THe Peninsula Co-op Reserves lose 2 on the road!!

June 16th vs. Fraser Valley 5-2 Loss:

This was a game that was played in the torrential downpour at Trinity Western University’s grass field. The game started off pretty even with both side doing some very nice passing. It was not long (5th minute) before the Fraser Valley “Action” team got a corner kick and converted with a very well struck left foot shot to the top corner of the Co-op goal. The Co-op reserve team did not waste any time leveling the score when a Nikki Turner shot was then scrambled across the goal line by both Laura Graham and Nikki. Laura was awarded the goal. Both teams were going back and forth with nice combination passing and the players started to settle into the game a bit. In the 23rd minute Fraser Valley was awarded another corner which was converted when the Fraser Valley player leapt over the Co-op defense heading the ball downward and into the net. Not too long after a Fraser Valley striker worked her way in towards the net placing a well struck shot just out of the reach of Shelby Walker’s outstretched hand and just inside the far post. The Co-op players were not deterred and pressed on moving the ball quickly up the right side of the field and on to Sarah Lefebvre’s right foot where she was able to deliver an accurate cross that speedy Elise Butler made no mistake on. The first half had a lot of offense with both teams having some grade “A” chances to score. Fraser Valley was able to score another couple of goals in the first half on some defensive lapses. Final score at the half was 5-2.
The second half of the game was pretty even overall with both sides having their fair share of the ball. There were some scoring chances from both teams with 2nd half Co-op goalie Sam Behm shutting the door on all Fraser Valley chances. Overall the second half was well played by both teams. Co-ops lack of subs and the poor playing conditions did not help the team as the game wore on. Not to take anything away from Fraser Valley as they are a very good team with excellent players. These two teams will meet again on Sunday June 24th 2pm at Hampton Park in Victoria.

June 17th vs. Whitecaps 2-0 loss:

This was an excellent game from start to finish with both teams bolstering the line ups with some W-League players. This was a very fast paced and physical battle from start to finish. From the opening whistle the Vancouver Whitecaps reserve squad looked to pour the pressure on playing a fast paced possession game. All of their players showed a high level of skill passing and moving very well throughout the game. The Peninsula Co-op Reserve women were also displaying a great defensive game holding off much of what the Whitecaps were bringing at them. Co-op goaltender Sam Behm made numerous point blank saves throughout the game keeping the game scoreless to the half. Both teams also had some quality scoring chances off of corner kicks and free kicks around the penalty area. In the second half the Whitecaps opened the scoring of a long range shot that struck the crossbar and deflected down off the goalie and into the back of the net. With Co-op looking to tie the game some adjustments were made to put a bit more pace in the attacking 3rd only to have the Whitecaps counter and score on a well struck ball that went off Behm’s outstretched fingers and into the net inside the far post. Overall the game was well played with the Whitecaps having the majority of the ball, but with Co-op also generating some great chances. These two teams will meet again on Saturday July 14th at 2pm at Hampton Park in Victoria.