Caps rally to tie B.C. reps

May 07, 2008

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Vernon defender Keefery Joyce of the Okanagan Whitecaps FC takes the ball upfield and leaves the provincial team striker behind.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Bank of Montreal Thompson Okanagan U16 Whitecaps FC remained unbeaten after coming from behind to tie the U15 provincial team 2-2 Saturday in Kamloops.

The provincial team scored two minutes into the game, and then scored a penalty kick goal at the start of the second half.

Kirby Carter of Kelowna pulled the Thompson Okanagan within one goal when he drilled a penalty kick into the right corner of the net.

Enzo Paal of Vernon took a pass from midfielder Manbir Sandhu, beat two defenders, and put the ball underneath a diving keeper to tie the game with 10 minutes remaining.

Coach David Broadhurst was very happy with the Thompson Okanagan club’s effort.

“It was a great experience for our players in play against a higher level of ability,” said Broadhurst. “We coped very well and to come back from 2-0 behind was very pleasing.”

The bankers are 4-0-2 as they prepare for their season opener against Abbotsford in the Super Y League which begins on May 18 and runs into August. The winner of the Pacific North West division goes to Florida for the North American championships in November.

In U17 boys rep play, Vernon United grounded host Kelowna 4-2 Sunday morning.

"We prepared very well for this match" said United coach Derek Janke. “The team guaranteed me the victory.”

Vernon led 3-0 at the half, getting their offence rolling when some stellar distribution on the counter attack from Devin Janke to Chad Westman resulted in Westman being brought down in the penalty area. Janke put home the resulting penalty kick in his now accustomed right-hand side, bottom corner.

Vernon`s next two goals were built from controlling midfield play and blinding speed from the two primary attackers, Chad Westman and Sean Kelman. In both instances, Westman was able to find space, and create himself additional space through speed and control before slotting a pass across the face of goal to Kelman.

“Sean Kelman demonstrated patience, vision and determination beyond his years to anticipate that pass and finish,” said coach Janke.

The second half saw Kelowna step up the play and manage a pair of long-range markers.

Vernon`s final goal evolved from a great feed by Harminder Sidu on to Edwin Cruz deep in Kelowna territory. Janke then overlapped Cruz to take the ball to the Kelowna end line.

After beating two Kelowna defenders with only the end line for support, Janke slotted the ball near side.

In U13 boys Rep action Sunday at Blackburn Park in Salmon Arm, Denny's United of Vernon fell 1-0 to Shuswap in a closely-fought battle.

Despite creating several high quality chances with quick ball movement in the first half, Vernon failed to capitalize, and just before the half ended, Shuswap scored what proved to be the winner from a corner.

The second half was evenly played, but neither team was able to score.

Clark Richardson played a stellar game in goal, starting numerous counter-attacks with strong deliveries following saves, and from goal kicks.

Thomas Guy played a strong game on defence, Noah Varley was tireless in midfield, and Gavin Opp played well on the front line.

Coach Patrick Varley praised the commitment and work ethic demonstrated by all the players.

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Caps rally to tie B.C. reps

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