The Sunshine Coast Eagles led the standings in their division throughout this soccer season, captured their league title this year and finished in second place at the Surrey Mayor’s Cup Tournament on March 11 to 13.
“We did extremely well,” coach Jeremy Hamp said. “We’re a gold 2 team – and in this tournament we were playing gold 1 division teams. Three out of the four games we won, so that’s a big accomplishment for us, playing a step up like that.”
The U14 Boys Rep soccer team started the year with four new members. This meant starting the year with a lot of firsts: first artificial turf, first full-sized fields and first 11 player team size for some of the players. The new youths quickly melded with the team under the great coaching of Hamp and River Rohlicek, resulting in a winning start to the soccer season.
“It was pretty amazing for us to do that,” Hamp said. “Last year was our first together as a rep team – this is our second year – and the amount of growth and development has just been unreal.”
Strikers for the team are Jimi Martin, Gavin Lynagh and Julian Rohilcek who are sharp to spot the opportunities, quick with their reactions in front of the goal, and eager in breakaways.
The Eagles’ midfielder roster was made up of Isaiah Hill, Rowan Evans-Moore, Nelson MacKenzie, Harrison Watson, Nolan McKenna, Brayden Zayshley and James Kooyman. The midfielders showed continued advances throughout the soccer season with steadily increased possession of the ball and increased control of the play.
Defender/midfielder Nigel Wright, defender Nyle Lebbell, defender/ wingbacks Sean Messner and Derek Ewen, together with defender Camden Verlaan, stopper Bryan Rono and sweeper Alex Piepjohn, demonstrated impressive play in the back line.
These boys were rarely beaten, making it very hard for opposing teams to break through. They created highly skilled plays from the back to set up attacks up the field. Goalie Keaton McIlwraith’s strong play definitely saved some games for the Eagles.
In addition to their soccer skills, the Eagles with their impeccable sportsmanship have been complimented on their “clean play” by referees in the Lower Mainland. Other soccer leagues are also keen to play the boys in the summer months because of their good-natured play, support of one and other, fun team spirit and love of soccer. The S.C. Eagles did a wonderful job representing the Sunshine Coast.
