The U13 boys Scorpions found themselves challenged for the first time this season by the visiting Vancouver United Predators last Saturday.
The Preds, who have been climbing up the standings, shocked the home team by scoring the first goal of the match, the first time this season that the Scorpions have trailed in a game. The Predators strong and fast defence prevented the Scorpions from getting their trademark breakaways, and left them looking for new ways to attack.
Quintin Towert was the first to come close, hitting the crossbar midway through the first, but at the half the Scorpions were still down a goal.
In the second half, a gorgeous cross from winger Finn Rogers resulted in a scramble in front of the Preds net, and Jordan Kammerle tied the game up.
The home crowd's excitement was quickly dampened by free kick, awarded to the Predators that dropped in out of the reach of keeper Xavier Benjamin.
Being down twice in one game seemed to motivate the cold wet Scorpions, who turned up the aggression and determination. Shots by Liam Rankin, Cole Cooney, Everett August and Bradley Huddlestone were thwarted.
With only minutes left, Duncan Armstrong, under pressure near the goal line, crossed the ball to the net, and banked it in off a Predators defenseman. The game ended soon tied 2-2.
The Scorpions remain undefeated heading into their next cup game tomorrow, Saturday Nov 19 at Kinnikinnick at 11:30 a.m. against ICSF Juventus.
-Submitted
