Late penalty powers U15 Selects to Provincial B Cup in Aldergrove
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Selects are going to the B.C. Soccer Provincial B Cup in Aldergrove after capturing the Kootenay U15 Boy’s Playdowns Sunday at Moir Park in Cranbrook.
The Reps finished the tourney undefeated against teams from Cranbrook, Columbia Valley (Invermere) and Creston.
However, the road to the provinicals wasn’t a smooth ride for the Heritage City squad.
Both Nelson and Columbia Valley entered the final round robin games with identical 1-0-1 records.
For Nelson to advance the Reps would have to beat host team East Kootenay by two goals — should Columbia Valley get a maximum of five points in their final match with Creston.
After the tense last few moments Nelson would hang on for the 2-0 win over East Kootenay of Cranbrook and the berth to the provincial tournament. Columbia Valley would settle for second place with a 4-0 win against Creston.
Micah May gave Nelson a 1-0 lead against East Kootenay.
The score remained the same until the second half when the host club was whistled for a hand ball in the penalty area.
Dunavan Morris-Janzen calmly stepped up to the penalty spot and converted a shot into the bottom right corner with three minutes to go for the ever-important 2-0 lead.
Nelson opened the tournament playing to a scoreless tie against Columbia Valley.
Nelson had a number of chances but couldn’t convert.
Saturday afternoon the Reps blasted Creston 8-1. The win avenged a loss previous to Creston in Kalispell.
Nolan Percival opened the scoring six minutes into the match.
Creston scored an own goal before James Miller completed the firset half scoring.
Kaden Foy scored Nelson’s fourth goal on a fine individual effort one minute into the second half before Creston scored on a well placed free kick.
Nelson ended any hopes of a comeback as Miller, scoring three times, and May, with a single, scored in the second half.
The Reps now prepare for the provincial tournament July 5-8.
