Motivation shouldn’t be a problem when South Delta United heads to Vernon in early July for the Provincial “B” Cup championships.
The U17 boys rep soccer team saw its bid to become Coastal Cup champs end with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in penalty kicks to Port Moody Barcelona last Sunday in Aldergrove. The two District 5 League rivals could very well meet again in the Okanagan where they both will be part of what’s expected to be an eight-team tournament.
The Provincial Cup format will also feature regional winners from throughout B.C. The top two teams after three days of round-robin play will meet in the gold medal game. The second place finishers from each group play for bronze.
South Delta took a 2-1 lead into the second half of the Coastal final on goals by Rowan Childs and Jake Mallard. Port Moody equalized soon after the interval and there would be no further scoring, despite 30 minutes of extra time. The result was similar to when the teams met back in round-robin league cup play and settled for a 3-3 draw. Port Moody also won that game in penalty kicks to earn the extra point, although United went on to take top honours.
“It was pretty much the same thing. A back and forth game with plenty of exciting soccer. I’m getting too old for this,” laughed South Delta head coach Bill Ross.
“It’s just the mindset of both teams to keep attacking. When we took the 2-1 lead (associate coach) Jeff (Skinner) told the boys we weren’t going to be parking the bus and trying to sit on it.”
“Sometimes you might be able to blame a call that didn’t go your way in a game like that but the referee and assistants were absolutely top quality. Obviously, the boys were very disappointed but they also know they get another crack at them at provincials.”
Ross added the players will enjoy a brief break from what has been a long season before resuming training. The team will also play some friendly matches before it heads to Vernon. The provincials take place July 6-9.
