Surrey United have continued their good form in recent weeks of the EA Sports BC Premier League. After traveling to Kamloops and putting up six goals from five different goal-scorers in a 6-0 win, the Surrey boys hosted their first home date of phase two against the Magnuson Ford Mariners. United were again strong and picked up three points in a 1-0 win; still not allowing a goal against after three games.
This past weekend, Surrey United hosted cross-town rivals, South Fraser FC. The two sides had met a week earlier in exhibition play with United taking a 1-0 result, but South Fraser looked to be a much improved squad from phase one of league play. The majority of the first half was somewhat inconsequential with neither team presenting any kind of real scoring threat. The official did foreshadow some things to come as United was shown a yellow for a rather innocuous offense. In the latter part of the first frame, Kerman Pannu displayed some excellent dribbling to find some space and caught a convenient deflection on his shot that handcuffed the South Fraser keeper to take a 1-0 lead into the half.
The second half would have a significantly different flair than the first and United looked much more threatening from the start. It was South Fraser however that would give the game a real injection of life when Braden Owen got sent in clear on a breakaway and a quick decision by the United centre-back Liam Morrison had disastrous results. A slightly mistimed tackle took out Owen in the box for a penalty kick and straight red for Morrison, unlucky but unavoidable. A man down, the home side responded beautifully and created a number of chances before catching South Fraser napping on a corner. Luke Warkentin was allowed a free cross from inside the eighteen that was headed home emphatically by Will Grayson, his third tally of the season, to take the lead. Shortly after, South Fraser midfielder Alexei Basziw was shown a very harsh yellow for a handball in the box, his second of the game, which led to a red and sending off. Brendan Shaw converted the PK for a 3-1 lead. Back on even terms, ten men apiece, United looked to be in firm control until Bradley Heffey was shown his second yellow of the game, again another apparently harsh decision and was sent off. Down to nine, South Fraser unlocked United's back line and Michael Caldwell got on the end of a good cross to bring the visitors back within one but that would be a far as they would get in a 3-2 final.
United showed some resolve in earning 3 points and will be tested next week when they play Fusion FC in the first half of a double header on Saturday and Mountain United on Sunday (game times posted at right). With a pair of wins, United can lock up the league with one game remaining.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
United Opens Season In Fine Form
Surrey United opened phase two of the BC Soccer Premier League season away to Vancouver Island Wave. The teams have met three times already since March, including Premier League Cup play, with United taking all three contests.
It was a bit of a mystery what kind of game United was going to bring with some changes to the roster and a relatively short pre-season leading into the second phase of the season. Any questions or doubts were answered immediately as Surrey hit the ground running from the opening whistle and dominated possession. Vancouver Island were back on their heels for most of the first half trying to stay organized defensively but upon gaining possession struggled as United were disciplined defensively and communicated very well to stay organized themselves.
Surrey could have opened the scoring several times as they built up well but couldn't find a way through the Waves keeper who had an outstanding game. Despite outplaying them, United sat locked at 0-0 with the Victoria squad going into the half. Not wavering a bit from the game plan, Surrey pressed on in the second half and were finally rewarded for their efforts. After a good initial save on a corner kick, United picked up the rebound and slotted it in, low under the diving keeper, to go up 1-0.
Surrey knocked the ball around confidently right to the final whistle and despite the narrow scoreline put together a top class performance that gave them a well earned three points in the standings. Surrey United play away again next week, traveling up to Kamloops to take on Thompson Okanagan FC.
It was a bit of a mystery what kind of game United was going to bring with some changes to the roster and a relatively short pre-season leading into the second phase of the season. Any questions or doubts were answered immediately as Surrey hit the ground running from the opening whistle and dominated possession. Vancouver Island were back on their heels for most of the first half trying to stay organized defensively but upon gaining possession struggled as United were disciplined defensively and communicated very well to stay organized themselves.
Surrey could have opened the scoring several times as they built up well but couldn't find a way through the Waves keeper who had an outstanding game. Despite outplaying them, United sat locked at 0-0 with the Victoria squad going into the half. Not wavering a bit from the game plan, Surrey pressed on in the second half and were finally rewarded for their efforts. After a good initial save on a corner kick, United picked up the rebound and slotted it in, low under the diving keeper, to go up 1-0.
Surrey knocked the ball around confidently right to the final whistle and despite the narrow scoreline put together a top class performance that gave them a well earned three points in the standings. Surrey United play away again next week, traveling up to Kamloops to take on Thompson Okanagan FC.
Friday, August 3, 2012
B.C. Provincial Champions - Season Review
Surrey United U15 Premier - Provincial Premier Cup Champions
Surrey United opened their inaugural EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League campaign in February with a pre-season trip to Phoenix, Arizona to compete in the FC Del Sol President's Day Tournament. The team underperformed in a lot of areas and their lack of training, combined with inexperience playing together, showed against top level teams that were in mid-season form. The premier league season opener came quick on the heels of the Phoenix trip and, still a bit rattled, United served up a very flat performance drawing nil-nil with Fusion FC.
The boys picked up a couple solid wins against Mountain United (3-1) and Thompson Okanagan FC (2-0) in early March before participating Whitecaps College Showcase during spring break. Surrey United played a fantastic game against the Whitecaps FC Residency at the showcase; they ultimately fell 2-1 to the 'Caps but looked very strong in the performance. The month of March ended with a game against Surrey rivals South Fraser FC; United dismantled them 6-0 which maintained an undefeated record through the first month of the league.
Early April saw Surrey United put together one of their more notable performances of the year, again against the Whitecaps FC Residency squad. Although just an exhibition match, United fought hard and had to come from behind to earn a 3-2 win; the result seemed to spur the team to new heights in the month of April. Although the squad initially stumbled drawing 2-2 against perennial rivals Coquitlam Metro Ford, the Surrey boys followed that result with a pair of wins. The first, away to Thompson Okanagan FC (3-0) and the second, a 4-0 home win against a strong Vancouver Island Wave squad to close out the month of April, ...still undefeated in the league.
The month of May opened in much the same way as April, with a game against Coquitlam Metro Ford. This time United truly faltered, falling 1-0. With the pressure of maintaining an undefeated record seemingly off their shoulders, Surrey United rattled off five straight wins, four of them on the road. The fifth game in the streak was another season highlight. The boys were down 4-1 twenty five minutes into the match, yet clawed their way back to a 5-4 win. The result clinched the premier league title for United with one game remaining on the schedule against second place Fusion FC, who could not catch United even with a win. Surrey dropped the final game 2-1, which had no effect on the standings, but it left United winless in three games against Fusion FC.
The Provincial Cup semi-finals had League Champions, Surrey United, defeating fourth place Vancouver Island Wave (2-0) and second place, Fusion FC defeating third place Coquitlam Metro Ford (4-3). This staged a Provincial Premier Cup final for Surrey United against a Fusion FC squad that they had yet to defeat. The final was a very tough affair with Fusion playing a very high pressure and direct style of play that limited United's typical possession game. The Surrey boys got on the board early on a great strike off a rebound from 20 yards out to take a 1-0 lead. On the back of some excellent goalkeeping and strong team defensive play, one goal was all they would need to claim the title of Provincial Champions.
With team success, also comes a lot of individual accomplishments and Surrey United had a number. Cole Basarich was named MVP of the Provincial Cup Final and Brendan Shaw was named team MVP and is up for Surrey United Player of the Year. Five players from last year's squad have moved on the Whitecaps FC Residency (Jeevin Kang, Nikhil Reddy, Zach Verhoven, Liam Fraser and Matteo Bordignon). Nine players were identified for Provincial Teams or National Training Centre camps (Aman Thind, Brendan Shaw, Bradley Heffey, Will Grayson, Manraj Bains, Nestor Valencia, Eric de Graaf, Kerman Pannu and Russell Coffin), seven of those players were selected to the BC U15 Provincial Team. Finally six players joined the Surrey Guildford United Traveling Team in early July (Cole Basarich, Darren Rulofs, Parker Denton, Manraj Bains, Marcus Thavonesouk and Liam Morrison) and helped them to defend their title at the Sounders FC Cup, beating the BC U14 Provincial Team 1-0 in the tournament final.
Surrey United begin competition phase two of the league on September 15th, away to Thompson Okanagan FC and will begin pre-season training on August 20th.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Whitecaps Residency Add Another United Player
Jeevin Kang playing as Captain of Surrey-Guildford United U-14 MetroAfter a stellar performance over the first seven games of the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League, Surrey United captain, Jeevin Kang has been added the Whitecaps FC U-14 Residency.
Whitecaps Press Release: click here
Kang joins four other players from the United squad, Matteo Bordignon, Liam Fraser, Nikhil Reddy and Zach Verhoven that were added to the program last spring.
Whitecaps Press Release: click here
Kang joins four other players from the United squad, Matteo Bordignon, Liam Fraser, Nikhil Reddy and Zach Verhoven that were added to the program last spring.Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Any Way You Look At It, Undefeated is Undefeated
Surrey United closed out their season on a bitterly cold Saturday evening, in that special kind of chill between rain and snow that makes every tackle sting. Their opponents and home side, Mountain United FC, had very quietly snuck up the standings after a slow start that saw them unexpectedly drop a game to Thompson Okanagan FC. Now, with one game remaining and after four successive wins, Mountain were sitting three points back in the standings and in striking distance to draw even with Surrey United.
The home side showed their enthusiasm for the match and pushed hard in the opening minutes; much of the first fifteen minutes were spent with Surrey defending and Mountain trying to force a way through. For the most part the visitors were able to remain calm and organized which allowed them to settle into the game and begin to mount some offense of their own. Surrey started getting in behind Mountain's back line in all sorts of ways setting up a number decent half-chances. Ultimately though, the pressure deep set up a pocket of space about twenty five yards where Surrey's centre mids played the Sedin routine to set each other up and a beautiful strike on goal put the visitors up 1-0. Surrey United doubled their lead not long after, this time unlocking Mountain with an excellent through ball that sprung free a striker. With little to shoot at, Surrey's striker put it low and right at the keeper who got most of it but could not stop it from trickling through him and across the line. Right before the half the home side were awarded a PK but Surrey's keeper made a fine save to maintain the 2-0 lead going into the half.
After the break the visitors started to impose a bit more of a presence in the game not so much by creating chances but by limiting the Mountain's ability to build up and keeping possession in the opposition half. At the sixty minute mark, Surrey finally got the third goal they needed to put it away. A shot from about 20 yards deflected off a defender, handcuffing the keeper and putting Surrey United up 3-0. In the final twenty minutes, Surrey and Mountain traded some excellent scoring chances with Surrey missing the target on their chances and relying on some good saves to keep Mountain off the scoreboard. In the final minutes Mountain got some consolation converting on a corner to bring it to 3-1 but that was all the could manage.
The 3-1 win against their toughest league opposition to date was a strong finish to their inaugural EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League season. Although Surrey United never showed the offensive outburst a lot were expecting they did manage to lead every statistical scoring category by a wide margin and were a full goal per game better than the next three teams chasing them in the standings. But statistics can read whatever way you like and at the end of the day, after playing every team, no one beat Surrey United: Undefeated is undefeated, no matter which way you slice it.
Surrey United's next big date is the FC Del Sol President's Day Tournament in February.
The home side showed their enthusiasm for the match and pushed hard in the opening minutes; much of the first fifteen minutes were spent with Surrey defending and Mountain trying to force a way through. For the most part the visitors were able to remain calm and organized which allowed them to settle into the game and begin to mount some offense of their own. Surrey started getting in behind Mountain's back line in all sorts of ways setting up a number decent half-chances. Ultimately though, the pressure deep set up a pocket of space about twenty five yards where Surrey's centre mids played the Sedin routine to set each other up and a beautiful strike on goal put the visitors up 1-0. Surrey United doubled their lead not long after, this time unlocking Mountain with an excellent through ball that sprung free a striker. With little to shoot at, Surrey's striker put it low and right at the keeper who got most of it but could not stop it from trickling through him and across the line. Right before the half the home side were awarded a PK but Surrey's keeper made a fine save to maintain the 2-0 lead going into the half.
After the break the visitors started to impose a bit more of a presence in the game not so much by creating chances but by limiting the Mountain's ability to build up and keeping possession in the opposition half. At the sixty minute mark, Surrey finally got the third goal they needed to put it away. A shot from about 20 yards deflected off a defender, handcuffing the keeper and putting Surrey United up 3-0. In the final twenty minutes, Surrey and Mountain traded some excellent scoring chances with Surrey missing the target on their chances and relying on some good saves to keep Mountain off the scoreboard. In the final minutes Mountain got some consolation converting on a corner to bring it to 3-1 but that was all the could manage.
The 3-1 win against their toughest league opposition to date was a strong finish to their inaugural EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League season. Although Surrey United never showed the offensive outburst a lot were expecting they did manage to lead every statistical scoring category by a wide margin and were a full goal per game better than the next three teams chasing them in the standings. But statistics can read whatever way you like and at the end of the day, after playing every team, no one beat Surrey United: Undefeated is undefeated, no matter which way you slice it.
Surrey United's next big date is the FC Del Sol President's Day Tournament in February.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
United Rises to the Challenge
Despite an undefeated season, United have been somewhat less than spectacular in their BCSPL season displaying an ability to dominate games but lacking the pace and style expected of the talented squad. This contest against the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency squad was going to be a real test of what the Surrey United group is capable of. The Whitecaps are loaded with British Columbia's top talent and this would be their first contest against a same-age BCSPL team.
The game had a fantastic pace right from the openening whistle and Surrey United settled into the game immediately and were able to press the Whitecaps back into their own end for much of the first ten minutes. Scoring chances were hard to come by but United were able play their possession game at a much higher pace than they had shown in previous matches and were very sound defensively. Near the 20 minute mark the Whitecaps cut in off the left flank near the top of the box and let fly a good shot that deflected off a centreback's leg enough to elude the keeper and put them up 1-0.
The Surrey boys showed resilience and pushed back but had trouble finding a way through to create better scoring opportunities. United's defending from the front caused the Whitecaps trouble all game long and it was one of these occasions that United picked off a poor pass and put the scoring chance off the crossbar keeping the score 1-0 at half. Going into the break United were confident from not only competing with the Whitecaps squad but at times looking like the more dominant side.
The second half saw the Whitecaps continue their high quality play and they began to interchange some quick passes that was causing confusion amongst the Surrey United defenders. United were able to hold them off for some time but eventually the Whitecaps stretched their lead on a good shot in the aftermath of a corner kick to go up 2-0. Before full time United gave up a couple more to go down 4-0. In a hole, the Surrey boys showed some pride and some fight and battled to final whistle. Their effort resulted in several scoring chances in the final ten minutes but they were left with nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.
Even in the loss, Surrey United proved themselves to be very competitive and the game, purely as a spectacle, was entertaining, high paced and overall a pleasure to watch for fans and coaches.
The game had a fantastic pace right from the openening whistle and Surrey United settled into the game immediately and were able to press the Whitecaps back into their own end for much of the first ten minutes. Scoring chances were hard to come by but United were able play their possession game at a much higher pace than they had shown in previous matches and were very sound defensively. Near the 20 minute mark the Whitecaps cut in off the left flank near the top of the box and let fly a good shot that deflected off a centreback's leg enough to elude the keeper and put them up 1-0.
The Surrey boys showed resilience and pushed back but had trouble finding a way through to create better scoring opportunities. United's defending from the front caused the Whitecaps trouble all game long and it was one of these occasions that United picked off a poor pass and put the scoring chance off the crossbar keeping the score 1-0 at half. Going into the break United were confident from not only competing with the Whitecaps squad but at times looking like the more dominant side.
The second half saw the Whitecaps continue their high quality play and they began to interchange some quick passes that was causing confusion amongst the Surrey United defenders. United were able to hold them off for some time but eventually the Whitecaps stretched their lead on a good shot in the aftermath of a corner kick to go up 2-0. Before full time United gave up a couple more to go down 4-0. In a hole, the Surrey boys showed some pride and some fight and battled to final whistle. Their effort resulted in several scoring chances in the final ten minutes but they were left with nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.
Even in the loss, Surrey United proved themselves to be very competitive and the game, purely as a spectacle, was entertaining, high paced and overall a pleasure to watch for fans and coaches.
All Possession, No Finish
The inaugrual derby between Surrey franchises South Fraser FC and Surrey United couldn't have asked for a better matchup with both U-15 squads going into the match undeafted. United were a bit overconfident after thumping South Fraser 6-0 in the pre-season but since then have had trouble asserting themselves on the scoreboard.
From the outset United displayed their typical confidence in possession but had much more difficulty breaking down South Fraser; crosses were getting into the area but were being turned away with ease. It wasn't until South Fraser got penalized for a pass-back that United were able to find a way through. The home side jumped on a rebound off the initial kick and the ensuing cross was headed home for the 1-0 lead.
Leading into, and coming out of, the halftime break, South Fraser seemed content to allow United to hold possession and wait for the counter-attack. Unfortunately, it was United that were able to find a way through first when a striker swiveled at the top of the box tucked a well located shot through a crowd to the bottom corner. In the dying minutes United got called for their own pass-back, offering a sliver of hope to South Fraser. The strike on goal demanded a spectacular save from the United keeper who was rewarded with a well earned shutout in the 2-0 win.
From the outset United displayed their typical confidence in possession but had much more difficulty breaking down South Fraser; crosses were getting into the area but were being turned away with ease. It wasn't until South Fraser got penalized for a pass-back that United were able to find a way through. The home side jumped on a rebound off the initial kick and the ensuing cross was headed home for the 1-0 lead.
Leading into, and coming out of, the halftime break, South Fraser seemed content to allow United to hold possession and wait for the counter-attack. Unfortunately, it was United that were able to find a way through first when a striker swiveled at the top of the box tucked a well located shot through a crowd to the bottom corner. In the dying minutes United got called for their own pass-back, offering a sliver of hope to South Fraser. The strike on goal demanded a spectacular save from the United keeper who was rewarded with a well earned shutout in the 2-0 win.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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.
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.
Good Performance = Good Result
United was looking forward to this contest against long time rivals Coquitlam Metro Ford Euro. Although this years version of Euro, much like United, is very different with few familiar faces given the heavy turnover on both team's rosters. Nonetheless both squads were undefeated going into the contest and were looking to end their opposition's streak.
Surrey United got off to a very rocky start nearly kicking the ball in their own net after some decidedly casual play; once they had settled in, they looked far more composed than previous weeks and had little trouble maintaining possession. With United's renewed spirit in defending, CMF struggled to build forward as the Surrey boys were organized behind the ball and very difficult to play through. Surrey opened the scoring on an excellent ball into the box that was easily nodded home to go up 1-0. Despite several more chances and very few against, the score remain 1-0 at the break.
In the second frame the home side continued to press forward and on a nice build up, Surrey sprung their winger free one-on-one with Euro's keeper. With a chip Tiger Woods would be proud of, United's winger used a gorgeously deft touch to lift the ball up and over the goalie and tucked it neatly under the bar to go up 2-0. The game was sealed later when, for their fourth game in a row, United drew a no-doubt foul in the box and converted the PK to make it 3-0.
Surrey United is starting to look far more comfortable with each other and are beginning to work well together. Next week United take on the Vancouver Island Wave.
Surrey United got off to a very rocky start nearly kicking the ball in their own net after some decidedly casual play; once they had settled in, they looked far more composed than previous weeks and had little trouble maintaining possession. With United's renewed spirit in defending, CMF struggled to build forward as the Surrey boys were organized behind the ball and very difficult to play through. Surrey opened the scoring on an excellent ball into the box that was easily nodded home to go up 1-0. Despite several more chances and very few against, the score remain 1-0 at the break.
In the second frame the home side continued to press forward and on a nice build up, Surrey sprung their winger free one-on-one with Euro's keeper. With a chip Tiger Woods would be proud of, United's winger used a gorgeously deft touch to lift the ball up and over the goalie and tucked it neatly under the bar to go up 2-0. The game was sealed later when, for their fourth game in a row, United drew a no-doubt foul in the box and converted the PK to make it 3-0.
Surrey United is starting to look far more comfortable with each other and are beginning to work well together. Next week United take on the Vancouver Island Wave.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
United Stumbles Against Fusion FC
In week two of the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League, Surrey United was hosted by Fusion FC at Trillium Park in Vancouver. The U-15s had had a good week of training and were looking to build on it with a good performance. In the opening minutes of the game United did well but were pressured quickly by Fusion. Before the 10 minute mark, United cracked the game open by outworking Fusion deep in their half and working the ball into the goal mouth where it was easily finished for a 1-0 lead. With the comfort of the lead, the Surrey boys became over-confident and in an effort to be individually creative they became collectively disorganized. While Fusion created very few scoring chances United was only marginally better and failed to finish their attempts on goal.
Immediately after the break, Fusion drew even by capitalizing on a United defensive miscue. Surrey responded well by drawing a foul in the box a short time later and converting the PK to go up 2-1. The twenty minutes following the go ahead goal lacked any kind of style by either team and both squads were keen to scatter long balls and force challenges. The majority of the final minutes were slogged out in the middle of the park before Fusion created an opportunity from the mess and with nothing but injury time remaining they tallied to draw even a second time. Final score 2-2.
In a performance very similar to week one only against better opposition, United again looked unable to assert their dominance on the game in any kind of meaningful way. Surrey United now has four days to go back to the drawing board and prepare for Thompson Okanagan FC in their home opener.
Immediately after the break, Fusion drew even by capitalizing on a United defensive miscue. Surrey responded well by drawing a foul in the box a short time later and converting the PK to go up 2-1. The twenty minutes following the go ahead goal lacked any kind of style by either team and both squads were keen to scatter long balls and force challenges. The majority of the final minutes were slogged out in the middle of the park before Fusion created an opportunity from the mess and with nothing but injury time remaining they tallied to draw even a second time. Final score 2-2.
In a performance very similar to week one only against better opposition, United again looked unable to assert their dominance on the game in any kind of meaningful way. Surrey United now has four days to go back to the drawing board and prepare for Thompson Okanagan FC in their home opener.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Surrey United Shuts Down Abbotsford
In their opening game of the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League the Surrey United U-15 Boys took on the Magnuson Ford Mariners. From the opening kick off United enjoyed long spells of possession and were able to create a number scoring chances but had very limited success getting the final ball onto goal with any kind of impetus. Defensively, United were quite efficient winning balls back high up the field allowing them to keep the Mariners under pressure. As half time approached Surrey began to really penetrate in behind Abbotsford's back line; one of these opportunities resulted in a Mariners defender hauling down the United player on a breakaway. The result was a straight red and a converted PK for a 1-0 lead where it remained at half.
In the second half, United engaged their fullbacks into the attack and started to stretch Abbotsford and near the sixty minute mark the Surrey boys tallied a pair within minutes to take a 3-0 lead. The Mariners did well to turn away several chances in the final twenty and held strong even playing down a man. Final score 3-0.
Despite missing far too many opportunities, Surrey United got the result and were able to keep the Mariners from registering a shot on goal. Next week United plays away to Fusion FC out of Vancouver.
In the second half, United engaged their fullbacks into the attack and started to stretch Abbotsford and near the sixty minute mark the Surrey boys tallied a pair within minutes to take a 3-0 lead. The Mariners did well to turn away several chances in the final twenty and held strong even playing down a man. Final score 3-0.
Despite missing far too many opportunities, Surrey United got the result and were able to keep the Mariners from registering a shot on goal. Next week United plays away to Fusion FC out of Vancouver.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
United Closes Pre-Season Well
After many months of anticipation and a five game pre-season that lacked the real feel of league games, Surrey United is on the eve of their inaugural appearance in the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League. In the weeks following their exhibitions with the Surrey United U-14 Boys, U-16 Boys and Premier Women, United took on some of their league opponents in Coquitlam Metro Ford and South Fraser.
United lacked any real venom against CMF and gave up some dangerous scoring chances to the Coquitlam boys, but they did manage to narrowly outscore them by the final whistle. South Fraser a week later was a much better performance with United holding more possession and creating more high quality scoring chances while limiting South Fraser to very few. Surrey United kept the clean sheet and got the result for what its worth in the pre-season.
In other news, the U-15's have added a new player to the roster in Luke Warkentin. Luke played his previous seasons in Prince George and has moved to the Lower Mainland to join Surrey United. Luke will likely make his first appearance in week two.
Up next, in the league opener, are the Magnusen Ford Mariners where Surrey United will play away in Abbotsford
United lacked any real venom against CMF and gave up some dangerous scoring chances to the Coquitlam boys, but they did manage to narrowly outscore them by the final whistle. South Fraser a week later was a much better performance with United holding more possession and creating more high quality scoring chances while limiting South Fraser to very few. Surrey United kept the clean sheet and got the result for what its worth in the pre-season.
In other news, the U-15's have added a new player to the roster in Luke Warkentin. Luke played his previous seasons in Prince George and has moved to the Lower Mainland to join Surrey United. Luke will likely make his first appearance in week two.
Up next, in the league opener, are the Magnusen Ford Mariners where Surrey United will play away in Abbotsford
Friday, September 2, 2011
United Look Confident Against Premier Women
The U-15 Boys took on Surrey United's Women's Premier team in another exhibition contest on Thursday night. The women's team not only has their season to prepare for but Nationals coming up after they won their 8th consecutive Provincial Championship this past summer.
From early on the boys enjoyed the greater share of possession but the women were very quick to pressure and were well organized behind the ball. The boys managed to create and number of chances; some well finished, some well stopped and some well missed, very typical of a pre-season game.
In the second half the boys again adopted a more offensive approach and again saw mixed results. The boys looked a bit uncomfortable in their play as their possession struggled a bit but more positively they created several chances from high pressure defending from the stirkers. Defensively the boys managed themselves very well at the back despite having fewer numbers.
The U-15's play again on Monday night against Coquitlam Metro Ford U-15 BCSPL.
From early on the boys enjoyed the greater share of possession but the women were very quick to pressure and were well organized behind the ball. The boys managed to create and number of chances; some well finished, some well stopped and some well missed, very typical of a pre-season game.
In the second half the boys again adopted a more offensive approach and again saw mixed results. The boys looked a bit uncomfortable in their play as their possession struggled a bit but more positively they created several chances from high pressure defending from the stirkers. Defensively the boys managed themselves very well at the back despite having fewer numbers.
The U-15's play again on Monday night against Coquitlam Metro Ford U-15 BCSPL.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
United Look Decent in Opening Friendlies
Over the weekend the Surrey United U-15 Boys BCSPL had a couple of exhibition matches against the Surrey United U-14 & U-16 BCSPL squads. These two matches would be the U-15's first games together and coaches were anticipating quite an adventure considering the number of new players that were inexperienced with each other.
On Saturday the boys played the U-14's and put on a good display of possession and limited the number of chances created by the younger boys. While the U-15's did not look overly threatening, they were able to keep the ball for long periods and as the U-14's wore down, the U-15's were able to take advantage a bit and score a few. Overall a good start.
On Sunday the squad saw a much greater challenge in the U-16 BCSPL team. In the early part of the game the U-15's battled really well and were able to keep the number of opposition scoring chances down but certainly gave up a few opportunities against the older squad, but on the bright side the U-15's created a couple quality chances of their own. As the game progressed the U-15's experimented playing a much more risk-taking formation and saw mixed results. While the U-15 boys seemed to be able to create lots of chances they could not convert the opportunities and were giving up scoring chances (and goals) in bunches in their own end. The final result was a lop sided scoreline but the squad showed lots of good things and an ability to play a couple of different styles.
The squad has a couple more exhibitions in the coming week concluding on the holiday Monday with their first game against a team their own age that they will see in league play, Coquitlam Metro Ford U-15 BCSPL.
On Saturday the boys played the U-14's and put on a good display of possession and limited the number of chances created by the younger boys. While the U-15's did not look overly threatening, they were able to keep the ball for long periods and as the U-14's wore down, the U-15's were able to take advantage a bit and score a few. Overall a good start.
On Sunday the squad saw a much greater challenge in the U-16 BCSPL team. In the early part of the game the U-15's battled really well and were able to keep the number of opposition scoring chances down but certainly gave up a few opportunities against the older squad, but on the bright side the U-15's created a couple quality chances of their own. As the game progressed the U-15's experimented playing a much more risk-taking formation and saw mixed results. While the U-15 boys seemed to be able to create lots of chances they could not convert the opportunities and were giving up scoring chances (and goals) in bunches in their own end. The final result was a lop sided scoreline but the squad showed lots of good things and an ability to play a couple of different styles.
The squad has a couple more exhibitions in the coming week concluding on the holiday Monday with their first game against a team their own age that they will see in league play, Coquitlam Metro Ford U-15 BCSPL.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
New Surrey United BCPL Kit
All players will receive their kit at the first training session. Below is sneak peak at the kit:
Training Top and Shorts
Short Sleeve Training Top & Shorts
players also receive a long sleeve training top
Red Game Jersey & Shorts
There is also a black game jersey. The Manager will keep all jerseys and they will be given out on game-day.
Training Top and Shorts
Short Sleeve Training Top & Shorts
players also receive a long sleeve training top
Red Game Jersey & Shorts
There is also a black game jersey. The Manager will keep all jerseys and they will be given out on game-day.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Surrey United Begins Training
After a successful spring, the Surrey United U-15 Boys BCPL team is now gearing up for their first games in the EA Sports BC Premier League. While the team was not together in its entirety for the spring season, most of the boys were playing. Five team members participated with the BC Provincial team that won the Western Canadian Championship in late July. Ten other players played together with the Surrey Guildford United spring squad that took home hardware in both tournaments they participated in including winning the Sounders FC Cup at Starfire.
The team begins training on Monday August 17th and will train twice weekly with weekend sessions and exhibitions added intermittently.
The team begins training on Monday August 17th and will train twice weekly with weekend sessions and exhibitions added intermittently.
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