50p
A Walk in the Park
The morning rain may have dampened the field, but it had little effect upon the success of the Brentwood 2nd XI’s home opener. Gracing the field was an unusual mixture of soccer players, all shapes and sizes, and from all parts of the globe. Yet, despite the prospect of first-game jitters, our 2nd XI seemed friendly and relaxed, buoyant even. And what an amazing collection of globe-trotters were gathered: Bryce McDonald (Jamaica), Conner Sommerville (USA), Rohan Youn (Korea), Daniyar Primbetov (Kazakhstan), Raffy Glaset (Portugal), captain Riley McCrossan & Sean Hacking (Alberta), Alex Buss, Jordan Steele (Northern B.C.), and Islanders: Cam Villanueva, Ben Davies, Mike dePaoli, Owen Gilbert, & Gavin Stephen. But to top off the mix, joining the team on his first day in Canada was Terry Lau, from Macau. It was now a veritable international team.
From the start of the game, the Brentwood defence, marshalled and directed by Cam, repelled any on-rushes that Shawnigan could muster. Riley, in goal, had little to do. As the game settled down, the speed of the Brentwood attacks found many holes in the opposition defence. The first goal came at the 30 minute mark; a superb, rising, 25 m shot from Owen left the Shawnigan goalie grasping thin air. This gave us confidence and everybody lifted their game.
Of course, this is not to suggest that Real Madrid or Manchester United need be worried about their status at the top of the world’s elite soccer clubs. Indeed, the occasional lack of ball-control, combined with the occasional lack of body balance, made for some hilarious moments as players kicked themselves, tripped over, and managed some unique body & ball maneuvers. Frequent substitutions enabled all 15 players to get playing time. Riley did not have too many shots on his net, but he kept a clean sheet by making one spectacular save when he reacted superbly to a second shot after a ricochet.
Eventually, beyond the 70th minute, the Brentwood goals came thick and fast. Owen took on the defence and, as they clambered over him, Daniyar nipped in and popped home a quick shot. Then, Connor finished off a good move with a snap 20 m shot. Saving the best for last, Raffy and Gavin both hit long-range 30 m shots, which flew high into the net. Five cracking goals! Their bemused goalkeeper was stunned. The international cast had given Brentwood a handsome 5-0 victory in their first game.
From the start of the game, the Brentwood defence, marshalled and directed by Cam, repelled any on-rushes that Shawnigan could muster. Riley, in goal, had little to do. As the game settled down, the speed of the Brentwood attacks found many holes in the opposition defence. The first goal came at the 30 minute mark; a superb, rising, 25 m shot from Owen left the Shawnigan goalie grasping thin air. This gave us confidence and everybody lifted their game.
Of course, this is not to suggest that Real Madrid or Manchester United need be worried about their status at the top of the world’s elite soccer clubs. Indeed, the occasional lack of ball-control, combined with the occasional lack of body balance, made for some hilarious moments as players kicked themselves, tripped over, and managed some unique body & ball maneuvers. Frequent substitutions enabled all 15 players to get playing time. Riley did not have too many shots on his net, but he kept a clean sheet by making one spectacular save when he reacted superbly to a second shot after a ricochet.
Eventually, beyond the 70th minute, the Brentwood goals came thick and fast. Owen took on the defence and, as they clambered over him, Daniyar nipped in and popped home a quick shot. Then, Connor finished off a good move with a snap 20 m shot. Saving the best for last, Raffy and Gavin both hit long-range 30 m shots, which flew high into the net. Five cracking goals! Their bemused goalkeeper was stunned. The international cast had given Brentwood a handsome 5-0 victory in their first game.