U16 Sunshine Coast United rebounded from their opening-game defeat with a 4-0 win at home last Saturday.
Goalie Seb Rohlicek was impressive, as was his defensive line, led by Trevor Julius at centre-back. Vancouver United could count themselves unlucky not to score, hitting the woodwork three times.
Captain Ryan Judd opened the scoring, coolly slotting home from the penalty spot. Striker Will Johnstone had a goal disallowed for a goalie infringement, but promptly scored from inside the box moments later for a 2-0 lead at the half.
A sizable crowd came out to Shirley Macey Field in the sunshine, and the locals responded to the vocal support with two more goals. Alex Toigo connected on a corner kick from inside the box, rocketing a shot into the top corner. Leif Magnussen then took advantage of a loose ball, again from inside the box.
United left-back, Jasper Deasey, suffered a broken wrist during the game. Our best wishes go to Jasper for a speedy recovery.
United are on the road this weekend, playing Cliff Avenue United in Burnaby.
U14 boys
The Scorpions, having finished last season as the provincial silver medalists, started its U14 campaign on shaky ground losing 3-2 at home to North Vancouver Surge two weeks ago.
Last weekend, Scorpions rebounded for a 2-0 win over Cliff Avenue.
Having lost their regular goalkeeper, and with three other players injured, the coaches had to juggle the roster for the first away game in Burnaby.
Playing in new positions invigorated the players, who started the game with a lot of energy. Feisty midfielders Justin Fodchuk, and Quin Towert played strong in the middle of the field. Wingers Finn Rogers and Ben Luporini used their speed to get through the opponents midfield, and fed the attackers. Striker Jordan Kammerle scored the first of the game after taking the ball through the defence. Having dominated the opposition in the first half, the Scorpions finished the half up 1-0.
In the second half, Cliff Avenue came out with some spark, putting the Scorpions defence to work. Defenders Evan Griffin, Cole Cooney, Gabe Goerzen and Liam Rankin used precise field positioning, speed, strength and clear communication to stop any attempts by Cliff Avenue to get close to the net.
Midway through the second half, Jordan was awarded a free kick, which just skimmed over the top of the crossbar. Soon after, Everett August took a free kick from the same place, but opted to pass it to Duncan Armstrong who had a clearer shot.
Duncan kicked a solid shot at the net, that appeared to be heading for the goalkeeper, but Philip Fogarty got his head on the ball, and redirected it away from the goalie, and into the net.Bradley Huddlestone was credited with the shutout.
U13 boys
The Thunderbirds have enjoyed a strong start to the new season, winning their two opening games, scoring 16 goals in the process.
In all, nine players have hit the back of the net with both Kai Hansen and Angelo Pinsonnault achieving hat tricks. Joining them on the score sheet were Jamie Mundy, Sean Pletz, Cole Schutz, Brendin Moscrip, Brady Bathgate, Avery MeliaBudd Kooyman, and Jake Richmond-Benner.
Though the tally was large it was the quality of goals that was truly outstanding. Many were highlight reel finishes created from finely crafted passing plays by a team growing in skill and confidence.
The Thunderbirds have been strong at the back as well, with Brandon Ree-Lagace and Jacob Chabot sharing a shutout in net, while Cole made some amazing saves in an outstanding game despite the two goals against.
With a strong defence anchored by twin towers Jacob and Jake flanked by Eden Klinger and Casey Baines, the chances have been few for the opposition.
With the midfield being controlled by Will Magnussen and Elliot Wadge, and Coulter Prestage pumping in crosses, the boys are having fun and are looking to move up and onward this year.
- Submitted
