Thanks to a 4-0 win over ICSF Azzurri last weekend in East Vancouver, the U13 Scorpions are just one win away from capturing the gold division championship.
ICSF had a distinct strategy to stop the highest scoring team in the league from getting goals, by playing a very aggressive offside trap.
With the Azzurri defence lining up across the width of the field, the Scorpions attack went offside several times, but the strategy fell apart once they adjusted. With all the ICSF defence positioned so far from their net without checks, the Scorpions got breakaway after breakaway on a lonely goalkeeper.
The first goal came when Quintin Towert, with his head, placed the ball at the feet of Liam Rankin who then sent Jordan Kammerle to the net.
A few minutes later, with several Scorpions appearing to be offside, Keegan Inkster ran in from an onside position to catch a hot pass from Bradley Huddlestone. Alone on the goalkeeper, Keegan popped in the second. Wingers Ben Luporini and Quin Towert also got off promising shots, but were stopped by the busy ICSF keeper.
In the second half, Liam got a sweet pass from Everett August, ran through the defence, and alone with the keeper put the ball in the net.
The fourth and final goal of the game was also set up by Bradley, who made a perfect onside pass to a speedy Duncan Armstrong, who deaked around the lone goalkeeper and scored.
The Scorpions remain undefeated and have two games left in the season.
Their next game is at home on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. against the Vancouver Cobras at Kinnikinnick Park.
U12 girls
The Thunder brought their first regular season to a close Sunday afternoon in a match against the Douglas Park Strikers. Thunder put on a strong performance, coming from behind to earn a 1-1 tie.
The first half was an even-handed struggle, with good scoring chances at both ends. Alyssa Rive and Hollie Piepjohn hustled the ball up the field and were dangerous up front. Kiah Duffey made strong passes and kept the ball moving. Georgie Aleong frequently beat the opposition to the ball, while Mackenzie Inksater raced up the field and passed the ball smartly by the net. Nisha Wells joined the team for a special appearance, and her speed and hard work was felt by the opposition. A late goal by the Strikers put the Thunder down 1-0 at the half.
In the second half, the Thunder turned on the jets. Strong defensive work by Ingrid Hansen and Emma Cooney repelled the attacking team and fed the ball forward to keep up the momentum. Pearl Deasey made great passes to move the ball forward.
Finally with only minutes left, the pressure paid off as Lulu Kammerle shot the ball to the net where a scramble ensued. Mikayla Towert popped it for the Thunder.
As has been the case all season, Lydia Harvey Lloyd was outstanding in goal, and also helped the offensive effort with her field-length goal kicks.
Thanks to assistant coach Trina Duffey, manager Jen Towert and especially head coach Rod Kammerle for their time, hard work and commitment to the girls, making this a great first season of rep soccer for the Thunder.
- Submitted
