After more than a month layoff, Squamish's Ocean Port FC sweated out the holidays to pull off a 1-0 victory over the Ladner Rangers under cold rain and hot lights at Quest University turf field on Saturday (Jan. 9).
The all-important three points keep Ocean Port neck-and-neck with Shaheen FC at the top of the Vancouver Metro Soccer League's Division 2A. While Shaheen maintained its leverage with a 3-1 win over last-placed IFC Zawisza, top rival UBC Metropolitan wasn't so lucky, succumbing to the Norvan Lions 2-0 to fall deeper into third place.
With only one team set for promotion to Division 1 next season, every point counts. But having not practised at all over the holidays, Ocean Port had to work hard through decreased conditioning to improve its impressive record to 11 wins two losses.
"I'm sure everyone had a few beers too many during that period and not enough jogging," said forward Mark Sedgwick, who scored Squamish's only goal.
"We had to grind that win out."
After a number of offensive chances, Sedgwick scored the winner on a goalmouth scramble with help from Russell Joel. Sedgwick headed the ball to Joel, whose shot hit the keeper and rebounded back out for Sedgwick to poke in.
Ocean Port goalie Jeremy Galley stood strong between the posts but 蜜桃视频appcontrolled the majority of the game.
Head coach Rudy Venekamp said the guys came prepared for a tough game despite facing Ladner, which sits in seventh place in the 10-team division.
"I tell the guys there is no such thing as an easy game," he said. "That is why you don't take those lower teams for granted. It's a dangerous thing to do. You have to be on guard all the time."
蜜桃视频apphas the same overall record as Shaheen but less total goals for; therefore, 蜜桃视频appis considered the second place side. Next week's opponent is Meraloma SC, a tough side that has eight wins and four losses. Ocean Port takes Ladner on in Vancouver on Saturday (Jan. 16).
"They're all must-win games now," said Venekamp. "There's no such thing as second place."
