Despite the cold and blustery wind this past Sunday, the U-11 Shuswap Strikers delivered their best performance of the season by shutting out strong Kelowna and Vernon teams during league play in Kamloops.
In their first game of the day, the Strikers surprised Kelowna early with constant pressure on the goal. Lina Frankhauser found the back of the net and then Maggie Beckner gave the Strikers breathing room by capitalizing on a breakaway early in the second half. The final score was 2-0 for Salmon Arm.
In their second match of the day, a confident Salmon Arm team took the pitch against an aggressive Vernon squad. Salmon Arm’s speed proved to be too much for Vernon as they tallied two first-half goals from Beckner and Lucy Elliott. The strikers came out guns a-blazing in the second half and Angalena Cross and Maggie Rodwell each managed to find the back of the net, making the final score 4-0. Madeline Lucier was stellar in goal, earning the two shut-outs with help from a solid and feisty defensive line.
Early attack
Shuswap struck early in the first half against Vernon and enjoyed a 2-0 lead before the five-minute mark of their fourth game of the season. The enthusiastic crowd had barely settled in, before some creative play along the goal line resulted in a decisive finish by a predatory midfielder. One minute later, the Shuswap striker broke in alone on the Vernon keeper and tucked in the second goal.
What looked like the start of a rout included end-to-end action with a total of 17 shots and some fine saves by both keepers. Vernon had the majority of possession but the Shuswap defence held tight, repelling the vast majority of threats. At the final whistle, the score was 2-0 with Shuswap’s record improving to 2-0-2. The U18 boys play Penticton next Sunday at 1 p.m. at Blackburn Park. Come early to get a good seat.
Can’t be stopped
The Senior Jewels girls soccer team played their first home game last Wednesday against Norkam.
They stepped up their level of play and played some nice possession soccer. Joelene Neumann opened the scoring on a shot from more than 22 yards away. Cassie Gunn was next on the scoreboard, showing some grit and determination to battle for the ball in the six- yard box. The score was 2-0 at half with the girls moving the ball easily around the field. Second half had Gunn and Neumann both scoring another goal with ‘never-say-stop’ Stella Mozin earning the last goal. It was a great team effort with the defensive line shutting down any attempts from Norkam’s forwards. The midfield ran and ran and ran. Great team effort.
For fun
Women’s recreational soccer was off to a great start Thursday night at Little Mountain. Beautiful weather helped kick off the season. Filling out the six teams are a half dozen women who have been away from the game for a few years, another 20 players who are totally new to soccer, along with the 60 returning or experienced players. On Field 1, Teal and White had a fantastic back-and-forth game, resulting in a 0-0 draw. On Field 2, Navy got a few goals on Orange, but it was a well-fought game. And Field 3 saw Lime and Maroon battle it out with Lime coming out ahead. Great skill, support and mentorship were demonstrated out there. A couple teams were short players so some shifting and guest appearances made sure the games went ahead, but that worked out well as the women had lots of time on the field to get their soccer legs.
No contest
Ted United played their first home game Tuesday night at Little Mountain against Vernon’s Rosters. United dominated in the middle of the field with Tricia Martin and Liz Mair sending through balls which resulted in two goals for Kyla Sherman and one for Kim Turner before halftime.
In the second half, Cathy Bartch played a great head ball to Kyla Sherman who tapped it in for her third. Bonnie Kelly finished up the game with two quick goals, one a beautiful header into the top corner, resulting in a 7-0 score. Christine Nickles cleared the one good scoring chance the Rosters had and aggressive goaltending found Linda Yawney with her second shutout.