Sports history was made right here in Sechelt when the Sunshine Coast Storm U13 Girls soccer team hosted Burnaby Momentum for the Division 2 League Championships on Feb. 28.
These two teams were poetically matched to play for the title – both extremely talented and skilled with high-energy players and determined spirits.
Right off the bat the Storm made Momentum take a back seat thanks to their determination and skilled passing game. It felt like the Storm could do no wrong as they pushed hard into enemy territory. Leela, Paige and Teagan showed true grit early on with their strike force skills and an early shot on net.
The Storm broke over the competition with a bevy of sweet passes and undeniable pressure from Ella and Piper on the back line up to Aila, who undoubtedly had visions of grandeur when she pulled the shotgun out and made a hole in the net so big no one could miss it.
The second half saw Pippa switch to goal, which always gives the team a boost. Mary came onto the field to wreak beautiful havoc on everything in her path.
Burnaby came on strong early and made use of a hard-fought ball in front of the net to tie up the game.
Even in the best soccer games, energy levels fluctuate with the scoring of goals for either end, but in this game neither side let down, slowed or gave up the fight in the slightest. It was beyond belief.
Aila charged off the bench like a person possessed – this was to be her day as she made a push into the Burnaby end that stopped time. Her kick was pure madness and skill rolled into one – no one could dissuade her from scoring another goal.
Another close quarters battle in front of our net gave the Momentum too much time to tie it up right before the final whistle, sending the fans into a celebratory tizzy of disbelief. It would come down to a five-person kick off decision. Mary took net for the kicks.
The five shots from both sides ended in another draw. It had now come down to a sudden death shootout. Each member of the team lined up to take shots. Sudden death says it all – first team to take the lead, wins.
It came down to one shot – Mary faced it alone – positioned in her patented stance, ready. Complete silence in Sechelt.
She made the save of her career, sending the fans into explosive cheers and the girls erupted into an exhausted frenzy of screams heard round the Coast as the Storm won the title on this amazing game day.
Both teams gave everything they had, but on this day, after an unbelievably fantastic season of hard work and unparalleled coaching from Trina and Zooey, the Sunshine Coast Storm U13 girls were the champions, and they deserved it like no other. Congratulations girls, from your huge fan base – we were blown away this year and loved every minute of this great season. Go Storm!
