Morning Star Staff
With a quick goal by the Green Rockets in the 15th minute, things were not looking good for Sir Winston’s Attack Thursday night at Marshall Field #5.
But a little tough-love coaching from Greg Thalheimer and a gorgeous goal by speedy and sure-footed striker Brandi Wejr set the purple squad in motion for a 4-1 Division 2 women’s soccer victory.
Wejr went on to score another goal, and Shelby Fisher claimed two brilliant goals of her own as Sir Winston’s stretched their undefeated streak to seven games.
Both sides played hard, enjoying an evenly-matched game full of hard tackles, deadly breakaways and fair play. Celine Conly, normally a striker, dropped back to centre midfield and did a masterful job for the Attack.
Brianna Thalheimer turned in a bold showing as sweeper – using her speed, smart game-sense and hard kicks up the field to lead the charge. Amber Miller brought her distinctive graceful style to the pitch.
The OTC/Sunterra Sistas also ran their unbeaten string to seven by grounding the Fabulous Four 3-1 at Marshall #4.
Andrea Zubot flicked a through ball to onrushing Krista Gutknecht, who one-timed an impressive left-footer top cheddar, leaving Fantastic’s fast-talking keeper Kris Ponto speechless for at least a moment.
Shortly after, Gutknecht fed Sarah Croken for a 2-0 lead at the recess.
Keeper Wendy Nadeau made a superb attempt at a diving save, just missing by a couple inches on a Fab Four penalty kick by Brooke Hackle early in the second half.
Carmen Kinniburgh cleaned up a rebound on a scramble for the final Sista goal. Just returning from injury, Becky Birbilis never missed a beat on the back line for the orange girls.
The Fab Four received excellent midfield work from Kylie Breton and Nathalie Messner, while terrific support came from hustling Jackie Kersey and Michelle Chabot in the centre midfield.
Paul McCardle scored twice in the final 10 minutes as the Silver Stars stopped Kal Tire 2-1 in a showdown of Vernon sides in the Okanagan 55+ Soccer League Thursday night at MacDonald Park.
Mark DeVolder nicely tapped in a swift, long cross from Ken Rath to put Kal Tire in the lead at 37 minutes.
The Stars (4-3) enjoyed numerous corners and goal chances on feeds from in tight, but either missed the net or were stymied by Pete (The Heat) Richter.
McCardle’s shot richocheted off defender Ron Krause in the 80th minute and McCardle buried the winner six minutes later after a nice feed by Brian Eso.
McCardle took the Ye Old English Fish & Chips Man of the Match with Eso and Steve Coombs earning mentions.
The Tiremen dipped to 4-1-2.
Vernon Kal Tire won 1-0 by default over Kelowna Select Your Tickets, going to 7-1 atop the Kelowna Men’s 35+ Soccer League table. Select Your Tickets are 0-7.
