The Squamish FC U-18 boys team finished the elite Gold Division regular season tied for first place after a decisive 4-0 victory over the Lynn Valley Falcons on Saturday (Feb. 28).
It is the first time a local senior boys team has taken the Gold Championship, according to longtime Squamish Youth Soccer Association referee Jose Oreamuno.
Only four minutes into the game, Austin "Oz" Sweeney struck a mighty boot from a corner kick and all Jotty Sidhu had to do was tap the ball in for the opening goal.
Just minutes later, a fine display of midfield passing left Hans Schranz with clear passage and he ripped a shot past the keeper to put the locals up 2-0.
Before the end of the half, Bryce Hurlbertpotted yet another goal on a hard shot, which caught the Falcons defence off guard.
The boys could have rested on their laurels after gaining such a comfortable lead at halftime, but they kept on the offensive. Mitchell Roberts scored his first goal of the season to give Squamish a 4-0 lead.
"It was a tremendous team effort again, and these boys really put on a show for the spectators with great passing, brilliant ball control and solid defence," said head coach Rui Pereira.
Several more scoring opportunities were missed and a goal was called back due to an offside call, but the defence in front of keeper Cameron Doherty helped him to a second consecutive shutout, and his 4th of the season.
"What a great way to endthe league'sseason," said assistant coach Dave Robson. "All the credit to the team for playing through the times of adversity and injury to solidify into a skilled unit which is now arguably the best of all the Club teams in the Metro Vancouver area."
Squamish FC finished three points back but played one less game than fellow division leaders the Point Grey Eagles, so league rules place the clubs in a tie for the championship, explained team manager Peter Shrimpton.
"In the only head-to-head league game this season we beat those Point Grey Eagles convincingly [4-1], so you can draw your own conclusions from that statistic," he said.
Having earned the title of North Shore District rep, Squamish FC continues Coastal Cup play in Squamish at noon on March 28. Two more victories will secure a berth in the Provincial Cup, which is to be held in Aldergrove in July and will feature the best teams from around the province.
