The Thunderbirds have been on a great run in the U17 Gold 1 rep division. They won 2-1 in Vancouver on Saturday, Nov. 19 with a late strike by Kayden Sauer defeating Kensington-Little Mountain (KLM) Milan to remain unbeaten in regulation for six games.
Kai Hansen converted a penalty kick (PK) for the tying goal.
Their one defeat was a painful cup semi-final loss to KLM Santos in Vancouver on Nov. 12. After 90 minutes the teams were tied 1-1 and the T-birds went ahead on a headed goal by Casey Baines only to go a man down and give up a tying PK moments later. A very intense game with lots of talking points and some dubious decisions resulted in a 3-2 final after 120 minutes with all three of KLM’s goals being PKs.
The run started with a 5-1 win at home against second place VFC Vikings followed by a 3-2 win against NV Fury, followed by a 1-1 draw in a rematch the next week in North Van and a 3-2 win against West Van.
This solid run of form has the T-Birds climbing the table and growing in confidence after a tough 0-3 start to the season.
With Kai, Casey, and Wyatt Baldwin terrorizing the opposition’s defences, Cole Schutz, Angelo Pinnsonault, and Elliot Wadge dictate the play from the heart of midfield, while Jamie Mundy, Henry Larsen, Devin Ritchlin, and Kayden support from the wings. Fullbacks Ben Luporini, Nicholas Davis, Ave Kooyman, and centrebacks Will Magnussen, Quin Huibers, and fantastic newcomer Hayden Rogers start the attacks from the back and provide the wall of protection for keeper Isaac Oka.
Next home match is Saturday, Nov. 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Kinnikinnick.
