Morning Star Staff
The North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division title will be decided on the final night of the regular season.
Setter’s Pub of Salmon Arm brushed back the Vernon Chick Kickers 2-0 in a first-place showdown Tuesday night at sun-drenched Marshall Field #3.
The Kickers (12-3-2) have 38 points, while Setter’s (11-2-4) sit at 37 going into next week action. The Kickers play the Vernon Controllers (9-4-3 with a game left Thursday night), while Setter’s go up against the Shuswap Kaos (2-12-3).
It was a pretty even fixture Tuesday with the Shuswap gang simply able to finish on their scoring chances and the Chicks recording several near misses and running into strong goalkeeping.
While the Chicks still sit at the top of the table, they lost Wendy Magnus, and HeeSon Domay to season-ending knee injuries so will finish the season with a bench of 12.
NOU mauls Merlot 3-0
In other Masters play Tuesday, the Vernon Square Liquor Store North Okanagan United shut down the Shuswap Merlot 3-0 at Marshall #4.
(Lean) Lena Dean scored twice as United got past the .500 mark at 8-7-2.
Dean converted one shot in off the crossbar and buried a great through ball by Melissa Jacobs, while Carla Gibson applied some magical spin on the ball for the other NOU tally.
Strong showings were turned in by Cheryl Roddis and Claudia Chalakbi in the midfield, while Rita Nedesco seemed extra energized after getting hitched on the weekend. NOU bid farewell to Chalakbi, who is moving up north.
NOU defenders Pat Neilson and Penny Crebo-Dolman, along with midfielders Teresa Collins and Sarah Kwantes, also shined. Dar Wiese was solid in earning the shutout. The Merlot dropped to 7-8-2.
Goplen’s Drillers brushed back the Shuswap Kaos 1-0 at Marshall #5.
The Drillers controlled most of the play in the first half with forwards Shelley Zupp, Karen Zupp, Geri O’Brien and midfielders Tina Garrison and Lisa Lanaway enjoying scoring chances.
Great passing to create open shots came from Stephanie Curtis. With the guidance of veteran keeper Shawn Nickoli, the back line held Kaos to no shots on net in the opening half.
With the weather cooling at the start of the second half, the Goplen gang continued their offensive attack and with 15 minutes left, finally scored when Tina Garrison parachuted a nice corner in front of the Kaos net.
The ball was headed into the air by Lanaway and then nodded in by Shelley Zupp. The ball narrowly missed the hands of Kaos keeper, who was fantastic throughout the night to keep her team in the game.
Coach Darren Zupp was pleased with the 5-8-3 Drillers’ ground attack, but would have loved to see more shots find the net. The Kaos are 2-12-3.
Floss crew get past Blazers
In Competitive Division action, Dr. Lee Dental Clinic/Checkers erased an early 2-0 deficit and bounced the AF Blazers 7-2 Tuesday night at Marshall #2.
Delinah Erbenich scored both goals for the Blazers (1-10-3). Erbenich headed in a corner by Ally Cummings for her first goal, and then Paula Brownlee feathered the ball through and Erbenich blasted it through the keeper.
Jacquie Hansen, on a solo effort, responded for Dr. Lee before the break.
After a reality check and some choice words from their coach at halftime, Dr. Lee (10-4) cranked up their offence.
Veterans Irene Arrotta and Hansen each had a pair for the Floss crew.
Kim Tiechman, on a great through ball by Madison Kaneda (three assists), Kirsten Dodds from Lisa Goodgrove, and Kaneda from Kirsten Dodds, who did most of the work on the goal, completed the scoring.
Keeper Lisa Arrotta stopped three breakaways in the first half to keep the Floss crew within striking distance.
Outlaws clipped 2-1 by United
TED United of Salmon Arm clipped the Little Tex Outlaws 2-1 in other Competitive play Tuesday at Marshall Field #1.
Keeper Gineil Ferrier was outstanding, stopping numerous shots to keep Little Tex in the game.
The back line led by Stacey Cover, Christine Fraser, Kristy Anderson and Christine Neilson were tireless all game, while Anita Rea was strong in the middle, creating several scoring opportunities and having a few herself.
Monica Neilson scored for the Outlaws (9-5-1) and was a workhorse up front with countless scoring chances. Steph Stewart delivered loads of great dangerous crosses and Jordan Mercer had a solid night up front. United, who boast one of the league’s top keepers, improved to 11-2-2 to clinch the regular-season crown.
