This weekend our new U9 development team made the trip to Penticton to play a selection of u9/u10 Penticton Pinnacles.

The group in only their second round of games made a bright start, were passing the ball well and looked the more likely of the two teams to open the scoring. However as the games went on it was clear to see that we were going to have to battle against a very direct style of play.

Despite this promising start and some half chances there were no early goals as a reward for our good early play and pressure and after absorbing the early pressure, Penticton themselves with their direct style of play began creating lots of pressure in and around the Soccaskool net and fired themselves into a commanding lead with a salvo of quickfire goals. Our Soccaskool group took some time to compose themselves and regroup before showing glimpses of what they were capable of as the game went on but were outgunned in a game of contrasting styles. Final score in game 1 was 9-2 Penticton (Goalscorers – Finn & Sam)

In game 2 our Soccaskool looked to build on their strong finish in game 1 and indeed showed lots more promise with their consistent efforts to play a possession based game involving playing out from the back resulting in some excellent passing moves and undoubtedly greater influence in game 2. This game would be much more closely contested and we were able to have much more possession and create many more chances, which with some better decision making may have resulted in more goals. Game 2 final score 8-4 (Goalscorers – Hudson (2), Sam & Axl

All in an excellent developmental exercise and experience for our young players and affirmation for Soccaskool that we will steadfastly continue to develop and encourage our players how to become skillful and effective soccer players by promoting a possession based game which will challenge the decision making and technical skills of our players. Its the “moments of brilliance” in these games that mean much more than any scorelines during these very important developmental years.

Great job to everyone on the day !