The Nelson Selects under-13 boys side are heading into provincials with a tournament win already behind them.
Milo Klien scored a hat trick as Nelson defeated Airdrie FC 3-2 in the final of the KEYSA Tournament, which was held June 17 and 18 in Cranbrook.
Klien scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the final, then found the back of the net again in the 51st minute when the opposing keeper got a hand on Klien’s shot but couldn’t keep it from nestling into the corner.
That goal proved to be the difference following two quick goals by Airdrie in the 33rd and 37th minutes to tie the game.
“The boys have been preparing hard to find a new level of play and they accomplished that today,” said co-coach Andre Perez. “A great confidence booster.”
The Selects had previously lost 4-2 to Airdrie in pool play. But they earned a rematch with a 5-2 win over the Kootenay South Youth Soccer Association in the semifinals. The Selects also defeated the Columbia Valley Titans 9-0 in pool play.
The team is one of seven Nelson squads preparing to go to provincials next month. The U13, 14, 16 and 18 boys teams will play in Vernon on July 6 to 9. The U13, 16 and 18 girls teams visit Surrey on the same dates.
