Skaha Meadows U15 Pinnacles Win Gold

The SOYSA Skaha Meadows U15 Pinnacles swept aside their opposition this past weekend in winning the gold medal in the U14/U15 Division at the Peach City Classic soccer tournament held in Penticton. The Pinnacles outscored their opponents 29 to 3 in their four tournament games.
The Pinnacles opened the tournament Friday afternoon with a convincing 10 to 0 win over the Spokane Sabers. They dominated the Sabers from the opening kickoff scoring 7 minutes into the match and leading by 4 goals at the half. The Pinnacles added 6 more goals in the second half. Scoring for the Pinnacles were Travis Nelson with 2 goals, with singles going to Tim Grimard, Joel Marte, Brayden Hearne (who earned player of the game honours), James Taylor, Connor Schenkey, Gavin Hurd, Riley Brosseuk, and James Gibson. The Pinnacles defence limited the Sabers to 3 shots on goal, and Spencer Dunstan-Adams and Connor Schenkey combined for the shutout.
In their second game, the Pinnacles continued their strong play and excellent ball movement in downing the Kootenay South Rangers by a score of 8 to 1. Once again the Pinnacles scored early with two goals in the first 10 minutes of play. Josh Manning and Joel Marte led the way with 2 goals apiece in the first half. The second half saw the Pinnacles add to their lead with 2 goals in the first 5 minutes. Second half goals were scored by James Taylor, Connor Schenkey, Rico Patrocinio, and James Gibson. Player of the game for the Pinnacles was Tim Grimard who set up several goals with his precise passing. Spencer Dunstan-Adams was in goal for the Pinnacles.
The Skaha Meadows Pinnacles faced the Ladner Celtics in their third round robin game. The Celtics proved to be a much stronger opponent. However, the Pinnacles again jumped into a 2 to 0 lead in the first 8 minutes of the game on a goals by Rico Patrocinio, who was sent in alone by Joel Marte, and Tim Grimard who powered a free kick from 25 yards out past the Ladner keeper. The Pinnacles led 3 to 1 at half time. Again the Pinnacles used a combination of pressure, good ball movement and strong defence throughout the game, scoring twice more in the second half to defeat the Celtics 5 to 2 and advance to the Gold medal game. Also scoring for the Pinnacles was player of the game, Joel Marte, with 2 goals, and Josh Manning.
The Gold medal game featured the Pinnacles and undefeated Williams Lake Storm. The determined Pinnacle squad again took the play to their opponent and built up a 4 to 0 halftime lead on 2 goals by Joel Marte, and singles by Brayden Hearne on a header off a corner kick, and Reid Noble-Hearle. The Pinnacles strong defensive play limited the Storm to 3 shots on goal, helping Spencer Dunstan-Adams record the clean sheet in the Pinnacle goal. Connor Schenkey and Morgan Parker scored second-half goals making the final score 6 to 0 for the Pinnacles. Gavin Hurd was named player of the game for the Pinnacles anchoring the defence of Matt Bateman, Riley Brosseuk, Quin Erzinger, Joe Czepil, and Reid Noble-Hearle, which played well throughout the tournament.
The SOYSA Skaha Meadows Pinnacles next see action when league play resumes on September 7.

In the attached photo, the Pinnacles are as follows (from left to right):
Front row: Gavin Hurd, Morgan Parker
Middle row: James Gibson, Riley Brosseuk, Joe Czepil, Reid Noble-Hearle, Spencer Dunstan-Adams, James Taylor, Rico Patrocinio, Josh Manning, Quin Erzinger
Back row: Nathan Eden, Joel Marte, Peter Adams (Trainer), Ed Erzinger (Assistant Coach), Travis Nelson, Tim Grimard, Brayden Hearne, Connor Schenkey, Matt Bateman, Johnny Ciardullo, Al Manning (Coach)