Thunder makes noise at Seattle Showcase Tourney
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By Bruce Fuhr,
The Nelson Daily Sports
The Kootenay Thunder received a taste of some elite competition as the local squad competed in the Seattle Field-turf Showcase Tournament this past weekend in the Emerald City.
The squad coached by Dave Spendlove of Soccer Quest in Nelson, finished with a record of 0-3-1 in the toughest division of the tournament — Group A.
“These showcase tournaments are for players looking to gain full-ride scholarships to the United States and inquiries have already started to come in for some of these Kootenay Thunder players,” Thunder coach Dave Spendlove explained.
“The compliments on the Thunder’s style of play from parents and coaches of the opposing teams are a great credit to how the girls performed.”
Kootenay opened play Friday against Puget Sound Slammers. Despite losing 2-0, Puget Sound did not score any of the goals.
“One goal was scored when the Thunder keeper cleared the ball outside the box which hit the Slammer’s attacker and rebounded into the goal,” Spendlove said. “The second goal was accidentally headed into the goal by a Thunder player.”
Thunder defender Samantha Einarson was selected player of the game.
Saturday, the Thunder opened the day with a heartbreaking 2-1 setback to Synergy FC. Again the Thunder scored an own goal to help kick start the State Champion squad.
Brenna McKay scored the only marker for Thunder. McKay shared player-of-the-game status with centerback Brittany Wheeler.
North West Nationals then posted a 4-1 win over Kootenay.
The contest was evenly played, except it was the Nationals converting their chances.
Ameeta Bhabra scored the lone goal for Kootenay.
The final game Sunday morning was the best of the tournament for Kootenay. However, the Canadian squad failed to convert chances and settled for a scoreless draw. Taylor Stewart earned player awards in the final to games.
The Thunder is idle until the spring when the team travels to Surry to compete in the Whitecaps Showcase Tournament in March.
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