Denis Chabot and Mike Lloyd each scored twice as Vernon Kal Tire rolled over Kelowna United 5-1 in Okanagan Men’s 50+ Soccer League action Thursday night at Okanagan Mission #71 Park.
Lloyd, a former Vancouver Whitecaps Reserve, bagged two goals in the first half as the Tiremen rung up a 3-0 lead. The towering striker, showing little rust after a Mexican holiday, connected once on a penalty kick and nodded in a super cross by Tom Ouchi.
Chabot also headed in one attempt after a twirling, misfired volley by Kevin Mitchell, and buried a low blast after a great feed by Jim Sparrow.
Hard-charging defender Ted Sheehan took the Sleeman’s Man of the Match with honourable mention to Sparrow, who ran a marathon in the middle.
Dave Scott was the only Kelowna shooter to beat keeper Al Bensmiller in the driving rain.
The North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Division 2 season opened Thursday night with Chick Kickers OMG clipping the Green Rockets 2-1 at Marshall Field #4.
Speedster Tawny Rudderham scored for the expansion Green Rockets in the cool drizzle.
Keeper duties for the Rockets were shared by Dana Dimmick and Rachel Cross, who both rocked out of the net as well. Excellent defence came from Karmyn Karmyn, Sam Audley and Kim Lewis.
Newbie Deneen Tomlinson played centre midfield, learning on the fly while showing grit to make several clutch plays.
Capri Insurance edged Centerline Attack 2-1 at Marshall #2 in the other Division 2 opener.
Sarah Kwantes scored for the Attack, who welcomed new coach Greg Thalheimer, well known for developing female athletes. Shyla Ladd and Christine Beham turned in sweet showings, while keepers Kris Ponto and Azra Cawley were outstanding in the crease.
