The U13 Predators took on North Vancouver Burrards at Cliff Gilker Park last weekend.
Predators controlled the early part of the game and had a number of good chances. Nathan Elsdon had a clear breakaway, but couldn't put the ball past the athletic Burrards' keeper. Later in the half, the Burrards took the lead on a penalty shot.
Predators came out hard early in the second half and were able to generate a number of glorious chances. Jordan Hoy and Elvis Lu were both stopped at close range in scrambles in front of the Burrards' goal. Finally, Andy Blattler lobbed the ball over the Burrards' defence for Kelly McKee to run onto. Kelly beat the onrushing goalie to the ball and tucked in the equalizer, tying the score at 1-1.
U14 boysAdrenaline travelled to Vancouver to play rivals Douglas Park Rangers in the last game of the season.
Both teams played strong defence and Adrenaline goalie Brendan Barnum was solid in net as the teams battled to a 0-0 tie for most of the first half.
Then, Jake Downie sent a perfectly weighted through ball ahead for Chase Belisle to run onto. Chase has really developed into a determined striker and he made no mistake tucking the ball under the charging keeper. Adrenaline had a bad mental lapse at the start of the second half, allowing the Rangers left winger to get behind the defence and place a shot into the far corner to even the score. The game went back and forth with both sides getting good chances. With about two minutes left in the game, the Rangers appeared to have the go-ahead goal when their striker was left all alone in front of the goal. Instead of shooting, he chose to dribble the ball in, and Griffin Troup came flying out of nowhere to clear the ball away, preserving the 1-1 tie.
Centrebacks Nicholas Johnston, Derek Brown and Joel Field had solid games, anchoring the defence. U16 boysCoast Celtic met North Vancouver Spuraways in the final game of the season.
Celtic defenders Isaac Joe and Stuart Richey provided a virtually impenetrable backline, while Colton Davies and Nick Mercer generated dynamic forward momentum, consistently pushing the midfield up.
The Spuraways' defence was also effective utilizing two to three defenders to cover forward KP Hlatkey. Celtic midfield, anchored by Evan Murphy, made adjustments to the Spuraways' clogged defence in the second half. This opened up the playing field and Liam Parry, Connor Richey, Justice Coady and Eli Paradis along with KP were able to create excellent scoring opportunities. Unfortunately none of this offensive power translated into a go-ahead goal.
Keeper Miles Cuschieri earned a shutout, but, alas, so did the Spuraways' keeper, resulting in gridlocked 0-0 tie.
