The Vernon Square Liquor Store North Okanagan United blazed the field with fantastic passes, continual communication and all-around sweet plays against the Tillicum Controllers Tuesday night.
NOU’s reward was a 2-1 upset victory over the top-seeded Controllers in North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division play at Marshall Field #4.
United’s first goal, in the 10th minute, was a beauty off a ground pass by Sarah Kwantes to speedster Melissa Jacobs, who caught first-time keeper Jody Pope off her line.
Their winning tally, later in the half, was also pretty as Jacobs fed Shelley Henry, who pounded a big cross, hit the outside post, and watched the ball miraculously roll into the net.
It was an entertaining game between two fun teams full of respect and sportsmanship.
Stand-in coaches Sue Barss and Kim Cooper were very happy with the win, and used all their resources as NOU improved to 4-5-1.
“Dar Wiese was outstanding in net and stopped the few direct attacks,” said Barss. “The NOU defence was stellar, like a moat surrounding a castle, with Karen Benn, Penney Crebo-Dolman, Pat Neilson, Shelly Johnston and Tania Willett the soldiers.
“We received great plays by Rita Tedesco, Lena Dean, Carla Gibson and Wendy Stevens offensively creating play after play. Shelley Henry, Char McNaught and Cheryl Roddis kept the balls up and out to the sides for constant attacks.”
After a miserable first half, the Controllers regained their form and dominated the second. Newcomer Jenny Currie had lots of chances and finally buried one, taking a long ball from Michelle Wernicke and breaking in alone before driving it past Wiese.
The 7-2-1 Controllers directed a lot of balls towards the net, but Wiesse was rock solid, turning back attack after attack as the Controllers looked to equalize. After being challenged early, Brandie Hunter and Wernicke responded with strong performances, shutting down the NOU attack in the second half.
The Okanagan Impact brushed back Monashee’s 2-1 at Marshall #3.
Jodi Hawthorne connected on a 40-yard rocket for the Impact’s opening strike, while calm and cool Minda Chittenden converted a penalty shot as the Impact went to 6-3-1.
“Excellent play was turned in by the lovely and talented Kris Ponto in midfield,” said Impact coach Mike Sandstra. “We hit the crossbar twice and the post three times. The score does not reflect the play. Great game ladies.”
Rene Cook responded for Monashee’s, who dropped to 3-6-2.
The Vernon Chick Kickers upended host Shuswap Kaos 3-2 in Salmon Arm.
The Kickers peppered the Kaos keeper with an estimated 30 shots as they improved to 8-2.
Vernon’s Jenny Garnett showed her athleticism on a goal-mouth scramble, scissor kicking a shot to open the scoring.
Early in the second half, Kaos surged in front with a pair of unanswered goals. The Chicks refocused their efforts and were rewarded when Crystal Bergman delivered a nice corner kick to Jen Sorochuck, who headed it in for a great finish.
Fiesty Kelly Challen converted a penalty kick for the winner after she was hauled down in the box.
Kaos dipped to 1-7-2.
In Competitive Division action, the AF Blazers pulled off a 1-1 tie against the Little Tex Outlaws in a hard-fought battle Tuesday night at Marshall #2.
The 1-4-3 Blazers opened the scoring with a feather through pass from Angie Mendes to Delihna Erbenich, who blasted through the Little Tex line and converted.
Shortly after, Little Tex equalized when Lyndsay Lee sent a hard shot to the bottom corner just out of the reach of keeper Eileen Pellicca.
Amanda Swales and Bettina Berger were outstanding on defence for the Blazers, while Samantha Greene, Janna Cummings and Samantha Dally held the midfield.
Jenny Hatten, Ally Cummings and Paula Brownlee had strong games. Ali Clarke had several scoring opportunities. Pellicca was phenomenal, making several key saves.
Lee was stellar in the middle for the 4-3-1 Outlaws, creating several scoring opportunities and unleashing some great shots.
Christine Fraser was strong up front, had some solid shots and created many chances. Keeper Gineil Ferrier recorded several great saves to keep Little Tex in the game.
Alanna Rehman pulled the hat trick as Dr. Lee Dental/Checkers ambushed the North Enderby Timber Celtics 8-1 at Marshall #1.
University of Idaho Vandal alumni Andi King dominated the forward line, scoring two and setting up Madison Kaneda for two others, as the 6-2 Floss Crew, down 1-0 early, tired out the 1-7 Celtics, who had no subs. Kirsten Dodds had the other goal.
