Out-of-Sync Atop the Table

Going into week three United were tied at the top of the standings, still undefeated but not performing anywhere near peak form. Surrey United were hoping to take some big steps forward in their home opener against the Thompson Okanagan and assert themselves as the league frontrunner.

From the opening whistle TOFC struggled to gain possession from United as the Surrey boys comfortably knocked the ball around. Although there was a real pedestrian pace to their play the home side did create scoring chances and, like last week, scored early. Unfortunately for Surrey United, like last week, they also failed to finish a number of chances that could have demoralized the visitors and put a stranglehold on the final result. Before the half United tallied again to go up 2-0 but shortly after surrendered back-to-back fouls that gave TOFC their only real shots on goal in the game. The first free kick from 20 yards was struck well and saved well but the ensuing scrambled on the rebound saw the second foul, this time in the box and Thompson Okanagan finished their PK to cut the lead in half. 2-1 at half time.

The second half saw United continue to dominate possession but continued to be somewhat uninspired when they did go forward. Thompson Okanagan were put under enough pressure that they were forced into a foul in the box on one Surrey chances and they scored the PK to go up 3-1. Through the remainder of the game TOFC slowly tired and Surrey managed possession quite well to run out the clock against fading Okanagan boys. Final score 3-1.

Although the Surrey boys still looked rather ordinary, it was an improved performance over the previous week and they now have nearly two weeks to prepared for their next contest against Coquitlam Metro Ford.