U16 Selects push older U18s at Terry Walgren Tournament
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Nelson U16 Selects got a tune up for this weekend’s Kamloop Slurpee Cup, dropping a 2-0 decision to the U18s in the final of the Terry Walgren Youth Soccer Tournament Sunday at Lakeside Park in Nelson.
Naomi Perkins scored the second of two goals to power the U18s past their younger cousins.
“Not often I will come off a weekend where we lost two games, tied one and had only one win and think we played so well,” said head coach Paul Burkart.
“The girls fought and fought all weekend against some very talented older squads and came away with a well-earned silver medal.”
The Selects opened the tournament dropping a 4-1 decision to the U18s in the first game of the round robin, preliminary round draw.
The U18s got off to an early 1-0 lead, but a free kick later in the half provided the younger girls an opportunity to tie it up – an opportunity that Sofia Arcuri did not waste.
Arcuri placed an absolute laser in the top corner of the U18 net past the outstretch hands of U18 keeper.
In the second half, the skill and experience of the older girls started to shine through, as they were able to press the younger girls forcing three goals to secure the win.
Saturday, the U16s took on the U17 squad from Kootenay South, outlasting the Trail/Castlegar based squad 3-1.
Kootenay South opened the scoring before The U16s finally were able to press in the late part of the opening half, and forward Shianne Michaelchuk worked her way down the side and into the 18 yard box before scoring with a beautiful low shot on the short side beat the Kootenay South keeper.
The score stayed tied until Jodi Surina crossed from the right side and a streaking Anna Milde struck the ball perfectly to provide the Nelson squad the lead.
With time running down, Michaelchuk notched her second of the game launching a ball from outside the 18 yard box into the top corner of the visitor’s net.
The U16s then meet the U18 squad from Invermere. Although Nelson had an edge in scoring chances, a post and some solid goaltending by both keepers lead to a scoreless tie.
With the second best record in the division, the U16s played the older team in the division final.
The two teams controlled similar amounts of the play with no team dominating in the first half.
The U18s opened the scoring, converting the game’s first goal off ensuing scramble in the penalty area.
Perkins then dribbled through the backline and placed a beautiful ball in the lower corner of the U16s net for the second goal of the game.
“We can be very proud knowing that we kept our very talented and speedy U18 girls team to only two goals in the final,” Burkart explained.
“I have an older daughter on that squad and they are undefeated this year in both rep and high school (12-0) beating teams from Kamloops and Kelowna.
“In watching those games, I believe we have given them one of the toughest matches they have had this year – for that my players can be very proud.”
