Vernon Tolko United U14 girls opened the Thompson Okanagan Rep Soccer League season with a 2-1 win Sunday over the Penticton Pinnacles at Kings Park.
Goalkeeper Summer Crosby held off a flurry of shots in the opening minutes while United settled into the match.
United mid-fielder Jessica Grages booked the first goal at 25 minutes with a chipper shot to the inside post. Five minutes later, Kaia Barker drilled a top right corner shot which was narrowly blocked by the Pinnacles goalie.
A Pinnacles takedown of a United midfielder in front of the goal allowed centre defender Marika Ternan to convert a 22-yard free kick which green-beaned over top of the Pinnacle goalie’s fingertips, putting Vernon ahead 2-0 at 60 minutes.
A solid defensive line of Ternan, Kenzie Killingbeck, Elizabeth Hirschkorn and Keaira Korberg, along with a tireless midfield hustle supported by Lanaya Bandy and Alexis Gauvin, nicely held off an aggressive Pinnacles offence until the 75th minute when Penticton finally connected.
Impressive 50-50 ball wins in the dying minutes of the match allowed Vernon to hold off the Pinnacles.
Vernon head coach Brett Bandy was impressed with his team’s showing.
“We have eight newplayers joining the roster with very little practice time. I’m pleased with our team’s work effort to pull off the win.”
The U14s host the Revelstoke Avalanche Sunday, 11 a.m. at the new Greater Vernon Athletics Field.
Vernon Tolko United U15 girls opened the season with a 4-1 loss Sunday to Penticton.
Although United started with a short bench and were missing some important players, they didn’t let that phase them, starting strong and playing some great possession ball.
“The defence played well the whole game, with Kelsey Carriere, Nadia Smith, Talia Quiring, Carly Southham and Gabriel Triggs shutting down the Pinnacles for most of the first half,” said United coach Felicia O’Gorman.
“Miscommunication for the Vernon team led to an easy opening goal for Penticton, but the Vernon players picked up the pace and came back with some great scoring opportunities for themselves. “
Aggressive runs down the side from Bridgette Peterson and Jayden Strachan led to the assist on Vernon’s only goal, when Strachan served up a nice cross to the foot of Danica Ariano, who volleyed a one-timer into the net.
Another good opportunity came when Ariano slid the ball through for Brianna Bobbitt, who struck it well, but sent it just over the cross bar. Bobbitt and Emilia Durfeld had a marvellous matinee in midfield, providing great feeds for forwards Kiera Corriera and Mariya Blades, but the Pinnacles’ defensive back line was difficult to break down, cutting short Vernon’s attacks.
Goalie Hailey Yablonski was hit hard during the first half, but kept her focus throughout the match, shutting down many of Penticton’s chances.
Vernon entertains the Shuswap Selects Sunday, 9 a.m. at the new college turf field.
Vernon United U13 boys lost 3-0 to Kelowna United in their league opener Sunday at UBCO Field.
The game was close in the first 30 minute with back and forth chances at both ends, Kelowna scored with five minutes left in the first half.
Kelowna scored two more times near the start of the second half.
Vernon goalie Gage Stoll recorded many great saves, and with the help of two standout fullbacks Mark Hesketh and Josiah Falk, they kept the score down.
Great speed and outstanding effort was turned in by Justin Russel and Quinn Soon.
United hosts the Kamloops Blaze Sunday (3 p.m.) at GVAP.