The Penticton Hyundai Pinnacles under-21 women’s squad outscored Kelowna United 2-0 Wednesday evening at King’s Park.
Alana Parker converted a rebound from a corner kick in the final 20 minutes, then shortly after set up Jana Yates who got hold of the ball inside the box and dribbled it a bit before blistering a shot by the keeper. They are now on a three-game winning streak.
“I think we came together and rallied for this win,” said Pinnacles centre defender Kaitlyn Munro. “I think we were the better team out there. To get those late goals were well deserved.”
Munro said they were able to generate more offensive chances in the second half because there were some nerves facing Kelowna United, which is “sort of a local squad.”
“We used that first half to play defensively strong, then we go for the push in the second half,” she said, adding lots of communication and teamwork led to the goals. “Just really wanting it. This team is full of heart. Those finishes were beautiful.”
Coach Ray Hintz was happy with their start, in which they created a few chances early, and overall said it was a good game. He said the Pinnacles played with more intensity in the second half and were patient with the ball. He also praised the work of his back line. However, he still found an area that needs fixing prior to their next game, Sunday at King’s Park at noon.
“I think we still turn the ball over a little too much in the middle. We need to be a little bit more patient,” he said.
When it comes to their offence, Hintz said his players “still need to have that killer instinct.”
“If you look at the league this year, I think all the teams in the league are good,” he said. “This year you have to fight in every game.”
Their next opponent will be tougher in West Vancouver FC, which is 3-0. They are led by Daniela Smith with five goals and are strengthened by four players trying out for the UVic Vikes.
“It will be a tough battle for us,” said Hintz. “I think we will be ready for it.”
Pinns men’s team seeks revenge
A 3-0 loss to the Victoria Highlanders FC on May 25 is still fresh in the minds of the Penticton Tim Hortons Pinnacles under-21 men’s soccer team.
The Pinnacles are getting a second crack at the Highlanders FC Saturday at 2 p.m. at King’s Park and have a plan to reverse their fortunes.
“The goal this week is to work on our set plays. Work on our defensive corners and defensive free kicks,” said Pinnacles coach Wyatt Seddon-Johnstone. “Our goal this weekend is not to get scored on corners or free kicks.”
The Pinnacles will have to accomplish that without injured players Jeremy Perreira, Ryan Jerry, James Fraser, Mackenzie Rigg, Matt Bumstead and Aldon Banjuku. Entering the weekend, Highlanders FC has two wins and a draw in three games and have allowed five goals. The Pinnacles are on the heels of back-to-back wins against Kelowna United, the last one a 2-1 decision June 7. Seddon-Johnstone was proud of his players’ efforts as they weathered a storm in the opening 25 minutes due to Kelowna’s running pressure that caught the Pinnacles off guard.
“It’s just been crazy. Trying to keep focus during a rough patch,” said Seddon-Johnstone.
The Pinnacles earned the win against Kelowna United on goals by Dan Thornton and Randy Hubber. “They made a silly mistake which we capitalized on to score our first goal with Dan Thornton,” he said.
In the second half, Kelowna United took advantage of a Pinnacles defensive lapse to score on a header.
“That made the game a little more edgy than we would have liked,” said Seddon-Johnstone. “We will take the three points.”
