ALDERGROVE -
Submitted by Mike Patton, Coach, U15B Selects
Provincial results were in no way reflective of how these guys played. In the extreme heat of the afternoon, the boys came out pretty flat against a very strong Kamloops team. We were chasing the game from the kick off. We did have our chances, but were unable to finish against a goalkeeper that was very hot. The only goal scored was in the last half through a neatly struck penalty from Simon Sheppard.
Fridays game against Whalley was also a late game, and just as hot. Nelson dominated the first half against a team that was full of skill, but lacked in class and fairplay. This was a team we lost to in a shootout for the gold medal two years ago. The defensive grouping of Ryan Tennant, Greg Syverstern, Coleton Dawson, Silas Creighton and Simon Sheppard played extremely well. They kept all of Whalleys shots to 30 yards out. The game was scoreless going into the second half. Shortly into the second half, Whalley scored there first of 4 goals in a span of 10 minutes. From that point on, Nelson pressured coming out with only one goal scored by Mitch Popadynetz who received a deep pass from Braelyn Patton. In a game that was 80 minutes, Nelson lost it in 10, but they did win the remaining 70. They were robbed of a win by poor refereeing and a classless team that played more of a rugby style than soccer.
Saturday’s game was against Coquitlam. It seamed as the tournament went on, the guys started to gel. Coquitlam towered over most of our boys, but skill, determination and hustle ended the game in a 3-3 draw. Craig Martin, (on loan from Trail) had a very strong game in the half line along with Luis Loeschnik and Trace Cooke. Goals were scored by Popadynetz and Cormac Southam.
We had an early game on Sunday morning to finish off the tournament. It was a welcome relief playing in cooler temperatures. This was another game that Nelson absolutely dominated. Terrace got an early goal, but Nelson pressed, dug deep but couldn’t find the tying goal. Terrace did have a couple of counterattack chances, but Andrew Woodward rose to the occasion by making some fantastic saves. We hit crossbars, posts, faces, bodies and even had an open net chance, but the ball did not want to cross the goal line.
If points were given for possession, then Nelson would have left Aldergrove with a medal around their necks. We are all looking forward to next year to prove we are a much better team than the rankings show.
A special thanks to all the parent support over the season and especially for sharing in the Provincial experience.
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