The U17 Rep boys Thunderbirds were in Coastal Cup Round of 16 action on Saturday at Kinnikinnick – and though it was April 1, no one came to fool around in a hard-fought battle in front of a large and supportive home crowd. Visiting Surrey champions FC Rebels looked intimidating in size but the North Shore champs didn’t shrink as the home side came out swinging and were unlucky not to be ahead after several missed chances in the first five minutes.
Another outstanding effort in centre midfield with Cole Schutz powerfully breaking up Rebels play and Angelo Pinsonnault weaving magic distributing the ball to his wingers and forwards helped tip the balance in the T-Birds favour.
The breakthrough came as Wyatt Baldwin wove his way through Surrey’s back line to square the ball across the box for Kai Hansen to coolly put in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. Before the half was out, keeper Isaac Oka stunned the Rebels and wowed the crowd with an exceptional diving save that proved he would have the team’s back when called upon.
The second half started with more missed chances for the T-Birds, but the consistently solid back line of Will Magnussen, Quin Huibers, Nicholas Davis, Hayden Rogers and Avery Kooyman kept the home side safe and in front. With Elliot Wadge coming off injured early, Ben Luporini filled in everywhere needed as wingers Kaden Sauer, Henry Larson, Devin Ritchlin and Jamie Mundy did everything asked as they fed their strikers and ran down the opposition to ensure the victory.
The win puts the Thunderbirds in the top eight from the Lower Mainland and Van Isle and sets up a Quarter Final set for this Saturday, April 8, 11:30 at Kinnikinnick. Come enjoy this fast and exciting soccer and support your Thunderbirds!
– Submitted by Dean Schutz
