The Sunshine Coast United FC boys U11 rep team played their first tournament of the year at Westburn Soccer Clubs annual Gobbler Tournament recently.
The boys really came together as a team and managed to win three of four games, closing out two of the games with shutouts.
The boys kicked off the tournament against the Westburn Impact. With strong passing and a solid front line, the boys picked up an impressive 6-0 win, earning their first shutout of the season. MVP for this game was Brett Bjornson, who scored three goals, while Owen Watson and Kia Manuiwa Brodie scored, adding another three points to close out the match.
In their second match, United took on the Protouch Lions.
The Lions proved to be formidable opponents, but United battled back to close out the game with a 3-2 win. Owen scored two goals and earned the game MVP award, with Brett picking up the remaining point for this game.
Sunday stared out with the first loss of the tournament — a 4 -1 defeat to CCB Arsenal. With exceptional goalkeeping, game MVP was Cameron Wentzell. Brett scored the lone United goal.
Battling back from their morning loss, United played their fourth and final game against Port Coquitlam’s Quicksilver and took their game to a whole new level.
Quick passing, strong forward and gritty defence along with great communication helped United maintain a 0-0 score until the final 10 minutes of the second half, when Alex Hart scored his first goal of the season, knocking a long range shot into the top corner to close out the game and earn the game MVP nod.
United would like to thank everyone in the community for their support. The Sunshine Coast community has helped raise funds so this team of talented boys can travel off-Coast in away games and tournaments. The team would also like to congratulate Marlene Longman of Gibsons, as she was the winner of the teams’ recent raffle of a $500 BC Ferry Experience Card.
U16 boys
After a strong game that led to a tie against the Squamish United FC 99 three weeks ago, the U16 Scorpions scored a 4-1 win over the Burnaby Strikers on Oct. 18.
In a beautiful opening goal, a series of nimble passes allowed Ben Luporini to set a nice ball for Everett August, who rocketed the ball past the Strikers’ keeper.
Later in the first half, Duncan Armstrong stole the ball from an outside defender to make a lovely shot to the top of the Strikers’ goal. Powerhouse Liam Rankin was responsible for two spectacular goals in the second half.
Throughout the game Scorpion defenders Evan Griffith, Philip Fogarty, Keegan Inkster, and usual winger Finn Rogers worked as a single unit to frustrate each of the Strikers’ attacks. Goalie Keeran Peel had his best game of the year, and made a phenomenal save that amazed even the referee. A foul in front of the net led to a Strikers’ penalty kick that just got past Keeran
Throughout the game, Wyatt Baldwin created opportunities with his speed and by staying wide for passes. The midfield was steady, as usual, with Xavier Benjamin, Bryce Pierre, and Jordan Kammerle both defending and attacking well.
Regular league play continues this weekend when the Scorpions take on the Killarney Gladiators on Kinnikinnick Field at 11:30 a.m.
U12 girls
Storm hosted the North Shore Strikers at Picadilly Park last Saturday and came away with another well earned win.
Storm played a solid passing game and had control of the ball for much of the game leaving the North Shore Strikers frustrated.
The first half played out with no goals from either team, but lots of fancy footwork from Storm’s offensive line and solid defending at their backline.
The second half was again controlled by Storm and Koenn Sauer was able to put one away in the back of the net. In the end that was all Storm needed to secure the win. Mary Wood and Pippa Boothroyd took turns in net and were happy to record a shutout.
U15 boys
The Thunderbirds were in cup action last Saturday against the only team to beat them this season the North Vancouver Fury.
Fury started strong and the Thunderbirds were down by two at the half.
Soaking wet and disappointed the T-Birds regrouped at the break and came out hungry and determined, leading to two great goals by Casey Baines.
Down 2-1 after two misses in the resulting shootout, Kai Hanson's goal gave hope. Keeper Isaac Oka channeled his inner ninja making two incredible saves on either side of a goal by Casey before Quin Huibers calmly scored with the game on the line. The look of unbeatable confidence on Isaac’s face proved too much pressure for the Furyss last shooter as he sent it over the bar to see the Thunderbirds move on.
