The U16 Thunderbirds have responded to major roster changes in a positive way and gone on to enjoy a strong start to the new year. With nearly half last year’s roster gone on to Metro or other off-Coast high level sports, or moved away, the boys have surpassed expectations by winning silver in the Coastal Cup and then earning a hard fought 0-0 tie at Kinn on Saturday to open the season – and all with almost half the team underage and with only two subs.
On Labour Day weekend, the T-Birds faced tough opponents coming back from two down to win 3-2 against the host Coastal FC team. Co-captains Will Magnussen and Cole Schutz scored with rookie Warner Endert calmly netting the winner. Second game saw the all-star tournament team CCB Inter win 4-0 over a short-handed and hurting T-Birds.
Sunday’s first match had the boys feeling rested and they battled to a very impressive 1-0 semi final win over a strong Metro side with Jamie Mundy’s relentless attacking runs eventually resulting in a penalty, calmly slammed home by centreback Quin Huibers. This set up a rematch with Inter in the final, a game with the same result but that did not reflect the game played, with every Thunderbird putting out their all in very impressive performances, including a saved penalty by rookie keeper Ave Kooyman.
MVPs for each game were awarded to defender Angelo Pinsonnault, Will, Cole, and Quin.
