Defence ruled the day as Camels FC and the Revelstoke Stallions opened the North Okanagan Soccer League season with a scoreless draw Wednesday at Marshall Field #3.
Both teams generated numerous scoring chances, but neither could find the back of the net as signs of early-season rust on the offensive end were evident. The Camels’ Nick Pantaleo was a star anchoring the fullback line and preserving the tie with a save on the goal line late in the first half. Ben Osborn turned in an exceptional two-way performance.
In other opening-night action, Turn-Key Controls used a pair of goals from Preston Tucker to brush back Davidson Dynamite 3-0 at Marshall Field #2.
Turn-Key, also sponsorsed by Nolan’s Pharmasave, opened the scoring early when Tucker, fresh off his Sport B.C. College Athlete of the Year Award, converted on a goal-mouth scramble caused by brother Nathan.
With both sides short players and trying to find their legs, Tucker slipped the ball past Davidson goalkeeper Ean Ross off a brilliant through ball from Chris Jahnig.
Early in the second half, Brendan Love found a streaking Andrew Pool down the right side who converted the chance in his Turn-Key debut.
Kyle Goodgrove, Alex Nolan, Sean Bonnet and Bryce Paterson were solid in limiting the chances in front of goaltender Jeremy Kler.
The Monashee Surveying vs Salmon Arm Courvas game will be rescheduled.
