Crowsnest takes Gold in U14 soccer tournament

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Crowsnest Pass champion U14 soccer team

Soccer was the name of the game in Pincher Creek on  Saturday, June 16.

Pincher Creek's U-14 team hosted a tournament that was filled with close games, heartbreak, camaraderie, and suspense right up to the final moments.  U14 Soccer Tournament participants included Elkford, Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod, and two teams from Sparwood. One of the Sparwood teams came in fourth, Elkford won bronze, second place went to Pincher Creek, and Crowsnest Pass took the gold at the end of an epic game.

The first and second place game was held on the field behind Matthew Halton High School.  A cool day with overcast conditions an wind gusts seemed to make these kids play harder.

Pincher Creek's U14 soccer team

There was good back and forth action throughout the entire game, with Pincher Creek ahead 2 - 1 at the half.  Once the game resumed after half time Crowsnest soon tied up the game 2-2, putting the pressure on both teams to pull ahead.  Competition was fierce, and the gusting west wind made it difficult for either team to keep the ball on the field.  Neither team could wrest the advantage from the other, forcing it to a shoot-out round.

Each coach chose a line up of five players, and the keepers alternated defending the same goal.   Crowsnest Pass had one extra shot on the net because it was called that the Pincher Keeper moved from their position before the ball was kicked. Pincher got one out of five into the net in the shoot out, and the Crowsnest Pass got two out of five, earning them the gold. Their Coach Robert Tkachuk said that it was a "good way to end a tournament."

Pincher Creek Coach Kelly Lincez said, "I am really proud of the team.  What I want from them, always, is for them to play a good game, and they did."