Powell River United O35 soccer club played under beautiful sunny skies on Saturday, October 15. United hosted Qualicum who last season won the league and had beaten Powell River in a shootout for the playoff title and a berth to the provincials. United wanted to redeem itself and was looking to get it done with a win and also to keep its unbeaten streak alive.
The game was played on Brooks Turf field so both teams were expecting a fast-moving game. It started out with both teams trying to find their touch and composure and United seemed to have the edge in possession and ball control. Once the visitors got used to the turf they were able to regain some possession and both teams battled back and forth for the first 45 minutes of play. Halftime score was 0-0.
The halftime chat was about keeping the ball on the ground and playing simple soccer.
The second half was better for United as it started to buzz around the Qualicum net. United’s Dean Piccinin caused the visiting defence grief by working hard and making multiple runs at the net. United was able to open the scoring on a scramble in front of the Qualicum goalie that Ron Fuller was quick to jump on and put into the back of the net.
At one point, Piccinin was on a run to the net when he was taken down from behind in the box resulting in a penalty shot for the home team. Piccinin stepped up and unfortunately put the ball high over the bar to the relief of the visiting team.
United kept on pressing and was rewarded again when usual defenceman Dave McMaster, who had been moved into the midfield, found himself breaking in on a charging goalie and calmly chipped the ball over his head and into the net giving United a 2-0 lead.
Qualicum had a couple very good scoring chances that were turned away by fill-in goalie Cam Miller who made two very big saves to keep the visitors off the board.
Late in the game, hardworking Piccinin made a great run across the top of the box and placed a shot into the bottom corner of the net. United stayed strong in the back and were able to get the win with a 3-0 final score.
Powell River will hope to keep its winning streak alive in its next game on Sunday, October 23 on the road versus Island United FC.
