Powell River United O35 Soccer Club had visions of starting off the new year by keeping its unbeaten streak alive and preparing for the upcoming Tony Grover Cup run and a potential berth in the BC playdowns.
Recently, Qualicum travelled to Powell River and attempted to dislodge the team from its winning trend. Unfortunately for the visitors, who had played the previous day as well, they were unable to field a full team and came over to Powell River with only nine players. After some pre-game discussion it was decided that, for the better of both teams and their cup runs, Qualicum would concede the three points and use some of United’s players to make it a full game.
After not playing since December, United came out flat and the players were on their heels for the initial 15 minutes of the first half. United was able to get things settled and play evened out with the home team getting a few good chances on net. Ross Simpson was finally able to break through the defence and calmly put the ball into the back of the net. The two teams battled back and forth ending the first half 1-0 Powell River.
The second half was much the same as both teams had chances and played hard-fought soccer. Late in the half Qualicum managed to put one past goalie Rick Bombardir from a hard-dipping shot that gave Bombardir no chance of making a save. The perfectly placed shot evened the score 1-1 and shortly after that the game ended with the tie.
At this point United had only three games left in its quest for the league title.
Short on staff and players, due to injuries and previous commitments, the team travelled to Denman Island on Sunday, February 5 and had big hopes of keeping its winning streak going. The players who were able to make the trip went into the game knowing they had no substitutes and were in for a battle.
The game started with United coming out strong and taking control of the game with good possession of the ball and crisp passing. United’s striker combo of Simpson and Lee Illing created many great chances on net and caused some grief to the home team. The rest of United’s team followed suit and spent the first half keeping the Denman goalie very busy. The half ended 0-0 with United feeling unlucky not to have scored.
The second half was much the same as the first with United controlling most of the play until just over midway. A long ball was sent to Simpson who turned and made a run down the wing and crossed it over to a charging Illing who buried it into the back of the net. United kept on pressing only to be stopped by the solid play of Denman’s keeper.
Denman was able to get a small attack going late in the game and goalie Bombardir, who had seen limited action, made a few big saves to keep the shutout alive. The final score 1-0 keeps United’s unbeaten streak alive with a record of eight wins, zero losses and two ties with only two league games remaining.
