They stretched the field, spread the offence around and got clutch goalkeeping and stingy defence over four games and three days.
Dr. Lee’s Dental simply put it all together and won the women’s 35+ division title in the 34th annual Vernon National Oldtimers Soccer Tournament.
A total of 46 teams in seven divisions competed in the Victoria Day long weekend classic, organized by North Okanagan United women’s club. There were eight entries in the women’s 35 class.
Veteran midfielder Irene Arrotta, named tournament MVP, scored the winner off a gorgeous curling corner as Dr. Lee’s shaded Kamloops 2-1 in Monday’s final at MacDonald Park. Vernon pocketed $600, while Kamloops earned $400.
Erin Crowe converted off a lovely feed from Erin Scott for the opening Vernon goal. Lisa Arrotta was stellar in net.
“We played smart because it was hot,” said Cindy Worth of Dr. Lee’s. “We passed the ball around and used our wings well. Irene played a fabulous last game. She was heading everything out of our zone.”
Dr. Lee’s, who were without longtime head coach Akbal Mund, opened play by blanking the Scottish Classics of Calgary 5-0 Saturday afternoon at Marshall Field #3.
Scott, who avoided the Bavarian gardens in the morning, scored a deuce, while new author Corey McRae, Irene Arrotta and Deanna Baker completed the offence. Lisa Arrotta registered the shutout.
The Vernon blue crew doubled Calgary United 4-2 Sunday morning at Mac Park. Down 2-0 at the half, Dr. Lee’s responded with two breakaway goals from roadrunner Kim Teichman and singles from Paula Brownlee and Laurie McTavish.
Dr. Lee’s finished preliminary action by grounding the Calgary Eagles 4-1 Sunday afternoon at Marshall #5. Teichman, Crowe, Brownlee and Kim Wiebe handled the offence.
United tops masters field
The Salmon Arm BCO United shut down the Calgary Canucks 3-0 in the Women’s 40+ division final at Mac Park.
Jillian Fairclough of United was chosen MVP in the six-team category. Salmon Arm drew 1-1 with NOU while defeating the PoCo Cougars and Edmonton Snow Angels (formerly NARF).
The Angels, making their 15th straight visit to the tournament, led by fun-seeking Donna Hill, collected the George Stein Memorial Triple S award for sportsmanship, service and skill. Stein helped found youth soccer in Vernon.
