The Chick Kickers shaded the Controllers 1-0 in a battle of top North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division teams Tuesday night at Marshall Field #5.
The rain held off just long enough for the Chick Kickers to post their fifth win in six starts. The Chicks managed to penetrate the 4-2-2 Controllers’ defensive line with success in the second half when Genney Garnett volleyed in a cross by Heeson Domay.
Crystal Bergman and Marilyn Vanderdeen shared the shutout. Tania Sladen had an explosive showing despite going against all pre-game nutritional values and downing a bacon cheeseburger minutes before kick-off.
Drillers end winless drought
In other Masters action, the Goplen Drillers broke a six-game winless streak by clipping Seasons in the Okanagan Sista’s 3-2 at Marshall #3.
The first goal, at five minutes, was credited to Becky Birbilis of the Sista’s, who after receiving a pass from Keri Storey, had a corker stopped by keeper Shawn Nickoli but bounce in off a Driller defender.
The Drillers (1-5-1) countered with two goals before the half as Lena Urquhart danced around a few defenders and then added the go-ahead goal on a long shot from a tough angle.
Sista’s equalized in the second half when Wendy Horner put the ball up to Andrea Zubot, who crossed to the feet of Sacha Schenker for the easy conversion past keeper Suzyn August.
Defender Kulwinder Smith carried the ball up the middle before feeding Urquhart, who calmly passed to Kate Ball for her first career tally.
The Drillers, who had no subs and lost one player to injury in the second half, turned in a stellar defensive showing with great hustle all over the pitch. August was superb in just her second game as keeper, making some excellent saves and booming kicks.
Sherry Wiebe held the back line and saved the day many times for Sista’s, while Keri Storey, Juanita Garner, and Lesley Williams all showed intensity and determination on both sides of the ball.
Ramsey goes big for Longhorn
Roadrunner Edeen Ramsey pulled the hat trick as the Longhorn Impact grounded Rosters 6-2 at Marshall #4.
Myra McEwan added a deuce and Jodi Hawthorne also scored for the Longhorn (5-0-1).
McEwan earned the Siam Orchid Restaurant Lady of the Match with beautiful crosses and corners which were knocked in by Ramsey.
Hawthorne opened the Impact attack with a 20-yard blast which went roof daddy. Heather Findlay was solid in the midfield.
Dr. Lee streak reaches seven
In Division 1 play Tuesday night, Dr. Lee Dental Clinic ran their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 2-0 blanking of the North Enderby Timber Celtic at Marshall #2.
Missing several key players, and with no subs, the Dr. Lee gang passed with precision and scored a goal in each half.
Veteran Andi King opened the scoring midway through the first half when her 25-yard blast bounced off the wet grass and over the outstretched hands of Celtic keeper Charmaine Biagioni.
Relic Irene Arrotta converted a penalty kick with 20 minutes left in the second half.
The Denturists’ defence of Kim Teichman, Toni Bensmiller and Loren Brunelle held back the young Celtic forwards, with Okanagan Spring 1516 Lady of the Match Margo Fleming holding down the midfield.
Lisa Arrotta got the shutout, stopping three cannons within 10 feet. The Celtics dipped to 2-2-2.
Dr. Lee started the game a player down and the Celtics tried to take advantage but were unable to finish on their many opportunities.
The Celtics continued to pressure in the second half only to get caught up in the muck and mud.
NET didn’t stop working and took control for much of the play. Biagioni made a spectacular save in the dying minutes, knocking down and gobbling up a rocket shot going top shelf.
Little Tex bounce Blazers
In other first division play Tuesday night, the Little Tex Outlaws brushed back the AF Blazers 3-1 at Marshall #1.
Eileen Fox had another great game in net for the Outlaws (2-3-1). The ever-improving Fox came out hard and was all over the ball.
Jordan Mercer was solid on the back line and got strong support from Kristy Anderson, Stacey Cover and Jen Knopf, while Christine Fraser set up countless scoring chances.
Stephanie Conti had a superb game in the middle and scored twice, while Jenn Kemper scored once and was a rock in the middle. Jasmine Whitling was strong up front with a few good quality shots.
Down 2-0 at half time, the Blazers bounced back and scored within two minutes. Dana Lazar put a beautiful cross to Kailee Streichert who snuck the ball between Fox and the post. The Blazers pushed hard offensively, but missed two open nets and several shots on goal.
Marjorie Boisvert and Carissa Morneau had special offensive showings along with Lazar and Streichert.
Jennifer Moen held the middle, defenders Amber Maltman and newcomer Carol-Ann Bourdon were stellar and keeper Jeanette Maleska made several awesome saves to keep the score close.
