Waves Crash on United Breakwater

Surrey United have been steadily improving and were hoping to really assert themselves against a Vancouver Island squad that was worn down from a heavy schedule that has a included a trip to Nationals in the past two weeks while a well rested United squad has played once in the last three weeks. Surrey was also getting bodies back in the line-up with players returning from injuries.

As in previous weeks, Surrey was very confident and dominant in possession of the ball but unlike previous weeks United was able to turn the possession into excellent scoring chances. Vancouver Island struggled to defend quickly enough as Surrey penetrated in behind their back line repeatedly and were getting into dangerous areas. Inevitably, United found a way to convert some of the chances putting up three and save for some good stops by the Waves keeper, it could have been several more. Before the half, Van Island cut the lead on a good strike from distance that found the top corner.

Surrey adjusted tactics and began working on some alternate formation play in the second frame and as expected saw some mixed play. The Waves did manage to create some dangerous chances as United tried to adjust however, Surrey were able to get their fullbacks forward into the open wings and stretch out the Island defensively. Surrey drew a number of corners and were able dribble at the Waves back line from centrally which ultimately created United's fourth marker of the day. It was a combination of dribbling and passing combinations that got a United midfielder one-on-one with the keeper only to be hauled down earning a well deserved penalty kick. Unfortunately for the Island defender, he was, rather harshly, shown a straight red for the offense. For the fifth straight game United has earned a PK (all of them warranted) and have finished the opportunity. In this day's contest it restored the three goal lead and capped off a good 4-1 win.

United again saw improvement from previous weeks and the on-field performance reflected the player's strong training ethic. The Surrey boys now have another bye week before the inaugural BC Soccer Premier League local derby between Surrey franchises, Surrey United and South Fraser.