The Okanagan Men’s 45+ Soccer League champion IGA completed the double by taking the playoff final in a 2-1 (3-2) shootout victory over North Country Appraisals Kickers Saturday at Kings Park in Penticton.
IGA, who went unbeaten in the regular season, held a 1-0 lead at the half after converting a scramble after a corner kick in the 30th minute. The ball bounced around in the North Country box before Tony Gonzalez kicked it in past keeper Martin Vincze and a couple of defenders.
Third-place North Country equalized with about five minutes to play when Greg Bevandick scored on a miraculous header off a nice cross from Randy Bohem.
Shortly after, Fritz Berenyi slipped on the wet field and into IGA keeper Scott Seiben. Berneyi left the game with an injury and a red card.
That proved costly to North Country as Berenyi was unable to participate in the shootout which went to eight players. North Country twice had the chance to win the shootout but failed to beat Seiben.
In consolation play, the Penticton Pinnacles clipped the Silver Stars 2-1 (5-4) in a shootout for fifth place.
The second-place Vernon Hi-Pro Sports Camels won by default when fourth-place Salmon Arm didn’t show.
Penticton held the edge in play in the first half, pushing the ball past the shortstaffed Stars’ midfield. Brian Eso, John Burns and Steve Coombs held Penticton to the outside of the 18 and keeper Ted Lurkins stopping several shots and deflecting two sure goals over the bar with outstretched fingertips.
Art Renaud finally started the offence 11 minutes into the second half. He took a rebound near the 18 and volleyed a looping shot over the Penticton keeper. The Pinnacles replied 10 minutes later when a free kick made it through the wall and the second rebound was chipped over a sprawled Lurkins. Penticton went ahead eight minutes later.
The last 15 minutes saw beautiful chances on both ends, including quality shots from Mark DeVolder and Ken Rath of the Stars, who equalized with two minutes left, when an attempted clear by a Penticton defender 15 yards out rebounded off a charging Rath into the top of the net.
Burns, Bill Graham (who wins chicken dinner for his efforts) Rob Bauml and Rick Danyluk all scored for the Stars. Dan Ondzik needed to score for the Stars to extend the shootout, but his high shot just grazed the top of the fence near where the cars were parked.
The Big O Tire Ogopogos brushed backed Kelowna Cantina’s 3-1 in other B side play.
Big O took an early lead when striker Mark Wasylyk beat the last defender and the sprawling Cantina keeper.
Brad Conlin later buried a penalty kick, awarded when Kelowna player kicked the back heel of a Big O player inside the box.
The Cantina’s made it interesting by pressing hard early in the second half and scored on a beautiful high kick top corner above Big O keeper Paul Hunter, who was steady and confident all game.
Big O completed the scoring on a rush by Henry Czerwonka from outside the 18 which ended with a Man City-like blast top shelf.
Volker Otto had a strong game on defence, while keeper-turned-striker Yogi kongsdorf also turned in a solid showing.
