The ever evolving U12 Coastal Storm boys soccer team made sure that everyone at Cliff Gilker Park on Saturday, Feb. 18 was part of a magical comeback soccer game few will forget. With the snow barely off the pitch, our marauding crew of bandits hosted the Vancouver United Football Club (VUFC) in front of an excited full house of serious soccer fans.
The game began like the universe must have way back when – big bang boom, from both sides. Skills galore with a clear passing game made everyone pay close attention to this amazing group of kids.
The VUFC were here to play serious soccer as other teams in this club have in the past. Today the Storm met every effort from the other side with teamwork, sweet through-balls, full tilt effort and a defence every coach would be proud of. It looked like a dedicated group of boys who have listened to the coaches’ wisdom.
Even though the VUFC scored the opener, our Storm never let themselves feel deflated. With careful advice from the sidelines and the fans ever engaged in this high output game, it was going to be a great fight.
Tayio Blackwell made a picture perfect arcing chip shot over the goalkeeper to slot in the top right corner for our first goal of the game. At the half the Storm were down 1-3 and in most situations anywhere soccer is played, it would feel almost impossible to dig out of this kind of hole – not today.
As the Storm took the field after the half with everyone wondering what the coaches said to players during those precious few minutes, it was very obvious the right motivations were laid out because the blur of talent and energy made the fans dizzy with joy.
Sasha Kliewer, with full support of his midfield, put the second goal in, further fuelling the charge. With the fans barely able to comprehend what they were seeing, Chris Coates took a shot on net that bounced off the keeper and was handily slotted into the net by Kaishan Nonacowie, who was where serious strikers play, right in front.
There were a few other beyond-close shots on their net which would have put us on the board for the win, but today it was meant to be the most amazing tie in youth soccer history, 3-3. This was the last game of their 2016-17 season and if this is how our U12 boys are looking for next year, it will continue be a real spectacle for anyone fortunate enough to see them play.
– Submitted by Patrick Fitzsimons
