A move to the AA level hasn’t slowed down the Southridge Storm’s senior boys soccer team.
Heading into the season, the team was set to play in its usual single-A league. But, as it turned out, this year, the school had too many male students in Grades 11 and 12 – two over the maximum of 80 allowed in order for the school to compete at the single-A level.
But the adjustment to playing against larger schools in the AA tier hasn’t adversely affected the Storm – they still sit with a perfect 4-0 record, which was more than enough to secure them a playoff spot.
Last week, Southridge began their win streak with a victory over previously undefeated Surrey Christian.
Twice, the Storm battled back from deficits to tie the game, and Jacob Baxter tallied the winning marker late in the contest.
The next day, Southridge hit the road, beating Sands Secondary 3-0 thanks to a two-goal effort from Matt Kennell. Landon Gill also scored for the visiting team.
On Thursday, the Storm capped their week with a third win, 3-1 over Delview.
Traven Blaney led the way with a pair of goals – one on a free kick after Andrew Metcalf drew a foul. Gill also added another goal, this time on a penalty kick.
In addition to the many offensive performances worth highlighting, Southridge head coach Gordon Smith was also quick to praise the team’s defence, led by Jason Coil, whom Smith called “the anchor for a stingy back line,” as well as Spencer Millard and Dom Clayton.
The Storm’s fourth win – which secured them first place in the Fraser Valley South Division – was 4-0 over Burnsview.
Southridge now prepares for Fraser Valley playoffs, which begin Oct. 28.
