The U13 Scorpions continued their strong season with a 2-1 win over the South Burnaby Strikers March 31 in Burnaby in the first round of the Coastal Cup.
The Strikers controlled the first half, hemming the Scorpions into their defensive zone with quick, crisp passing.
The Scorpions speedy defenders, Gabe Goerzen, Cole Cooney and Philip Fogar-ty, ran hard to stay on their checks and kept the ball to the outside. Tristan Tidder and Evan Griffin played aggressively to get the ball out of the Scorpions zone.
Burnaby got off a couple weak shots that were easily gobbled up by keeper Xavier Benjamin.
The beginning of the second half looked much like the first, with the Strikers controlling the play. But against the flow of play, the Scorpions got a breakaway. Jordan Kammerle passed to Bradley Huddlestone, who, under pressure from the Burnaby defenders, recognized the goalie was out quite far and tried to chip the ball by him. The keeper stopped it but did not control it, and midfielder Justin Fodchuk was there to get the ball and score the first goal.
The Strikers attacked immediately and caught the scrambling Scorpions in a state of chaos and quickly tied it up. Soon after, the Strikers got a shot off just inside the box, and Xavier made the play of the game with a spectacular diving save across the net. Better late than never, the Scorpions found their passing game.
Midfielders Duncan Arm-strong, Keegan Inkster and Liam Rankin passed the ball with speed and precision, while wingers Quin Towert, Ben Luporini and Finn Rogers outran their checks.
Late in the match, Everett August sent Jordan on a breakaway. The Strikers keeper was playing aggressively far out of his net again, and gobbled up the ball, but he was too aggressive and was outside his box, and the Strikers were called for a hand ball. Jordan took the free kick, and with a stupendous shot, got the ball over the Strikers wall and into the far right side of their net.
The second round of the Coastal Cup is tentatively scheduled for this Saturday, April 14, at 3:15 p.m. at Kinnikinnick Park.
Burnaby and the Scorpions developed a strong rivalry this season.
In the first two meetings, the Scorpions won 4-0 and 3-2, with Burnaby winning 3-1 in their third game - a Pioneer Cup game. The Strikers went on to win the Pioneer Cup, and the Scorpions went on to win the 4 District League Championship, with the Strikers placing a close second. During the season, the Scorpions were the only team to defeat the Strikers, and the Strikers were the only team to beat the Scorpions.
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