2004 Women's Provincial Cup - Final

[knvb]

Wasn't at the game today but was told there was an excellent match won in dramatic fashion out at Kinsmen.

Congratulation to Surrey United's Woman's side who edged out UBC in the final on a golden goal about 5 minutes into OT. It's been a terrific season for the ladies and I couldn't be happier for them. Wish we could have joined you in PEI.

[SC]

With all that talent Slurrey has, it's about fricken time they took it. Congrats to nutmegs and the crew!

+burnedoutSC

[Ballbaby]

Originally Posted by knvb

Wasn't at the game today but was told there was an excellent match won in dramatic fashion out at Kinsmen.

Congratulation to Surrey United's Woman's side who edged out UBC in the final on a golden goal about 5 minutes into OT. It's been a terrific season for the ladies and I couldn't be happier for them. Wish we could have joined you in PEI.

Congrats Surrey United! Now let's win the Nationals!

[knvb]

Well done again ladies.... looks good on you

[knvb]

United works overtime to solve championship riddle

Michael Booth

The third time was a charm for Surrey United in the championship game of the Provincial Cup in North Vancouver Sunday.

United uncorked a winning formula as Martina Holan's second goal of the game boosted Surrey to a 2-1 overtime win over UBC Alumni in the title game.

Sunday's match marked United's third trip to the women's provincial soccer final in the past four years, but unlike previous years where Surrey came up short, this time they brought home the silverware.

"It was a huge relief," said United manager Rob Sumner. "I've always wondered if we would ever win the big one because we've never done it before. It felt like a big sack of hammers was taken off our backs. It was a big relief for all of us."

Sumner added the key to Sunday's success actually came one week ago when United came from behind on the road to beat a tough Victoria team in the semifinal round.

"That really instilled a winning drive into the girls," he said. "We scored two goals in the second half to win 2-1 and that carried over to this week."

Surrey's confidence received another boost when UBC Alumni knocked off Coquitlam in the other semifinal. Surrey was winless against Coquitlam this year but fared much better against UBC with a win and tie in two meetings.

In North Vancouver Sunday, Surrey surged to the attack in the opening half and carried the play to UBC Alumni. Holan had a couple of great scoring opportunities with open nets but knocked the ball wide each time.

In the 25th minute Holan finally found the range, out leaping a defender to nod home the first goal of the game off a corner kick by Sara Maglio.

The score stayed at 1-0 through half time but Surrey sustained a tough break early in the second half when star striker Diana Artuso injured her knee and had to be helped off the field.

When play resumed, it was UBC Alumni who dominated the play, pushing the ball forward and controlling possession for long stretches of time. UBC's hard work was rewarded in the 75th minute with a goal off a corner kick to tie the game at 1-1.

UBC Alumni continued to control the play for most of the remainder of regulation time but were unable to generate any quality scoring chances.

Overtime brought another change in the flow of play as United quickly halted UBC Alumni's momentum and charged down the field. Two minutes into the extra session, Surrey was awarded a corner kick and Bianca Wilkinson lofted the ball into the Alumni goal area. The ball hit several players before bouncing to Holan who wasted no time in directing it into the open net to give Surrey the title.

"Before the overtime we said to ourselves, 'OK, that's it. We have injuries so we have to go out there and win it right away,'" Sumner said. "The girls were tired and hurt but they dug down and went and got it. It didn't last very long and when Martina scored everybody just went crazy."

Surrey United will now represent B.C. at the national championships in P.E.I. in October.