Vernon Tolko United Blasters split their final two rep soccer league games of the season.
United beat the Revelstoke Grizzlies 3-1.
Workhorse Aimee Skinner buried a gorgeous feed from Jordyn Clarke for the Blasters’ first goal.
Joelle Kohtala’s marker late in the half proved to be the game winner and the Blasters had a sound defensive game from Tori Maltman, Amy Curtis and Caryss Hill.
Paige Cover continued her strong play with an insurance marker after Jesse (El Capitan) Mitchell outworked a Grizzlies defender and made a textbook goal mouth feed.
The Blasters fell 3-0 to the Kamloops Heat in a game where temperatures reached the low 30s at kickoff.
Star United keeper Lauren Hoard made several spectacular saves to keep the Blasters in the game early, as Kamloops kept the pressure on.
Adelynn Hayes worked tirelessly in the heat creating opportunities but the Blasters could not find the back of the net and the Blasters ultimately fell 3-0 to close out the season.
Said Blasters assistant coach Colin Clark: “This group grew so much over the last six months as individuals and teammates. The game results weren’t always what they deserved, but the work ethic and attitude they displayed week in, week out really sets these kids apart. Parents and coaches are very proud of the season this group had.”
Vernon Tolko United U12 boys Team S and Team C finished off their season with a twinbill in Salmon Arm.
Team S fell 4-1 to Kelowna in its opener.
Landon Janke and Jared Eddy shared keeper duties for the game. Nick Noren, Ben Straight and Daxton Podollan pushed hard against the Kelowna defence, creating numerous chances but just weren’t able to connect.
Janke scored late in the game to spoil the Kelowna shutout. Parker Munroe and Colby McManaman battled tirelessly for Tolko, who then fell to Kelowna N 3-2.
Eddy and Fraser Christensen shared the gloves for the team. Marcus Petersen, Roan Reid and Alex Kazimer shut down Kelowna’s offence in the back-and-forth play.
Supported by Tate Garrod, Declan Hardy set up a great shot by Janke to get Vernon on the sheet first. Devin Bilodeau scored on a long ball kick but Kelowna snuck a shot by Christensen late in the game to steal the win.
Vernon Team C settled for a 3-3 draw with Kelowna N in its opener.
Aiden Winn and Braden Schmeigelt shared keeper duties for the game. Cash Andersen started and finished the scoring for Vernon while Jonah Violini added the other. Marcus Erho, Levi Koroll and Liam Collins played strong on defence. Jonah Violini scored the go-ahead goal. In the second half, Kelowna went ahead but Cash Anderson converted a free kick for the equalizer for the 3-3 final.
United finished its season in style, blanking Kelowna G 6-0 with Justin Ruschiensky earning the clean sheet in goal.
Anderson scored four times, including one on a beauty of a set-up by Carter Leahy, while Alexander Jones took the ball through Kelowna’s defence to score the first goal of the game. Zach Loland, Cam Acob and Owen Challen supported the effort creating chance after chance for the boys. Loland scored the final goal of the year for Tolko, set up by Ruschiensky.
