Too much Selects as Nelson captures gold south of the border
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Nelson Selects rang up a 20 spot on opposition goalkeepers to capture the top prize in the U11 Boy’s Division at the 18th Annual 3 Blind Refs Soccer Tournament Sunday in Kalispell, Montana.
Nelson dumped Idaho Thunder from Post Falls 3-1 in the gold medal contest to sweep the competition south of the 49th parallel.
“It was a great way for the boys to end the weekend after playing so well, and it was a fun tournament for the coaches, players, and parents that made the trip to Montana” said Nelson co-coach Kerry Dyck.
“(Players) battled hard every game, and the perfect record was a total team effort.”
Leading 1-0 in the final at the half on a goal by Jaden Dyck, the Selects put the game away on goals by Angus Paterson and Milo Baranyai Sheppard.
A late defensive breakdown allowed the Thunder to capitalize and score a goal, but it wasn’t enough as Nelson held on for a 3-1 win.
Nelson opened the tournament by thrashing Polson FS of Polson, Montana 8-1.
Baranyai Sheppard was a beast on the offensive end counting four goals while Paterson added a pair.
Thomas Baxter and Aidan Mushumanski completed the scoring Nelson.
Nelson made it 2-0 in pool play by scoring a 4-0 shutout the Idaho Thunder.
“We didn’t know what to expect from the boys in the second game because of the late start and the fact that a lot of them were interested in the score of the Canucks game that they were missing,” said Nelson co-coach James Baxter, “but they stuck to the game plan and started with defending first.”
Baranyai Sheppard paced the Nelson attack by scoring a hat trick with Josh Yasek adding a single.
Jacob Erickson registered the shutout in goal for Nelson.
Nelson advanced to the final by stopping Kootenay South Warriors of Trail 5-1.
Once again the Selects were able to dial up the offence. Ernesto Archambault started the assault with, Jaden Dyck off a long distance kick making it 2-0. Yasek and Baranyai Sheppard, with a pair, completed the scoring for Nelson.
The coaches singled out the defensive play of Jesse Thurston, Thomas Baxter and Josh Yasek as being particularly solid, with the offensive play of Milo Baranyai Sheppard, Angus Paterson, and Jaden Dyck being equally impressive.
Selects next tournament is the Canada Day weekend in Rutland.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
