U21s eliminated from provincials
BY ROBERT JANNING
A 20-metre blast by Colin McDonald in the final minute of time-added-on struck the upright square-on and the Nanaimo United U21 team was denied overtime in their quarterfinal Province Cup match against the Port Moody Gunners.
About 100 spectators showed up at the Port Moody Town Centre turf field and witnessed an exciting showdown.
Nanaimo coach Allan Jorgensen’s decision to start James Kenny in goal proved to pay dividends in the first half, as the Island keeper kept his team in the match with three great saves.
The roughhouse Gunners scored the only goal of the opening half in the 37th minute and looked to be in complete control when they doubled their lead in the 59th minute.
With 15 minutes left in the game, Jorgensen brought on the fresh legs of 17-year-old Moise Herringer. The youngster’s speed and hustle immediately created more space for his teammates, and just five minutes later Morgan Johnston was able to out-muscle two defenders and slide the ball past the reach of the Gunners’ keeper to make the score 2-1.
With renewed hope, United dominated the final 10 minutes of play, however, their last-gasp efforts went unrewarded and the sound of the final whistle put paid to their season.
SOCCER TALK … Nanaimo United is putting out the call for any interested players, coaches, team managers or board members. United will field Div. 1, Div. 2, Div. 3, Div. 4 and masters teams in the Vancouver Island Soccer League and premier league, Div. 1 and Div. 3 teams in the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association. Players who register by mid-June pay reduced fees. For player registration forms or coach/manager application forms, please e-mail aljorgensen@shaw.ca.
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