Pinnacles begin PCSL championship chase

May 09, 2008

NewS.102.20080508170431.Pinnacles4_20080509.jpg

Western News file photo

Aggressive on the forecheck is what the U21 men’s Pinnacles team intends to do to be successful as they pursue a Pacific Coast Soccer League title.

Just because the U21 men’s Penticton Pinnacles are going with a young team that includes just five returning players, coach Charley Mayer is still shooting for a Pacific Coast Soccer League championship.

To achieve that, the Pinnacles will have to improve on their 4-6-2 record which kept them out of the playoffs last year.

“We’re going to have to be consistent and work hard for the full 90 minutes and out play the other team — especially in the last 20 minutes,” said Mayer. “We’re looking at an attack from all locations on the field. That’s the type of game we’ve been training for. Our best defence will be our ability to attack.”

With a youthful team, Mayer likes that his group brings plenty of speed with solid, technical skill.

“These boys all understand that in order to get results they will have to work,” added Mayer. “At times they will have to outwork and outlast the opponent.”

Offensively, the Pinnacles are counting on Ross Rufiange, who is taking on a big role up front as well as Kirk Chavarie who is expected to provide grit with good work ethic to get behind the defence. Mayer is also looking to the mid-fielders with Sean Peterson and Colin Mayer. Last season the Pinnacles scored 16 goals and allowed 21. Their leading scorers were Paul Raposa and returnee Aldon Banjaku with four.

When it comes to the last line of defence, Dustin Sauter will be the starting goalie and will be backed up by Brendan Frizzi. Those players will be joined by Dale Mounsey, Josh Timmerman, Dylan Wylie, Paul Barry, Greg Denton, Devon Ulrich, Nate Speijer, Corey Carvalho, Nik Dittman, Josh Oakes, Tim Dalton and Kurt Murseli. The players who earned spots on the Pinnacles went through a long process as 35 players took part in the training camp. With so much talent, Mayer decided to keep eight players for reserve.

While Mayer does have veterans on the roster, bringing leadership is not expected from them.

“What we want from them is their skill and experience,” said the Pinnacles coach. “We want a very balanced team. Looking to all the players to step up and take on that role when needed.”

And Mayer won’t have to wait long to see how his players step up as their season starts at home against Chilliwack at King’s Park starting at 2:30 p.m.

Mayer, who assisted Ray Hintz with coaching the Pinnacles U21 women’s team, took on the duties as a development opportunity for not just the players on the team, but the district program coming up.

“I think it’s really important to have that next step on the ladder for these boys to play into,” he explained. “It was uncertain whether this team would operate this year because of the coaching situation and having players.”

With the season around the corner, Mayer expects that Victoria, Chilliwack and Kelowna will be among the strong team in the Pacific Coast Soccer League.

Email | Print | Letter to Editor | Share on Facebook

Pinnacles begin PCSL championship chase

Most read in your Region

Most read across BC