BCSPL Game Reports 2012 Season

Whitecaps Spring College Showcase Tournament
March 21-24
Newton Park, Surrey

It was another outstanding tournament performance from the Thompson Okanagan U17/18 Boys this weekend, as they competed in the Whitecaps Spring Showcase, in Surrey. The team played three matches in front of large crowds and in perfect conditions at the Newton Athletic Park.

TOFC  2-1  Surrey United

The first game of the weekend was the most important, as the result of this match would also count towards the BC Soccer Premier League standings, and the TOFC boys were keen to build on a 2-0-0 winning start to the campaign. However, a very strong U18 Surrey team had different ideas, and it was them who started the game brightly. TOFC found themselves under pressure right from the kick off and it was only a matter of time before Surrey took the lead, keeper Jake Bainas (Kamloops) being given no chance from close range. The score remained 1-0 to Surrey at half time. The second half started in the same manner with Surrey on the attack and some desperate defending was needed from TOFC to avoid conceding the second goal. However, although in control of the game, Surrey could not find a way to break down the TOFC back four, and the Okanagan boys showed tremendous character to keep themselves in the match. Midway through the second half, they got their reward when, against the run of play, the outstanding Mackenzie Rigg (Kelowna) cut inside the Surrey fullback and fired home an unstoppable left foot shot into the top corner. An unlikely equalizer for TOFC seemed to completely deflate the Surrey players and staff and the pattern of the game reversed, with TOFC starting to find their passes and at last impose themseves on the opposition. Several good chances were created before Sean Czerwonka (Vernon) lashed home the winner from close range after more good work from Rigg down the right flank. TOFC made the most of their advantage and controlled the game for the last 10 minutes to record an impressive 2-1 victory, and send themselves to 2nd place in the Premier League with a 3-0-0 record.

TOFC  1-0  Fusion

The second game of the weekend was another close fought victory for TOFC.  This match was a much improved performance from the Okanagan team, and they controlled the ball for large periods of time against Fusion. However, in the first half, goal scoring opportunities for both teams were few and far between, and the game was finely balanced at 0-0 halftime. TOFC attempted to liven up the game in the second half and looked for the opening goal, which came when Lex Phillips (Penticton) burst through the centre of the Fusion defence, only to be brought down by the centreback.   Andrew Stevenson (Kelowna) gave the keeper no chance from the resulting spot kick and TOFC were 1-0 in front. That was the way it stayed as TOFC recorded a second victory of the weekend with a 1-0 win.

TOFC  1-0  Coquitlam Metro Ford

This was an excellent match to watch. CMF had also recorded back to back single goal victories against Surrey and Fusion, making this game the decider for the tournament group. A classic 'game of two halves' saw TOFC play some terrific soccer in the first half and put the CMF back four under considerable pressure. Sean Czerwonka (Vernon) had a goal ruled out for offside early on, and TOFC created several other good chances before Robin Whittaker (Kelowna) gave them the lead, using his height to get on the end of a corner kick for a great headed goal which topped off a fine 'man of the match' performance from him. Coquitlam are a top quality team who are in the habit of winning, and the second half saw them applying their own pressure on the TOFC team as they looked for the equalizer. However, TOFC were always dangerous on the break and Metro Ford were never quite able to fully control the midfield. TOFC defended well once again, and again showed great character to hold on and win the match. Excellent performances from all of the TOFC players, with particularly strong games from Colton Walker (Salmon Arm) and Matt McHugh (West Kelowna) and Austin Schneebeli (Salmon Arm).   

BCSPL Game Reports 2011

U18 Boys Win Adidas Champions Cup Invitational Showcase Tournament!

Group A…Mountain FC, Coquitlam Metro Ford, Fusion FC, Surrey FC
Group B…Thompson Okanagan FC, Surrey Utd FC, South Fraser FC

Thompson Okanagan 3-0 Surrey Utd
A perfect start for TOFC in this prestigious showcase event. Surrey Utd were a very strong and well organized U18 BC Premier League team, who had beaten the Okanagan team the week previously in a league match. This time out, however, it was a different story as TOFC pressed forward from the opening whistle. Several early chances were created, and it became just a matter of time before TOFC opened the scoring. The breakthrough came midway through the first half, as Robin Whittaker (Kelowna) caught the Surrey defense napping and latched onto a long throw to make it 1-0. Mackenzie Rigg (Kelowna) was causing the Surrey full back lots of problems down the left side, and duly added a second before half time after some great work to beat his marker and cut inside. Surrey tried to reassert themselves in the game at the start of the second half, but strong defending from Brenden Melin (Salmon Arm) and Jordan Hesketh (Kelowna) in the centre back positions denied them too many goal scoring opportunities. Once again it was the Okanagan team who looked more like adding to their score….and they did so with 10 minutes remaining. Great work from James Taylor (Penticton) running through on goal ended with a foul inside the box. Robin Whittaker calmly slotted the Penalty Kick.

Thompson Okanagan 5-0 South Fraser
Results elsewhere meant that TOFC had to win this match to top Group B and qualify for the final….it was a great incentive for the Okanagan players, and from the opening whistle they poured forward looking to score the goals that would get them there. South Fraser were another very good BCSPL team, who have started the season well, however on this occasion they were no match for the TOFC team. Andrew Stevenson (Kelowna) opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a well taken goal after a great cross from Cole Kingzett (Penticton). South Fraser held it to 1-0 at half time, despite a lot of TOFC pressure. The pressure continued in the second half and Sean Czerwonka (Vernon) added second and third goals, assisted by great crosses from James Taylor. Taylor, who was a thorn in the South Fraser side throughout, went on to score a couple of goals himself in the closing stages as the Thompson Okanagan team comfortably won their group.

FINAL
Thompson Okanagan 3-3 Fusion FC
TOFC win 5-3 on penalties
The tournament final was an intense match, played at a very high pace by two extremely well matched teams. Fusion tried to dominate possession throughout the match, but struggled to do so due to the hardworking TOFC players closing down their space at every opportunity. Once again TOFC looked dangerous going forwards and were able to constantly worry their opponents with the pace of their attacks. After 15 minutes, and somewhat against the run of play, Andrew Stevenson latched onto a through ball and showed great strength to hold off both centre backs and put TOFC 1-0 ahead. Fusion came back strongly, however, and were tied at 1-1 almost immediately….Jacob Rivet in goal given no chance with a close range header. Five minutes before half time Andrew Stevenson scored his second to put TOFC 2-1 up, another great effort from the edge of the box this time. The score remained at 2-1 at half time. This match was always going to be very tight, and Fusion started the second half in search of an equalizer. The game was end to end with Fusion pressing hard, but Okanagan dangerous on the counter attack. Both teams missed great chances, but it was Fusion who scored next to tie the game up at 2-2. A very exciting game came to a climax with 5 minutes remaining as TOFC were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box….Austin Schneebeli stepped up and rammed the ball into the top corner. Fusion fought hard in the dying minutes though, and were rewarded with a last gasp equalizer to tie the game up for a third time. The game was a great spectacle for the large number of spectators there, and the penalty shootout was also very exciting to watch. Both teams calmly netted their first 3 spot kicks…Robin Whittaker, Andrew Stevenson and Cormac Southam (Nelson) for TOFC. Dan Thornton (Penticton) increased the pressure on Fusion by slotting a fourth. Then goalkeeper Jake Bainas (Kamloops) became a hero when he dove full stretch to save a well taken penalty.
This meant that Brenden Melin had a shot for the cup, and he duly delivered, much to the excitement of all the TOFC players, coaches and parents.

Other Highlights: 

Austin Schneebeli was awarded the tournament best defender award, and Andrew Stevenson received the ‘Golden Boot’ for his 4 goal tally

TOFC U18 Boys
Sep 24, 2011
TOFC U18 Boys vs Mountain United FC
Final Score:  2 - 0 for Mountain FC

First Half Scoring/Highlights: 
A very keenly contested first half started with both teams looking to get forwards and create chances. TOFC went closest when Sean Czerwonka (Vernon) twice narrowly missed good opportunities from close in. James Taylor (Penticton) also produced an outstanding save from the Mountain goalie. The Okanagan team were on top and looking to open the scoring, however, Mountain were dangerous on the break and managed to go ahead from a well taken free kick on the edge of the box. TOFC were back on level terms just 5 minutes later when Cole Kingzett (Penticton) scored from a tight angle. Half time TOFC 1-1 Mountain

Second Half:

The home team increased the pressure in the second half, and created several good scoring chances. Mountain were defending for long periods, and gave away several free kicks on the edge of the area…Robin Whittaker (Kelowna) and Andrew Stevenson (Kelowna) both coming close to putting TOFC ahead. The pattern remained the same throughout the second half, with Mountain threatening on the break. Ten minutes from the end, the home defense were caught on their heels as Mountain attacked from the right hand side of the field resulting in an unfortunate own goal. The home team tried to recover, but Mountain held on for the win. 

TOFC U18 Boys
Sep 17, 2011
TOFC U18 Boys vs Coquitlam Metro Ford
Final Score:  2 - 0 for TOFC

First Half Scoring/Highlights: 
 A very tight and even first half saw both sides cancel each other out. Good defensive play from both teams resulted in limited scoring opportunities all round, and a battle for the midfield domination ended in a stalemate. Excellent work from Brendan Melin in the centre of the TOFC back line, and a solid clean sheet from Jacob Rivet in goal were the highlights for the home team.

Second Half:
TOFC started the 2nd half brightly and found themselves a goal ahead within a minute of the restart. Good work down the right hand side from Cole Kingzett led to an opening for Andrew Stevenson, who coolly slid the ball past the advancing CMF keeper. CMF tried to raise the tempo of their game to find an equalizer as the 2nd half went on, but found themselves denied any space in midfield by the tireless work of Mackenzie Rigg, Colton Walker and Robin Whittaker. In fact, it was the TOFC boys who were looking the more likely to add a second goal as the half went on. Twenty minutes from the end, a period of good pressure from TOFC resulted in a free kick just outside the box. Andrew Stevenson struck the ball sweetly into the top corner with enough pace to leave the CMF keeper motionless for his 2nd goal of the game to send the home team 2-0 ahead. CMF again tried to claw their way back into the game, but were left frustrated time and again by outstanding defending from the home team. Frustrations boiled over for the visitors, who were reduced to 10 men near the end and also missed a penalty kick in the dying seconds

Other Game Highlights: 

A fantastic start to the BCSPL for our U18 boys team. Congratulations!