Gorge FC v Whalley Strikers - Apr 1 Coastal Cup Semi Final

Gorge FC 3 - 2 (PK) Whalley Strikers


Location: Tom Binnie Turf - Surrey

Gorge FC traveled to Whalley on Sunday to face the Strikers, winners of the Coastal B Cup Quarter Final v West Vancouver. Gorge FC and Whalley had met once previously at the Richmond Thanksgiving Tournament where they drew 1-1.

The Coastal Cup is the lower mainlands qualifier for the Provincials. If Whalley would win, they move on to the Finals and immediately gain a berth into the Provincials. Losing puts them into the 'backdoor' route match against South Burnaby Vipers, losers of the other Semi Final against Port Moody Cougars.

For Gorge FC, after already qualifying for the Provincials by defeating Nanaimo 11-0, this match would be for team and club pride. It also would put them into the Coastal Cup Final against a Port Moody team that has qualified for the Provincials as the number one berth from the lower mainland.

We took the 9 am ferry and arrived at Tom Binnie Turf field around 11:45. A quick trip to the local food court for lunch and we were back getting ready just before 1 pm. As the teams took the field for warmups, there was light hail and some snow falling. (it cleared up before the match got under way and the sun shone for most of the game)

Missing Kevin (flu) and Tom (Australia) our bench was light again. Jordy was back in his first competitive match since hurting his knee against Nanaimo.

The game started lively for Gorge FC with a lone Jordy up front testing the Whalley defense early. Few clear cut opportunities were afforded either team, but the battle in midfield was pretty intense. Good runs to the corner flags with crosses were effectively cleared out of trouble. A number of fouls resulted in free kicks that although dropping into the box were not converted into goals.

Gorge FC were subjected to a number of "rough" tackles with Clayton being cleated high on his thigh, and RJ and Mohin being punched in the head. Ryan L was suffering with bad back pains and moved back into defense at left back. The first half ended 0-0.

The boys were carrying the play for long stretches and felt the goal(s) would come if the level of effort remained the same in the second half.

On 51 minutes, a free kick was taken by Quinn 40 yards from goal. The keeper had to stretch full out to stop it from going in top right resulting in a corner. Russell delivered a great ball into the box for Big Ryan to rise above the masses and head in the first goal of the game.

Shortly thereafter, Ryan had two more opportunities to head in from great Russell crosses, but they could not find the net. (This looks to pay dividends in the Provincials)

Mohin was flagged offside after heading the ball against the post past the keeper. Whalley drew even on 67 minutes after a shot into the box was deflected to a Whalley striker, his shot was saved by Mateusz but the rebound was back to Whalley to pound it in.

The last 10 minutes saw end to end action with no more goals. End of regulation 1-1.

The first overtime period settled nothing with both teams going hard but not connecting. The second overtime saw Jordy running down the right side and collapsing in pain rolling his ankle. He was substituted, and was able to walk the pain off. He asked Coach Danny to put him back in and within a minute (on 5 minutes) got ahold of the ball just over the halfway line. He went on a run leaving 3 defenders in his wake and unleashed a shot that went low to the far left side for the go ahead goal. He did a great flip in celebration.

Another minute later Ryan L (back on offense) clearly beat the offside trap and scored a highlight reel goal that was harshly adjudged to be offside. On 7 minutes, Whalley stormed back and a run deep down the left side allowed a cross into the box that was converted for the tying goal. The overtime ended 2-2.

Penalties would decide this match. For Gorge FC it would be their fourth PK match in the march to the Provincials.
A quick summary follows:
Steve scores (hits left post, ball is coming out, but deflects off the back of the keepers boot into the net). 1-0
Whalley is stopped by Mateusz (brilliant save) 1-0
Quinn scores 2-0
Whalley scores 2-1
Russ scores 3-1
Whalley misses 3-1
Clayton misses 3-1
Whalley is stopped by Mateusz AGAIN. 3-1
Gorge FC wins shootout 3-1.

Next Cup match: Coastal B Cup Finals Gorge FC v PMO Cougars

*Notes: Brad was able to make it to watch the overtime and PK's after coming back from Justin's game (1-0 loss in Chilliwack). Players from South Burnaby Vipers were cheering on Gorge FC as it gave them another chance for the Provincials through the 'backdoor route' game. Most of the cars made it on the 5 pm boat, a couple with only minutes to spare. Coastal B Cup finals are held at Town Centre Stadium Coquitlam (renamed Percy Perry Stadium) for all age groups April 14/15. U17 Gorge FC also won their match and will be in the finals.