elliot Wadge held the midfield, Julian Miles, Coulter Prestage and Noah Woodin were lively up the wing, and Jamie Mundy’s speed and footwork dazzling. Will Magnussen was a force to be reckoned with as he played in nearly every position, and Simeon Campbell’s intelligent play up front helped create chances to break the deadlock to no avail.
With 10 minutes to go the Vikings blasted one top corner from well outside the area to go up 1-0. Determined not to make the long trip home empty handed, the Thunderbirds battled to the end, earning a free kick wide on the wing, 18 yards out. Angelo Pinsonnault struck it well and Casey Baines forced in a header from close range to tie it up with no time left on the clock.
The Thunderbirds face a double header this weekend at home Saturday against the Vancouver Rangers and Sunday, a Provincial Cup qualification game in West Van.
U11 boys
Sunshine Coast United FC trekked into Vancouver to play the Killarney Rockets.
Both teams came out hard, but it was the Rockets who took the early lead.
United stepped up their game and with a solid pass from Callum Christiansen, Owen Watson tied the game 1-1.
A short time later, Owen once again sent a long one home for a 2-1 lead.
United’s front line of Colby Elson, Brett Bjornson and Diego Bajger kept the pressure on with multiple scoring chances. With the first half winding down, Alex Hart carried the ball up the sidelines and took a quick shot on net, nearly making it 3-1.
The second half started with the United defence holding nothing back as Julian Woodin, Sierra Ryden and Alex did their best to keep the Rockets off the scoreboard, but the Rockets kept the pressure on and after multiple rebounds snuck one past United’s goalie tying things at 2-2.
With stellar goaltending, Cameron Wentzell proved what he was made of stopping two direct free kicks late in the second half. But the Rockets managed a late goal to take the 3-2 win.
United’s last home game before the Christmas break is this Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Picadilly Park.
U12 girls
The Storm travelled to Jericho Beach last Sunday for a rematch against the Vancouver Vipers.
Storm played a great game focusing on ways to make smart plays and carry the ball up the field. The Vipers had a fast defensive line and were able to thwart Storm’s numerous attempts to score. Several scrambles in front of the Vipers’ net created some nail-biting moments for spectators, but luck was not on Storm’s side and they were unable to find the back of the net.
The Vipers won 3-0, but the score was not reflective of the hard work and tenacity shown by Storm. The Storm has had a fantastic season so far and are now finished until after the Christmas break.
U16 boys
Despite having no extra players and a week without practice due to frozen fields, the U16 Scorpions had a stellar game against the Vancouver Greycaps last Saturday.
Keeran Peel made long and accurate goal kicks to forwards Duncan Armstrong, Jordan Kammerle and Xavier Benjamin. The one goal that got past him was an amazing shot from the 18 that the Vancouver player put right into the upper right corner of the net, outside of Keeran’s reach.
The Scorpions defensive game was solid, with veteran defender Philip Fogarty giving pointers to usual-winger Ben Luporini, mid-fielder Evan Griffin, and Jake Simkins. Everett August played his usual game and wingers Finn Rogers and Bryce Pierre showed speed, agility and determination throughout.
Jordan scored the Scorpions’ first goal on a beautiful unassisted shot, and Xavier scored the second and game winner off a rebound from the Vancouver keeper.
