The Williams Lake U18 Storm boys soccer team marched away as champions from the Umbro Challenge Cup in Surrey during the long weekend.
Opening the tournament versus the Coastal Vipers for its first game Saturday, the Storm played to 2-0 shutout victory with goals from Raiden Lainchbury and Wesley Fraser.
Sunday, the Storm squared off against the Coastal White Team in a 2-2 tie, with goals from Ethan Reid and Cade Enns, before having to play a crossover game versus the Wesburn Revolution, who had been in the Storm’s opposite pool.
There, Ty Wasyliw and Fraser helped the Storm edge the Revolution in a 2-1 victory.
After the round robin the Storm sat first in their pool, and also first in overall points. The Revolution, meanwhile, advanced from their pool sending the two teams into a rematch for gold on Monday.
Coaches said the game was a tough, back-and-forth battle where the Revolution were hungry for redemption.
After a 0-0 tie at the half, the Storm came on strong.
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Roughly 10 minutes into the half Dominic Kniec knocked in a header from a throw-in to put the Storm up 1-0. The Revolution, meanwhile, continued to pressure and were awarded a free kick on a hand ball in the Storm box, however, goalkeeper Melkum Pitt was able to make the save and help hang onto the lead for his team.
The 1-0 lead stood up for the Storm, as they claimed gold over the Revolution.
“The older 2001/02 boys had not played in a tournament with the newly added 2004 boys, but we were all so proud of how well they came together as a unit and seemed to click right away,” said manager Lisa Hutchinson.
“Even the opposing coach from the gold-medal game commented on how well our boys worked together and communicated with one another. It was a fantastic start to the season and I couldn’t be happier for all of the boys. It was such great soccer to watch and be a part of.”
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