PROVINCE CUP FINAL
SPORTING CLUB – SURREY UNITED 1-0 (PK’s)
Sporting Club of Vancouver captured its first ever Provincial Cup title this past weekend by defeating Surrey United on penalty kicks after 120 minutes of scoreless, but exciting, soccer. Despite the scoreline, the game provided the numerous spectators with a lot of action and numerous golden scoring opportunities.
Just four years since its ascent to the Premier Division of the
VMSL, Sporting Club pulled off an amazing Provincial Cup run, culminating with this thrilling victory over a spirited and determined Surrey squad. All told, the Portuguese team’s cup run included: 6 hours of scoreless football, 5 goals, 4 overtime contests, and 3 penalty kick shootouts. It should also be mentioned that Sporting Club squeaked in the Province Cup playdowns with a last game of the season victory over Columbus-Clan! Perhaps the most impressive of all Sporting’s feats was the fashion in which the shootouts were decided. In fact, from the penalty mark, Sporting Club outscored its opposition by an emphatic 9-2 margin throughout the Provincial Cup run.
Sunday’s match lived up to its expectations, with the notable exception that no goals were scored. As mentioned earlier, this is not to say that the game lacked any quality scoring chances. Surrey’s Niall Thompson—playing for the first time at Swangard Stadium since his departure from the Whitecaps—was a going concern throughout the match, particularly with his aerial presence. Two excellent scoring chances by Thompson come to mind: first, midway through the second half, his glancing header hit the goalpost with goalkeeper Brian Brum beaten. Then, in the first overtime period, Thompson had his close-range shot smothered by a seemingly unbeatable Brum.
At the other end of the pitch, Sporting Club also created several good scoring chances, peppering United’s fine goalkeeper Drew Smiley with several shots. Trevor Rosencrans, Steve Dormer, and Mark Gomes all had quality opportunities but Smiley rose to the occasion every time.
The extra time sessions matched the intensity of the regulation time that preceded them, but scoring chances were at a premium as both teams seemed to be a little more cautious. Right at the end of extra time, Surrey had by far the best chance to grab the elusive winning goal when Rob Wilson sent Ryan Hopp in all alone on a breakaway. Hopp beat Brian Brum with a clever chip shot, only to have the ball agonizingly float inches wide of the far post. The final whistle blew shortly thereafter, sending the match into penalty kicks.
As was the case against Victoria VanTreights, Sporting Club took full control of the shootout, thanks to some clinical finishing, strong goalkeeping, and poor accuracy on the part of the Surrey shooters. Steve Dormer, Trevor Rosencrans, and Mark Gomes all hit the target for Sporting, while two United shooters missed the net and the other shot right at Brum.
Defender Luke Ash, midfielder Todd Stauber, and goalkeeper Drew Smiley turned in excellent performances for Surrey United, albeit in a losing cause. For Sporting, special mention should go to Mike Gomes, Devon Greenside, and CJ Greenside for their excellent effort in the midfield. As a result of the victory, Sporting Club will now represent British Columbia in the National Club Champioships which will be held on Thanksgiving weekend in Calgary, Alberta. The entire
VMSL community wishes Sporting Club the best of luck!
TEAM OF THE WEEK: SPORTING CLUB for yet another excellent performance in defeating Surrey United on penalty kicks after a 0-0 overtime draw. The victory gives Sporting Club its first-even PROVINCE CUP title. Sporting Club has also qualified for the National Championships! WELL DONE SPORTING CLUB!!!
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Sporting Club’s MIKE GOMES for his tireless effort in his team’s 1-0 penalty kick victory over Surrey United in the Province Cup final. Gomes led his team by running miles in the midfield throughout the 120 minutes of play. For his excellent performance, GOMES will receive a prize of a pizza for two, compliments of THE GOLDEN BOOT CAFFE`. The prize is available up to 2005-05-31. The pizza must be consumed on the premises.