The Vernon Liquor Store Celtics grounded the Kelowna Rented Mules 4-2 in Okanagan Men’s 35+ Soccer League play Monday night at Marshall Field #2.
Volker Otto stole the ball and converted a breakaway with a nice, low shot for the Celtics’ opening goal. Brad Swartz made it 2-0 on a beautiful hard shot from 12 yards.
In the second half, Mike Collins thought he was Pele with a great chance on a bicycle kick that was blocked by the 6-foot-6 giant keeper.
Bryan Schenker got the third goal on a great feed from Kriss Yargeau. The Rented Mules responded on a free kick and a beautiful header into the corner before Schenker rounded out the Celtic offence with another great goal.
The Rented Mules ended the scoring from the penalty spot at the final whistle. Rene Mailloux was outstanding in net for the Celtics.
Vernon Toyota scored three unanswered goals to complete a 3-2 comeback over host Salmon Arm.
Salmon Arm went up 2-0 early after Toyota gave up several odd-man rushes in the first 20 minutes. John Orton headed home the first Toyota goal after Mark Budgen spotted him at the back post on a free kick.
Early in the second half, Toyota was awarded a penalty shot after Ley Christensen was taken down hard inside the Salmon Arm 18. Christensen was forced to leave the game with a shoulder injury.
Orton stepped in and drilled his second of the game past a sprawling Salmon Arm keeper. Jay Cawkell scored the winner with 10 minutes left after a gorgeos Brian Williamson through ball.
Iain Butler and Pat Varley were defensive stalwarts in the final 10 minutes as Salmon Arm pushed for the equalizer.
In 45+ men’s action, the Big O Tire Ogopogos recorded their second straight shutout by downing the host Rutland Spirit 3-0.
Yogi Kongsdorf returned from an ankle sprain and played admirably in net despite a slight limp.
Rob Ross was chosen the Dairy Queen Man of the Match as he went back to his former centre defence position and controlled the line skillfully.
Henry Czerwonka also played a great stopper position and added a lot of strength to the back line. Brad Conlin played his consistent strong centre midfield, creating some great through balls.
Mark Wasylyk, breaking in hard, Jaun O’Quinn, who finished beautifully off a pass in the top corner, and Jenne Hubert on a nifty last-second move on the keeper, handled the 2-4 Big O offence.
The Silver Stars stretched their undefeated streak to six games by grounding the Okanagan Spring Brewery 3-1 at Marshall Field #3.
Don Eyers, playing up front, scored his first goal ever for the Stars with a shot/cross/lob into the wind that went up and came down just under the crossbar.
Some 20 minutes later, Kevin Cowley got his first of two on the game after some good passing saw him squeeze the ball over the line in a crowded area.
Spring (3-3) answered before the end of the half after a superb through ball directed Chris Neilson in alone on goal.
The Brewers enjoyed more of the ball in the second half but the 5-0-1 Stars kept their shape and looked dangerous on the break and were rewarded with a 20 yard Cowley cracker that gave Spring keeper Mike Zuber no chance.
Cowley scored again before getting a red card for his second yellow with 10 minutes remaining.
Al Murphy scored twice, including one on a spectacular diving header after a Dan Zieske free kick, as the Vernon Hi-Pro Sportswear Camels shut down Lake Country 3-0 at Marshall #1.
Murphy opened the scoring by deflecting a Mike Daly shot. Zieske, who took the Red Robin Restaurant Man of the Match, picked off an errant pass and beat three defenders on a fabulous solo effort, for the 5-1 Camels’ final goal. Dave Dutcher earned the shutout.
