The Vernon United Under 12 Boys #1 had another successful Rep soccer outing Sunday in Kamloops, opening with a tough 1-0 loss to Kelowna White.
Man of the Match keeper Kevin Morgan went all-world on numerous occasions to keep United in the game, allowing players to gradually develop more and more possession and eventually scoring chances.
Max Chirkoff and Aiden Skinner were stellar all game on defence, Jack Cotter and Isaiah Ondrik supplied the bulk of the offensive opportunities, and Saajan Klair had his share of near misses.
Hayden Catt and James Meeks offered excellent support and played outstanding matches.
In game 2, Vernon outclassed tired Penticton Pinnacles 5-0 in a hot matinee tilt at McArthur Island Sports Centre.
Man of the Match Ondrik opened the scoring with a nice feed from Klair, and followed with a deflected-shot goal early in the first half.
Strong work by Chirkoff and Klair forced a penalty shot, which Morgan calmly slotted home on his friend-and-rival-keeper Jordan Thorsen. United resumed the onslaught in the second half with William Oordt-Bosman rewarded with some excellent centre midfield-play by scoring on another beauty feed from Klair.
Ondrik, making up for hitting a post minutes earlier on a wide-open net, buried yet another chance in the final five minutes for his swan-song hat trick. Chirkoff was again outstanding, this time playing three different positions and causing fits for Penticton defenders. Nate Paskiewich offered solid minutes in numerous positions.
“A great way to end a great season,” said head coach Paul Morgan. “All the coaches are proud of the boys, they have come a long way and truly developed and thrived in their soccer this year.”
United U12 #2 wrapped the season with a 2-2 tie versus Penticton and a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Kelowna Red.
Liam Glennon waltzed through the Penticton back line and placed a lovely ball to put Vernon up 1-0. Penticton responded minutes later to even things before the half.
Vernon was called for a hand ball early in the second half, resulting in a penaltly kick which was stopped by Logan Quibel. Penticton pounced on the rebound.
Vernon fought hard and valiant efforts were put in by Gavin Medema, Ben Morgan, Dawson Martian and Kobe Grant. With only minutes left, Man of the Match Glennon once again caught Penticton sleeping and delivered another great ball to equalize.
In the second game, Vernon came out fast and strong to hold Kelowna Red.
A magical curved corner by Liam Reid fooled the Kelowna keeper and levelled the score 1-1.
Vernon was called on a questionable hand ball call early in the second 30 minutes and Kelowna placed a free kick to go up 2-1.
Despite several chances, Vernon could not capitalize and Kelowna then finished on a counterattack to end things.
Reid was fantastic all game, as was Grant and Medema resulting in the three of them sharing Men of the Match.
“I am very proud of the development of this team this year as they always worked hard,” said head coach John Glennon. “I am very proud of the exceptional improvement from Dawson Martian, Luc Jones and Kaden Funk.”
