It is not too often that two undefeated teams compete and remain undefeated.
Physio Plus (3-0-1) and Impact Well Drilling (2-0-1) did just that on Monday, staving off defeat with a 2-2 tie in U-11 soccer at the Canada Games Centre.
In the game both teams went up by a goal before sliding into a tie, starting with a goal by Physio’s Griffin Schroff in minute seven, tipping in a shot from teammate Aimee Parker for the only goal of the half.
Although Physio scored in the second half, it was Impact that was producing the most chances, keeping the Physio goalkeeper busy and taking the lead with two goals by Grayden McDonell.
“From a team perspective, the girls provided enough support and the passing and defence was strong,” said Impact Well Drilling coach Kevin McDonell. “Everybody played well as a team and managed to get the ball to him and he was in the right spot.
“He’s got a good shot.”
“I think fatigue became a bit of an issue, but I think (Impact) brought it on a bit harder and heavier,” said Physio Plus coach Derek Parker. “They smelled blood.”
Physio tied the game with six minutes to play when Tyler Milton beat the Impact goalie to a cleared ball, finding the far, bottom corner.
Although the tying goal was not the result of good passing, but of Impact clearing the ball, during the game Physio did complete 85 passes, which has been a focal point for the team.
“We’ve been up to 105 (passes),” said Parker. “What we’re really trying to focus on is the emphasis of teamwork, with controlling the ball and passing.
“I wouldn’t say it was their best night on passing, but they still were strong.
“(Impact players), too, were looking for the passes and it’s great to see, at this age, it coming into the game. That’s what soccer is 90 per cent about.”
Getting the MVP nod for Physio was Teaghan Wilson for her energetic play.
“She played goalie in the first half and did an awesome job in net,” said Parker. “When she got out she kept her hustle going.
“All the kids hustled - it’s hard to pick one MVP.”
After missing much of the season because of illness, Justin Wishart-MacDougall was named MVP for Impact.
“He’s been away for a while - he was a strong addition to the team,” said McDonell. “So it’s nice to have him coming out.”
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com