Morning Star Staff
After a bronze-medal showing at the Lake Country Ice Breaker Tournament, the Vernon United U13 boys followed with a 2-1 victory over Kelowna United in Thompson Okanagan Rep Soccer League play Sunday at Marshall Field.
The victory was anchored by some great defending which led to the scoring chances. Late in the first half, Lucian Desmazes-Landry and Karan Maholtra set up a breakaway for James Meeks, who beat the Kelowna keeper top shelf for the equalizer.
Strong defensive play from Aiden Skinner, Ben Morgan, Luc Jones and Kaden Funk in front of a stellar Jared Ross kept Vernon in the game.
William Oordt-Bosman was taken down inside the 18 and Kobe Grant buried the penalty kick.
United was anchored in the midfield by Ben Imrich, Brodie Fraser, Dawson Martian and Hayden Catt. Matthew Reich played his first league game after a serious knee injury a year ago, and his presence was noticed at midfield and the back line.
Striker Josh McKeown worked hard and kept the Kelowna defenders honest. Desmazes–Landry was named Vernon Man of the Match.
In U14 boys play, Vernon rallied to draw 2-2 with the Revelstoke Avalanche at Marshall.
Revelstoke went up 2-0 early before Chris McIntosh missed a free kick wide at 12 minutes. Moments later, McIntosh just missed on another free kick.
United defender Joseph Neufeld’s shot was stopped in the 52nd minute, but Jack Christiansen buried the rebound.
The Avs earned a penalty kick shortly after and keeper Ian Oliphant recorded a gorgeous save. Christiansen took control of the ball moments later, and chipped the keeper for the equalizer.
Vernon received bold defence in the final half from Ty Ogasawara, Shawn Boucher, Oliver Meyer and Jaidyn Gordon-Mason.
The Tolko United U17/18 girls lost their home opener 2-0 to the visiting Kamloops Blaze U16s.
The Blaze converted two quick goals near the 30th minute. Vernon came out stronger in the second half and tried to capitalize with their best chances coming off shots from Riley Martian and Hannah Love, and A.J. Jacura on some plays from the corner late in the game.
Keeper Jordynne Tomiak made numerous diving stops. They are coached by Peter Love.
The Tolko United U15 girls kicked off league play with a 3-0 loss to Kamloops Sunday at Marshall Field.
“I thought we matched them for skill, defended well except for two mental lapses and against a good team, they punished us well for that.” said Vernon coach Al Gee. “As well, we created a handful of good scoring chances. Our biggest issue right now is our fitness and we will have that remedied in three weeks.”
United erased a two-goal deficit to ground Kamloops 4-2 in U14 girls play Sunday at Marshall.
Mariya Blades earned Vernon’s first goal on a fastbreak. Jayden Strachan drew the assist. Emilia Durfield, assisted by Danica Ariano, levelled the score.
Megan Sherwood pounced on a rebound and finished with a hard shot to the left corner to put Vernon in front 3-2. Kelsey Falk added insurance, from Megan Sherwood.
Carly Southam, Sydney Bergman and Kelsey Carriere were dynamic defensively, while Ariano and Emily Thomas showed great control in center mid.
Tolko United U11 boys Whites found success against Kelowna and Salmon Arm Sunday on a frigid, dusty Kelowna field.
In Game 1, after falling behind early on, the Whites pulled together and moved the ball around the field brilliantly to bounce back and beat Kelowna White 2-1 with goals from Jonah Violini and a calmly slotted last-minute winner from Justin Ruscheinsky.
Jonah Kiernan was brilliant in net, and along with fellow defenders Danny MacLennan, Qui Parker, Roan Reid, Alexander Kazimer and Parker Munroe, kept the marauding Kelowna forwards at bay.
In the second game, United spotted Salmon Arm the lead before winning 4-1 on goals from Landon Janke (2), Colby McManaman and McLennan with Ruscheinsky and Kazimer sharing the gloves and Munroe sliding one off the line.
U11 Blues record split
United U11 Blues fell 5-3 to Penticton Pinnacles in their opener with Declan Hardy scoring twice, including a well-taken penalty.
Tied 3-3 going late into the second half, Penticton took advantage of some miscues by the Vernon defence and finished things off.
Vernon displayed some excellent team play and quick passing leading up to several nice finishes in a 4-2 win over Kelowna.
Alexander Jones pocketed a deuce for United, while Aidan Winn and Fraser Christensen shared the goalkeeping duties.
The United U11 MSE Precast Blues tied Kamloops 2-2.
Vernon dominated for much of the first half. Strong pressure by Camryn Beacom caused a turnover and Beacom sent Kaiden Sherwood free for a shot and goal off the rush. The Blaze rallied quickly and equalized.
In the second half, Sophie Dennis delivered a gorgeous goal to put the Blues ahead. Dennis intercepted a goal kick, brought the ball down from the air with her chest on to her foot, and then buried a corker. The Blaze tied it with just two minutes left.
Jordyn Kisilevich was marvellous in goal, making timely saves and using her booming kick to clear the ball and put her team in better field position.
“This was Sophie Dennis’ best game to date as a Blue,” said United coach Michael Sherwood. “She carried the ball well and showed lots of energy on the field.”
Beacom played exceptional defence for the second weekend in a row; her assist on the first goal was due to great pressure and a heads-up play; Mia Robinson showed lots of hustle and moved the ball up the wing, and Sherwood used her speed for numerous opportunities up front.
The U11 Protow Whites opened their season by falling 2-0 to Kelowna United Whites.
Keeper Ava Proctor and the back line, led by Katrina Winstanley and Emma Glasser, held Kelowna Whites to one goal in the first 30.
Jorja Catt and Nadia Nelson-Shah made a couple of great pushes up front. Katrina Winstanley was in net for the final half. Lauryn Eddy sparkled on defence.
