Vernon United Tolko/Coldstream Lumber shaded Kelowna United Storm 2-1 in Thompson Okanagan Under 13 Girls Rep Soccer League play Saturday at Rutland Sports Fields.
Kendall McKinnon and Madison Bergman pressured seconds after the starting whistle, while Skylee Sigurdson-Poirier shot just wide before feeding Lily Lee for the opening Vernon strike.
Sarah Claeys and Kaitlyn Budgen both had their foot on the ball directly in front of the Kelowna net, but the whistle blew before they could finish. The Coldstream Lumber crew didn’t let up in the second half, and midway through, Lee again converted. At this point, Ava Proctor took over from keeper Jordyn Kisilevich, allowing her the rare opportunity to play out. Proctor allowed one goal.
Vernon lost 1-0 to the Kelowna Junior Heat in the intense Sunday afternoon sun (Kelowna won 4-0 in previous meeting).
Nadia Nelson-Shah and Paige Maleska made some stellar plays and took some hard hits, remaining solid in their successful pursuit to keep the score at 1-0.
The U13s tied the Kamloops Blaze White 1-1, lost 4-0 to Calgary Blizzard Roma, fell 1-0 to Surrey Pegasus and bowed 2-0 to Richmond Thunder at the Kamloops Slurpee Cup on the Victoria Day weekend.
Bergman scored in the tie with Emma Glasser chosen MVP. Nelson-Shah, with two nominations, and Lee, were the other game MVPs. Mia Hyer, Budgen and Sigurdson-Poirier poured on multiple shots against Surrey with no luck.
Tolko United Girls U11 Z fell 3-2 to the Kelowna Thunder Struck at Marshall Field.
United were energized right from the start with keeper Marrah Wilford wicked in net.
Kelowna scored first but Vernon got some powerful forward pressure by Ava Cesario, Sophie Challen, and Anissa Gutknecht and Holly Magnus allowing Vernon to quickly equalized on a beauty shot by Lauren Cunningham.
Samantha Vajda took the keeper gloves in the second half and recorded some stellar saves. The Thunder Struck managed two goals despite a bold defensive effort by Kate Lavery, Jennie Pereboom, Teagan Schober, Jasmine Soon and Sophia Winstanley.
Vernon narrowed the Kelowna lead with Julia McLennan connecting. Coaches Rob Cesario and Brent Magnus were stoked with United’s solid showing.