Nanaimo United’s U21 team has peaked at playoff time, and now it gets to play for a championship.
The Vancouver Island Soccer League side will go for the George Smith Cup later this month after winning its semifinal match 2-1 against Gordon Head Gold on March 9 at Merle Logan Field.
“It was fantastic,” said Allan Jorgensen, the team’s coach. “It was a back-and-forth game and the guys put everything out there on the field.”
The score was 0-0 at halftime, then the teams traded goals to make it 1-1. The Golds got a penalty kick after a hand ball, but keeper James Kenny made a huge save, diving to deflect the shot off the post and out.
“It was probably one of the best saves I’ve ever seen in my life,” said the coach. “It was unbelievable.”
Morgan Johnston went on to score the game-winning goal and Colin McDonald had the earlier tally.
GAME ON … The George Smith Cup final will pit Nanaimo against the Bays United Gunners on March 31 at noon at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria … For a photo of the United U21 team celebrating a win last month in cup play, click here.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com