The U12 Thunderbirds have been enjoying a successful season and have been on an especially good run of late, proving to be improved in all areas of the pitch.
The cold wet nights of training are finally paying off. Prior to a Jan. 28 hard-fought 4-3 win, the Thunderbirds posted three shutouts and had not conceded more than one goal in any of their last six games. A late penalty handed them their only loss in that stretch.
With Isaac Oka, Cole Schutz, Brandon Ree-Legace and Jacob Chabot sharing the gloves, the net is in good hands.
Isaac, Brandon and Jacob also form the core of a formidable defensive line. Joined by Brendin Moscrip, Eden Klinger and Coulter Prestage, they all take joy running forward as the team attacks from the back.
Cole's powerful left foot finds him on that wing in a midfield that is improving its passing game weekly. Elliot Wadge, Sean Pletz, Daniel Bobocel and Will Magnussen share the midfield with Casey Baines raiding up the right. Grayson Bush and Kai Hansen can usually be found up front running at the net. With everyone sharing the ball and working harder each game, the goals have been flowing and coming from all over.
U12 girls
The U12 Thunder started their inaugural year in rep by participating at the Chilliwack soccer tournament in August. The girls, hardly knowing one another, proved to be a very strong defensive team. In four games they lost only one in regulation, two games were decided in a shoot-out, resulting in one win and one loss for the Sunshine Coast girls. They held the tournament champions from Surrey to only one goal against.
The rest of the season has been a roller coaster, as first year rep teams often are. They started the season with a home win against the North Van Thunder, but since then the team has played many close games that could have gone either way.
They have had three league wins and three draws thus far, with one league game remaining.
The team did win their first ever Cup game in December and have since lost one Cup game. Their final round robin Cup game is yet to be played.
The Thunder will wrap up their season participating in the South Burnaby Metro Club Soccer tournament on the weekend at the beginning of spring break.
U13 boys
The U13 Scorpions continued their domination of the top division of the boys' league on Saturday with a strong performance at home.
The visiting Killarney Gladiators started out the game strong, getting the ball into the Scorpions end, only to be thwarted by the Scorpions defence of Tristan Tidder, Gabe Goerzen, Philip Fogarty, Cole Cooney and Evan Griffin.
Duncan Armstrong set up the first Scorpions' goal with a quick pass to Liam Rankin, who dished it to Bradley Huddlestone, who buried the goal.
Shortly after, Xavier Benjamin got off a shot that the goalie stopped, but did not control. Justin Fozzy Fodchuk popped the loose ball in the net for the Scorpions' second. The Gladiators got the third and final goal of the half, moments before the halftime whistle.
The second half of the match was all Scorpions.
Quintin Towert sent a break out pass to Keegan Inkster, who, along with Jordan Kammerle, charged through the Gladiators' defence creating a two on zero situation. Jordan took the shot for the goal. Only minutes later, Keegan would get his own goal, using his speed and a beautiful pass from Ben Luporini.
Liam scored the next Scorpions' goal off a volley from Quintin.
Jordan quickly got his second of the match. As the goals mounted, the boys were moved into new positions, allowing regular D-men Evan, Tristan, Philip, Cole and Gabe some time on the attack. Evan got off a beautiful shot that was saved by the Gladiators' keeper. The keeper did not get so lucky on Cole's shot, which was the seventh and final Scorpions' goal of the game.
Starting keeper Xavier Benjamin, who played goal in the second half, stopped all that came his way.
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