麻豆社国产United U16 soccer put on the best performance by a local team at the provincials, according to an official from the 麻豆社国产Youth Soccer Association.
"No other [麻豆社国产Youth Soccer Association] boys team has ever reached provincials," wrote Peter Weiland in an email to The Chief.
"Fourth place out of eight teams is an amazing finish and sets a new mark for SYSA."
Local athletes battled hard on the pitch from July 4 to July 7.
During the first day, the team had a strong start but was defeated 6-1 by Kamloops, Weiland said.
Tyler Blasak scored the sole goal for Squamish.
On July 5, things turned around for the 麻豆社国产team. They took a 4-1 win over Kootenay Storm.
"A hat-trick by Michael Weiland with the last goal being a tap in after a great individual effort by Dane Kirkegaard, a goal-line clearance by Colby Venekamp and a fourth insurance goal late in the game by George Malpass gave 麻豆社国产a convincing win in the end," Weiland said.
The next day, locals again took another victory. This time 麻豆社国产won against Richmond in a tight 2-1 game that Weiland described as "very physical."
This win was key, as it allowed them to play for a bronze medal.
"Two goals in quick succession from Brayden Pisch and Michael Weiland gave 麻豆社国产a lead midway through the second half, but Richmond replied with 13 minutes to go," wrote Weiland. "The final minutes were a nail-biter with Richmond throwing everything forward but in the end, 麻豆社国产prevailed with some very determined play. Too many stand out performances to name them all."
On July 7, 麻豆社国产took an early lead. Michael Weiland shot the ball into the box following a combination of passes between Dane Kirkegaard and Markus Hernandez. Surrey, however, countered with two fast goals. Ultimately, locals lost the game 2-1.
"麻豆社国产players can hold their heads high in spite of the defeat, knowing they left everything out on the field," wrote Weiland.
He said for several players, it was the final game in a 麻豆社国产shirt.
Jordan Fanzone is hanging up his cleats, GK Declan Addison will play in North Vancouver next season and Michael Weiland will play next year in the B.C. Soccer Premier League. Coach Marco Fanzone is also saying goodbye to the team he coaches for the last six years to take a break from coaching.
听
***This story has been corrected as of July 16. Previously, it gave the incorrect scores for the games against Kamloops and Kootenay.
