Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Chick Kickers should probably hold a parade or at least wear their jerseys to work for a day or so.
The reason for such celebration? The Kickers, for the first time ever, defeated the mighty Squires Four Pub/Dr. Lee Dental in the North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division Tuesday night at Marshall Field #1.
Gary Dill’s Kickers shaded Squires 4-3 by using a quick start, almost going in front at 10 minutes when rugged centre half Michelle Loxam fired a shot off the crossbar.
Striker Jenny Garnett, after some great offensive tackles, fed Mel Jacobs, who in one fluid motion, turned and fired a shot under the outstretched arm of keeper Lisa Arrotta.
The lead didn’t last long after a great run down the right side and a rocket by Andi King over Chick goalie Robyn Sherwood.
The Chicks wanted the lead again and it finally came in the 42nd minute. Jacobs, with some magical foot work around two defenders, dished a beauty to a streaking Heidi Holtman, who netted her second of the year.
The pace of the game bumped up a notch and became very physical in the second half. Player of the Game midfielder Holly Flinkman, who was on the receiving end of at least three body slams, spurred the Chicks on for two more goals.
Dawn Ansdell sent Jacobs home free and again with a blast to the far side, made it 3-1. Then with the prettiest set up this year, Loxam and defender Shauna Duncan shared a give-and-go to set up Jacobs for her ninth goal of the year.
With injuries within minutes to key players, Loxam in the middle and star centre back Wendy Magnus being carried off the field, the Chicks found themselves down to 10 players and the Squires crew took advantage on goals from Loren Brunelle and Irene Arrotta.
The last five minutes were a scramble in the Chicks’ end but dynamic defence from Sharon Storms, Kelli Mazurak and Stephanie Curtis held off Squires.
Carolyn Gustafson was the Sportswoman of the Match for Squires. Honorable mention went to Barb Levesque, Bobbi Cormier, Sarah Green and Brunelle for consistent hustle playing in all positions.
Becky McLennan pulled the hat trick as Rosters picked apart the Controllers 7-1 in North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association action Tuesday night at Marshall Field #2.
Karina McGaw scored the first goal, paving the way for goals by Renee Cooke, Jen Funk and Geri O’Brien.
Rosters played well together while listening to their coach Lody Cooke’s wise words of “Don’t pass the ball to the other team.”
Kate Ball was ferocious on defence and Monika Jatel and Andrea Southam were solid in midfield. Felicia Musa received Sportsman of the Match.
Keeper Michelle Embleton was kept busy all night as the Controllers played one short. Then Angela Durfeld scored on a lovely pass up the middle from defender Martina Allen to tie things 1-1 midway through the first half.
Player of the Match for the Controllers went to Martina Allen, who was calm and effective on defence but also did a great job supporting the offensive line and assisting on Allen’s snipe.
Merlot run over Courtesy
The host Shuswap Merlot grounded the sub-less Courtesy Motor Sista’s 6-2.
The first Courtesy Motors goal came from a sweet corner by Andy Zubot, landing at the feet of Lesley Williams who dug deep to win the ball and score her first goal this season.
The second goal came from a goal kick taken by Crystal Flasch to Jessica Garro, who sent the ball over to Diane Neudorf, who floated a shot over the keeper’s head. Most Sportsmanlike Player honours went to Andy Zubot for her gusto everywhere on the field and positive attitude.
Celtics shut down Blazers
The North Enderby Celtics played their finest game of the season by grounding the AF Blazers 5-0 in Division 1 play Tuesday night at Marshall Field #4.
The Celtics first converted in the 20th minute when some excellent passing inside the 18 led to Genevieve Nice being taken down. Nice converted the penalty kick with a hard, low shot.
The Celtics kept up the pressure minutes later after Lindsay Bolduc made an amazing 30-yard run besting two defenders and dishing the ball to Carly Smith who calmly beat the Blazers keeper on the breakaway.
The Celtics’ third tally came when center midfielders Ashley Krause and Nice continued the NET passing clinic before Nice sent in Jamie Dillon, who picked the side netting.
The Celtics kept pressuring in the final 45 and Lady of the Match Kendra Ostafie who delivered some hard, clean challenges all night, stole the ball in the midfield and played a perfect over-the-top ball for Nice for her second of the game.
Tori Jo Reid capped the NET offence with the goal of the night, hammering home a Bolduc pass from an impossible angle into the top corner.
Jennifer Russell and Jennifer Seigmueller were rocks on the Celtic backline with keeper Katelyn Paulin earning the clean sheet with huge saves.
The Blazers put up a great fight but couldn’t quite catch up when the Celtics started to score. Shantell Hayhurst, Chara Devolder and Lynnejah Rojas delivered some great shots on net. Most Sportsmanlike Player went to substitute keeper Judith Leongallard.