Jen Kemper scored twice as the Chick Kickers shaded the Vernon Liquor Store VQA 2-1 in North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division action Tuesday night at MacDonald Park.
Shelley Johnston jumpstarted things for VQA with a wonderful skilled pass up to Rita Tedesco (first game of the season visiting from Revelstoke), who fed Carla Gibson for the 1-0 blast.
The Chicks went into the half time break puzzled as to how to break the VQA defence. Finally at 57 minutes, Kemper charged full throttle into the box and was brought down hard by a defender.
Kemper calmly rifled the penalty shot through the keeper Sue Barss’ outstretched hands.
The play was even through the half until replacement striker Colline Johnson put on a dazzling display of tenacious ball control and fortitude to win a corner with three minutes left.
Kemper took the corner and drilled a missile of a shot right at Barss, who had it go right above her hands and into the far corner for the winner.
Kickers’ Player of the Game was Lisa Lanaway, who was the specialty sub for any position, fulfilling her duties admirably, giving all players a chance to sub in each half.
On the Kickers’ defence, it was the Kelli Mazurak show, shutting down her side of the field defensively and transitioning the flow of play to offence to show what a seasoned pro she is.
VQA (3-4-2) were on fire with passing and tremendous coverage by Barss.
“She jumped, she dove, she kicked, she snagged, she was everywhere,” said VQA veteran Shelley Johnston.
Johnston also gave props to Gibson for a five-star showing.
“Carla was fantastic all game. She was aggressive, never giving up and zigged and zagged her way to and from the goal mouth. The formidable Leah Willinger was stellar as usual in defence after her exhausting weekend playing in Funtastic.”
The Kickers (6-4) got a PK in the box for a take down in the box bringing the tally 1-1.
VQA coach Fred Laureson gave the Player of the Month trophy to versatile Jenny Hatten.
Alumni Karen Noble, visiting from China, graced the field to watch and cheer on VQA.
Raegan Russell counted four goals and took Most Sportsmanlike Player as the Grey Monk Impact ambushed the Controllers 7-0 at Marshall Field #1 in what the ladies were calling Bikram soccer on a scorching night.
Lori Phillips dialed a deuce and Janelle Smithson scored once for the Impact (9-1). Derri Ann Cooper recorded the shutout.
“We played exceptionally well with only one sub; we had no choice but to make the ball do the work for us, making sure our passes were tight and no long balls, only to feet was our play of the night, and it worked,” said Impact veteran Suzie Andrews. “We showed great determination in getting to the ball first for the entire game.”
Val Percy, Maritza McLeod, Jodi Peshko, and Christyna Whieldon worked hard all match on the Controller back line in front of a weary and acrobatic keeper Michelle Embleton.
Speedy midfielder Elena Sookarow marked and shut down Russell in the second half, while Elena Sookarow was named Most Sportsmanlike Player for the 1-3-4 Controllers.
Jacquie Hansen supplied five goals as Dr. Lee Dental Centre shut down the Shuswap Merlot 10-0 at MacDonald Park.
Delinah Erbenich added a hat trick, while Erin Scott and Bobbi Cormier contributed singles. The Merlot chose Lori Shippy of Dr. Lee as MVP.
The Shuswap Kaos bounced the Courtesy Motors Sista’s 3-0 at Marshall Field #2.
Sherry MacDonald made several exciting runs through the Kaos midfield and past their back four, creating at least three amazing scoring opportunities. Jess Garro came close in the first half, with a blistering shot off the post. The Kaos are 5-5, the Sista’s 0-7-1.
Co-leading TED United needed a late gorgeous goal to brush back Rosters 2-1 in Salmon Arm.
Susie Wiesman ran miles for Rosters made no mistake on a PK, awarded after striker Michelle Connolly was taken down by the 9-1 TED keeper in the second half, making it 1-1. The Rosters’ defence were bold with Katie Reid and Denise Bateman and keeper Brenda Keay enjoyed her best game of the season and was named Most Sportsmanlike Player.
The North Enderby Celtics connected twice early and held on for a 2-0 win over the Do-Itt Drywallers at Marshall #4.
Genevieve Nice converted top shelf on a Tori Reid feed for the winner on a great play from the back line through the midfield.
Carly Smith worked tirelessly to win a challenge, pick herself up off the ground, take a touch and rip a 35- yard dipping shot over Drywall keeper Brittany Nenasheff.
Jordynne Tomiack earned the shutout with an amazing penalty shot cannon off her hands and then the crossbar.
NET (4-3-3) were physical all night, but after the break, the Drywallers (3-6-2) managed to control the play with Nenasheff hardly seeing any action.
Forward Jennifer Kanester had the chance to score on a free kick but just missed and hit the crossbar. Drywall had some other good second-half chances but couldn’t finish.
The Blazers and Infonews.ca Newshounds ran to a 1-1 First Division draw at Marshall Field #5.
Emily Kronbauer of the Hounds scored first, but the Blazers responded with a breakaway goal from Hayley Ashworth in the final 45. Blazer keeper Rachel Cross held the tie with numerous saves.