A full weekend of soccer under sunny skies in Surrey at the Mayors Cup wrapped up a fine season for the U15 Thunderbirds.
Competing in a division one pool against several of the strongest teams in the Lower Mainland, the T-Birds had a respectable showing, finishing on a high, though out of the medals.
Eventual silver medal winners Surrey United prevailed 3-1 in the first match, in what was a close game save for several costly errors in front of the T-Birds goal.
The second match saw the Thunderbirds edge out Ladner Celtic 1-0 on a penalty kick.
On Sunday morning the challenge was a very skilled Central City Breakers all-star tournament squad. While this team looked a league apart at first, the T-Birds gathered themselves and posed a good challenge before ultimately falling 3-1 to the tourney gold medal winners.
The final match saw the T-Birds up against the second highest scoring squad in CCB Inter, who needed a win to secure silver medals. The Thunderbirds were determined to go out with a fight and a win to end their season and did not disappoint.
Down 1-0 at the half, coach Dean Schutz changed the tactics for a more aggressive attack. The boys responded brilliantly with each playing their best football of the year in the comeback 2-1 victory as the team was looking to thank outgoing coach Jeff Wadge for his four years of selfless and generous service and guidance.
The win gave the Thunderbirds fourth place in a very strong field of 10, in which they faced the top two teams. The weekend was a fantastic achievement with a split age squad.
