Pinnacles boosted by win

The Penticton Pinnacles pick up massive win over defending PCSL champs

After knocking off the Pacific Coast Soccer League champs, Vancouver Thunderbirds 2-0 on June 3, the Penticton Tim Hortons Pinnacles hit the road this weekend.

The Pinnacles look to build confidence from that win as they face Vancouver United FC on June 10 and Khalsa Sporting Club on June 11. Vancouver United FC is 3-0, allowing two goals, while Khalsa is seeking its first win. Van United offensively is led by Gagan Dosanjh, who has two goals.

In the Pinnacles 2-0 win over the Thunderbirds, James Fraser buried the winner on a penalty shot at the 60-minute mark, while Randy Hubber sealed their first win this season from 12 yards out at SoccerX.com Field at King’s Park.

“To get this result is so big. So big for our team, so big for our fans,” said Fraser. “We’re just going to get momentum. It’s just an electric feel in the change room. We’re just going to get better and better.”

Fraser acknowledged the Thunderbirds are a strong team, but talked about the Pinnacles pride.

“We’re Penticton, Pen City. We’re just brothers on the field,” said Fraser. “These three points are massive for us. It gets the season going. We’re looking for more wins.”

Related: Pinnacles downed by Highlanders

The Pinnacles frustrated the No. 8 ranked squad in U Sports with its controlled possession in the final 20 minutes of action.

“Our intensity level was there. We can’t give a good team like that play,” said Pinnacles coach Ezra Cremers. “If we give them the space and time, they are going to murder us. They have in the past.”

Cremers credited the players’ abillity to remain intense, keep the ball and use stretch passes in securing the win. The opening half was scoreless, but Cremers liked how the group played.

“That first goal really just gave the confidence for these boys,” said Cremers. “We just kept the engine going.”

Cremers sees confidence in the players, who know they are good.

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