Nanaimo United U21 Men

Game Highlights

Last updated April 22, 2010

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Sooke News Mirror Nation wraps it up In top photo, Cam Fischer, left and Alex McKay help opponent with his shirt. By Jim Sinclair - Sooke News Mirror Published: April 20, 2010 5:00 PM This was the first season for the U21 Sooke Nation soccer team and in the most important category by which teams are judged, it was a definite success. Coach Scott Hamilton says the group put out maximum effort every time it took to the field, and for that he said he is very proud of the guys. Saturday night at The Log the campaign closed out with another spirited effort, albeit a 4-0 setback against Nanaimo United. Naturally the locals had hoped for better, but the result was not that surprising given Nanaimo and Sooke’s respective regular season records – second place with 40 points as opposed to seventh place with 17 points. “They are a good team, for sure,” said Hamilton on Sunday. “They have one of the league’s top goal scorers. They were the better team on the night. We didn’t play our best game.” The coach says the team is fired up in anticipation for next year although there are three guys, including hardworking members Doug Armstrong, Sean Topham and Scott Lieph, who are outgrowing the U21 level. “I think I’ll be back for next season,” Hamilton mused. He’s had past experience coaching in Sooke, including a stint with the LIWSA Sooke Pumas. A Victoria resident, Hamilton is not deterred by the travel to and from Sooke as he values the sort of people he rubs shoulders with at the Sooke Soccer Club. Significant knee issues stand between he and a continued involvement as a masters division player. Actually, were it not for the time and expense of the commute, Hamilton would probably consider taking yet another squad under his wing, such is his appreciation for the sport. The rewards that come with coaching are well worth the effort according the the U21 mentor. “Every team has its own personality,” he described, “it’s always different.”

Nanaimo vs Sooke 4- 0 WIN Provincial Cup play U21s dominate Sooke in Cup Nanaimo News Bulletin Colin Mcdonald goes for a goal. Published: April 19, 2010 3:00 PM Nanaimo United’s U21 team slogged through the mud and came away clean on the other side. The squad defeated Sooke FC 4-0 Saturday in Victoria. “Sooke tried to turn it into a scrappy affair, but we kept our cool and the pressure on and simply smothered them all day,” said Frank Klemencic, United manager, in a press release. Colin Mcdonald led the way for Nanaimo with the first three goals of the game. Ryan MacLennan scored the other and Scott Brown registered the shutout. Nanaimo’s U21 side now advances to play the Coquitlam Wolves this Sunday (April 25) on the Wolves’ turf pitch. “We’ll see how we can handle them…” Klemencic said. “Top team and the cup winner out of Vancouver metro league, should be a battle but I’m confident; saw a lot of good stuff [Saturday], lot of passion from our boys.

U21s need to play rough Nanaimo News Bulletin Nanaimo United U21 players Steve Templeman, left, and Colin McDonald, middle, vie for the ball at practise Tuesday night at Deverill Park. GREG SAKAKI/The News Bulletin Published: April 14, 2010 3:00 PM Not a lot of soccer teams are still playing at this time of year. The Nanaimo United U21 side has already been through a lot of wars in 2009-10, falling just short of a league title and playing hard in league playoffs. Now comes the B.C. Cup playdowns, their last chance. “Our game’s pretty polished at this point of the year,” said Mike Warren, the team’s coach. “We’re basically just working on staying fit and opponent-specific stuff.” The specific opponent Saturday (April 17) is Sooke FC and Nanaimo’s U21s will head down there with a game plan. “One of the opponent-specific things we’re working on is getting used to the field we’re playing on, with the ball bouncing everywhere,” Warren said. Sooke’s grass field is notoriously choppy, so Nanaimo, used to practising and playing on the slick turf of Merle Logan Field, moved practice Tuesday to Deverill Park to challenge themselves. Nanaimo United’s U21 side is also bracing for a more physical brand of soccer than they’re used to. Paul Norgan, one of the team captains, said his team needs to “get stuck in” when it plays Sooke. “They’re a pretty dirty team, pretty rough, so we have to go in really hard,” Norgan said. “We’re not the biggest team out there, but we’ve got a lot of guys that are not afraid.” Warren said the United U21s are a nice mix of finesse guys and aggressive guys. That helps them adapt, as the finesse players are able to follow the lead of their tough teammates in intense games. Both coach and captain said Nanaimo is going into its final tournament focused and excited. “We definitely want to win,” Norgan said. “I think we have a pretty good shot to win the provincials, so we want to focus as hard as we can.”

March 28, 2010 Nanaimo vs Bays Gunners 0-1 Loss








March 21, 2010 Nanaimo vs Gorge 5-1 win






Feb 21 - George Smith Cup playdowns Nanaimo vs Vantreights 1-0 win

Feb 13/14th
Nanaimo vs Lakehill

Saturday the Nanaimo U21's were in Victoria to play Lakehill. Sunday Lakehill traveled to Nanaimo to play the second half of the weekend double header. Saturday was a tightly matched game on the turf, and Nanaimo emerged with a 3-1 victory. Sunday was a completely different game, with both teams tired, and playing on a beat up Caledonia Park in Nanaimo. Nanaimo went down a goal in Sunday's game, but rebounded to win 2-1, sweeping the season series between the two teams.

Game 1 was on Lakehill's new Braefoot turf, the same location as the 2010 VISL allstar game. Both teams were fired up, and after a heated first half, the two teams were level at 1 apiece. Nanaimo has had some difficulty scoring goals against tight defenses all year, and at halftime it looked to be heading for a deadlocked 2nd half. However, Nanaimo came out firing in the second half, and scored a pair of goals to put the game on ice. Colin Macdonald had a pair of goals, giving him a league best 12 on the year. Evan Pepper also chipped in with his 2nd goal of the year. It was a rounded win from a Nanaimo side looking to rebound from a loss the week before. Co-player of the game was the wind, which played a major factor in both teams' attack.

Game 2 was played Sunday on a sunny but soggy Caledonia pitch. Nanaimo had extra reinforcements who hadn't played the night before, whereas Lakehill traveled without any subs. Lakehill struck once in the first half, and Nanaimo seemed frustrated by the trap being pressed by the visitors. Heading into the second half down 1-0, Nanaimo's endurance finally kicked in and started the sway the balance of the game. Djordje Cudovski struck first off a corner kick, and Alexis Gorgona put the home team ahead a few moments later. Nanaimo held control of the game from there, and cruised to a 2-1 victory. Scott Brown earned both wins in goal. After 15 games played, Nanaimo sits in first with 37 points (12-2-1), 7 points ahead of Bays Gunners (10-2-0), and 10 points ahead of Lakehill (8-5-3).

Next weekend Nanaimo plays their first Island Cup game, away vs Vantreights. Game time is Sunday at 12pm at Victor Brodeur Elementary School.

Feb 13, 2010 result: 3-1 win
Player of the game: James Henderson

Feb 14, 2010 result: 2-1 win
Player of the game: Alexis Gorgona

February 6th
Nanaimo vs Bays Gunners

Nanaimo United U21's were in tough Saturday night at Merle Logan Turf, taking on the 2nd place Bays Gunners. Both teams were extremely focused, and each played the most intense game of their respective seasons. After 90 minutes, the Gunners squeaked by with a 1-0 victory.

The first half began very fast paced, and would stay that way into the second half. Both teams pressured each other constantly, yet Nanaimo controlled the bulk of the play. Early in the game Nanaimo lost one of their starting backs, Morgan Johnston, to an ankle sprain. While Nanaimo played well without Johnston, it was apparent that he was missed on the pitch. At half time the score was 0-0.

As the second half played out, Nanaimo continued their pressure while the Gunners slowed a little. Despite many chances over the course of the game, Nanaimo couldn't beat Bays keeper Connor Trelawny, the league leader in shutouts. 5 minutes from time, the gunners earned a free kick deep in Nanaimo's end. They were able to convert off the kick, and Courtney Bates' lone goal was the difference in a game where both teams deserved points.

Next week Nanaimo travels to Victoria to play Lakehill, who sit in 3rd place. It will be another tough test for Nanaimo, who have yet to play Lakehill yet this season.

February 6th, 2010 result: 0-1 loss
Player of the game: Djordje Cudovski

January 31, 2010
Nanaimo vs Bays Fury

Win: 8 -0

Nanaimo United U21's continued their home stand Sunday, taking on the 10th place Bays Fury. The game was played on a wet Caledonia park, where both teams were ready for battle. Nanaimo struck early and often, and after 90 minutes, Scott Brown had earned his 3rd shutout of the season.

Goal scorers from Nanaimo were Steven Templeman, Ryan MacLennan, Jonathan McKenzie, Colin MacDonald, Lou Harrison, Paul Norgan, and Djorde Cudovski. The final score was 8-0 Nanaimo.

Nanaimo now looks forward to next weekend's game vs. Bays Gunners. This will be one of the hardest tests of the season, and will wrap up the U21's home stand.

January 31st, 2010 result: 8-0 win
Player of the game: Colin McDonald

January 24, 2010
Nanaimo vs Cordova Bay

Alexis Gorgona has spent all season coming close to scoring off free kicks. He's gone wide, high, and off the crossbar time and again.

Sunday Alexis scored his 2nd goal of the year, and first off a free kick, to help lift Nanaimo to a 5-1 victory over Cordova Bay at Caledonia Park.

For the first time in many games, Nanaimo was able to avoid long lapses in their play, keeping the visitors pressured for the full 90. Scoring support came from both primary and secondary scorers. Colin McDonald snapped his scoring drought with his team leading 8th goal, and Evan Pepper scored his first. Jordan Vidal (4th) and Lou Harrison (7th) rounded out the score sheet for United.

With the U21 cup only weeks away, Nanaimo is working hard to make a long run. Hard fought games and 90 minute efforts are just as important as results. Next week United continues their home stand against a struggling Bays Fury. Last in the standings, Fury gave United a tough game last time these two met.

January 24, 2010 result: 5-1 win

Player of the game: Alexis Gorgona

January 17, 2010

Nanaimo United vs Sooke Nation

Nanaimo U21's were at home for their first game of 2010, playing against a shorthanded Sooke squad that made the trip up island. After dropping points in the past two games, Nanaimo was keen to start the year off strong. The benches were as lopsided as the final score, with Nanaimo playing with 19 players.

The home team was slow to start, missing many opportunities against the visitors in the first 20 minutes. After settling in against Sooke, who weren't able to field a starting 11, Nanaimo started pumping the goals fast and furious. After 90 minutes the score stood at 8-0, a poor representation of Sooke's work ethic. Goal scorers from Nanaimo were Jordan Vidal, Ryan Gill, Ryan MacLennan, Lou Harrison, Curtis McMillan, and Alexis Gorgona.

Next week Nanaimo is at home again, for a noon game vs Cordova Bay. Last time the two teams met, Nanaimo won 2-0 in Victoria.

Jan 19, 2010 result: 8-0 win

Player of the game: Ryan MacLennan

Week 13 result: 8-0

December 13, 2009
Nanaimo vs Gordon Head

The U21's were on the road on Sunday against a 5th place Gordon Head team at Tyndall turf. The last time the 2 teams met was back in October, when Nanaimo beat GH 4-1 at home. The Gordon Head U21's brought their A game this time around, and became the first team to defeat the U21's this season. After a late goal broke the deadlock, the home team nudged the visitors 1-0 - shutting out Nanaimo for the first time all year.

The first half was controlled slowly and deliberately by the Nanaimo side. The visitors were determined to minimize their mistakes, and settle into their dominating style of play. Their persistence paid off, and Nanaimo controlled both the pace and flow of the first half. While finishing has been an issue for Nanaimo in past games, this game was unique in the small number of quality chances earned by the Nanaimo side. Gordon Head seemed content to let their defensive core take the bulk of the play, and only played back from counter opportunities and turnovers.

As the first half wore on, and into the second half, Gordon Head began to play back with earnest, ramping up the pace significantly. Nanaimo's D line were up to the challenge, as they have been all season. After defending set pieces in compromising positions successfully, the game started going back and forth in the final 20 minutes, with each team getting quality chances. Curtis McMillan and Morgan Johnston each had chances stymied by the home team, and Scott Brown was making save after save at the other end. On 90 minutes, Gordon Head finally broke through, and scored the only goal of the game. It was a frustrating result for Nanaimo, as both teams fought hard and deserved at least a point.

Next up for the u21's is the xmas/allstar break. The U21's may not have much rest however, as they look to stay sharp and refocus for the second half with exhibition games and indoor practices. After the first half of the season, the U21s' record stands at 7-1-1, good for 2nd place in the league.

Week 12 result: 0-1 loss
Player of the game: Pat Backhouse

December 6, 2009
Nanaimo vs Gorge 2-2 tie

The U21 men were on the road yet again Sunday against Gorge, playing in their first game in 4 weeks. The rust would not slow the boys down, but the weather and a spirited 8th place Gorge side provided a tough afternoon. While Nanaimo's top guns kept up their scoring clip, a few breakdowns led to Gorge conversions. After 90 the game ended 2-2, a frustrating result for a Nanaimo squad that controlled most of the game.

Colin McDonald got the U21's on the board 10 minutes in, getting his 3rd finish at Hampton park this season, and 7th overall. Nanaimo brought their pace and skill right at Gorge from the first whistle, yet could not finish many opportunities. Ryan Gill was able to put the visitors ahead by 2 around the 35th minute, and Gorge drew one back to end the half at 2-1 Nanaimo.

The 2nd half played out much like the first, with Nanaimo controlling the play and failing to capitalize on opportunities. A Nanaimo turnover proved costly around the 80th minute, and Gorge drew level. The final 10 minutes were frantic, with Nanaimo trying to get a winner, and Gorge trying to kill the clock and get the point.

Next week Nanaimo looks to rebound against Gordon Head in their 5th straight road game. The U21's homecoming, which won't be until January sometime, will be Nanaimo's first home game since October 18th. Stay posted for that date.

Week 11 result: 2-2 tie
Player of the game: Devon McCann

November 8, 2009

Nanaimo vs Bays Fury 4-0

Game Summary:
The Nanaimo United U21's were on the road for the third straight game, playing away against Bays Fury. The Nanaimo forwards and midfielders did not slow their scoring pace, continuing to be among the highest scoring teams in the league. After a some slow play in the first 2/3's of the game, Nanaimo put away 4 goals before the final whistle. Keeper Carlo Corlazzoli continued his strong work in goal, having now earned 2 shutouts in 2 games played.

Lou Harrison got Nanaimo on the board early, putting the ball away within the first 5 minutes. After getting the lead, the pace of the game slowed down considerably until the 60th minute, when Nanaimo finally got their pace back. Jordan Vidal had several strong runs down the wing, before finally converting one of his chances to give Nanaimo a 2 goal lead. Late in the game Colin McDonald and Jonathan McKenzie finished their respective chances in the box, after Nanaimo midfielders poured chance after chance into the box in the final 20 minutes.

Carlo Corlazzoli went to work in goal, stopping a penalty shot early on in the 2nd half to preserve the lead. He is now tied for the league lead in shutouts, along side fellow Nanaimo United keeper Scott Brown. Between the two keepers, Nanaimo has only surrendered 2 goals in 6 games this season.

The team is looking forward to their midfielders getting healthy in the next few weeks. There are currently 5 injured midfielders, and their return will help bolster the team's play in the middle of the park.

October 31, 2009

Nanaimo vs Cordova Bay 2-0

Ryan Gill scored 2 goals.

Shut out by Scott Brown

October 25, 2009

Nanaimo vs Sooke 1-0

The first 45 minutes of play resulted in a lot of back and forth action. Both teams had opportunities but the majority of the shots were wide of the net. However in the 23rd minute Alexis Gorgona made a run up the middle, his pass to team mate Lou Harrison resulted in the only goal of the half.

At the start of the 2nd half, Sooke came out eager for a quick goal and kept Nanaimo's defence hustling. Within the first minute Shane Hilder had to make a slide tackle in the box to shut down Sooke's opportunity on the net. One minute later Sooke had another shot and hit the top of Nanaimo's crossbar. Nanaimo managed to settle the play down and take charge of the ball and have their first good shot on Sooke's net at the 4 minute point.
At the 18 minute point Nanaimo thought they had their 2nd goal until it was call off by the Sooke player linesman. The Ref had initially called it a goal. The cheers from the Sooke side deafened any protest Nanaimo might have given.

Two minutes left in the game, a Sooke player purposely slide tackled Nanaimo's goalie.

The match might not have been the best example of the Nanaimo team's skill, but the players worked hard and earned the win.

Goalie Scott Brown earned the shutout.

October 18, 2009

Nanaimo vs Vantreights 2-0

Goals by Nanaimo: Colin McDonald and Ryan Gill.

Shut out by Carlo Corlazzoli




Video clips
	Ryan goal

October 11, 2009

Nanaimo vs Gordon Head Gold 4-1

Nanaimo hosting Gordon Head at Caledonia. The first 20 minutes of play both teams were evenly matched. In the next 5 minutes Gordon Head picked up the pace and landed a goal in the back of Nanaimo's net. A few minutes later keeper, Scott Brown had to make a great save to keep the game to one goal. Nanaimo settled their game down, focused on ball control and it paid off in the 29th minute by a goal from Morgan Johnston.
Just before the end of the first half Colin McDonald capitalized on a corner kick by heading the ball into the back of GH's goal.

Eight minutes into the 2nd half Lou Harrison headed in the ball from a corner and then 6 minutes later Colin McDonald sank in the last goal off a rebound shot by Gavin Leung to make the score 4.



Video clips
	Morgan goal Colin goal

Sept 27, 2009

Nanaimo vs Gorge U21 5-1

Nanaimo goals scored by Colin McDonald x 2- Gavin Leung- Jordan Vidal- Lou Harrison



Video clips
	Gavin goal Colin goal Scott save

Nation wraps it up

U21s dominate Sooke in Cup Nanaimo News Bulletin

U21s need to play rough Nanaimo News Bulletin