Morning Star Staff
The Seaton Sonics will host the Okanagan Valley Senior AA Boys Soccer Championships starting Friday.
The Sonics remained unbeaten on the season with a 5-0 win over the Kalamalka Lakers in the North Zone playdowns final Thursday at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park.
Seaton did an excellent job of executing their game-plan throughout the 90 minutes, controlling the play with sustained and patient ball possession.
Jared Quibell opened the scoring in the seventh minute, hammering home a drive off of a scramble in the penalty area following a corner from Chris McIntosh.
Quibell made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute off a beautiful feed from Kazuki Comley through the strong Kal back four. McIntosh closed the scoring in the first half, making it a three-goal game after he broke free on a cross from Maguire Lauridsen.
Quibell completed the hat trick in the 46th minute, connecting again with Comley on another excellent ball from Comley and scoring on a partial break from the left side. He then made it a four-goal match seven minutes later on a beautiful corner. His younger brother, Logan Quibell, played superbly in net, earning a well-deserved shutout.
“This finish was amazing for us to end the season this year, undefeated in league play,” said Seaton coach Michel Amoua. “I am very happy with how balanced we have been all season – we have been able to score a lot, but more importantly we have been able to hold our opposition to very few goals all season long.”
McIntosh, Kenzel Aarts-Roman, Lauridsen, Damon Marlow and Leon-Paul Grosse were stalwarts on defence, stifling and frustrating the Kal attack all afternoon.
Comley distributed the ball very well from the midfield and the forwards, led by Quibell, put very strong pressure on the Kal fullbacks all game with an aggressive forecheck.
Christian Disterhoft, an international student from Germany, played a marvellous game attempting to jumpstart Kal’s offence. Grade 8 Luc Jones turned in a tough and mature showing at central back.
Pete Hirschkorn has been Kal’s most consistent performer all season, playing multiple positions. Taitum Macauley was once again a monster in net as he leapt and dived for balls even after the game was out of reach.
Said Laker head coach Mike Grace: “I’m proud of the effort that the boys put in against the speedy Sonics and I hope we can meet Seaton again in the Valleys next weekend.”
The Valley champion moves to the B.C. Sweet 16, Nov. 24-26, at the Burnaby Lakes Sports Complex.
