A Promising Start

With only a smattering of practices under their belts, the Brentwood Senior Boys soccer team left early Friday morning to participate in the annual Independent Schools Association tournament: the ISAs. With never-before worn jerseys on their backs, the newly formed Brentwood team came out strongly and refused to relent. They played impressively until the final whistle against Vancouver’s St. John's. Brentwood immediately made its presence felt on the field, and at halftime we were ahead 2-0, after an emphatic strike by Philipe M and a deadly header by Keaton S. With the team's spirits raised high at the break, Brentwood's growing chemistry began to flourish in the second half with a three goal hat-trick by Toby C and a beautiful top shelf shot by Ibrahim S. As the game came to end, it was clear to see that regardless of their final result in the tournament, the 2013/2014 Brentwood soccer squad will be a spectacle worth watching in the months to come. With no time to recover, Brentwood ran onto the adjacent field and kicked off against a well-rested St. George's. Brentwood's back four defenders continued to impress with their powerful and vigorous style of play led by Captain Nick W. Unfortunately, we would lose the game 2-1 with our only goal scored by Toby C. With this thoroughly unlucky result, Brentwood faced Collingwood in the third and final match of the day. Yet again Brentwood played with heart and determination, but a ridiculous deflection goal would put their opponents in front late in the game and led to an eventual 3-0 loss. Feeling slightly disappointed about their final result of the day, Brentwood left the field knowing that they would play again tomorrow and leave every last ounce of energy on the pitch against their arch rivals, Shawnigan Lake School. Within the first few minutes Brentwood took the lead courtesy of a ferocious pressuring run by Philipe M which he finished with his left foot, cracking the ball the ball into the net. With the lead in their hands, Brentwood's defence, led by Captain Nicholas W, remained rock solid. Every effort and attempt thrown at the net was rendered fruitless by the stellar back line. Brentwood held on to their lead over their rivals to the very end, and finished with a satisfying 1-0 win and a 6th place in the 12 team tournament. All-in-all the ISA tournament was a great experience for the team and a very promising start to the season. The Senior Boys are very excited for their year of soccer. Toby C, Privett ‘15