This weekend the boys were invited to participate in the 10th Annual Akal FC Soccer Tournament, at U-13 Gold level. A well organized tournament held in Surrey, BC.
Vs BC Tigers
Captains = Gavin Pannu & Harman Sull.
The previous meeting between the two teams was a torrid affair where the CRS players saw some atrocious challenges against them go uncalled by the referee. The CRS Boys started the first half with some good possession however they did not trouble the Tigers goalkeeper and never shifted out of 2nd gear. A penalty decision went unseen by the referee, but you can never rely on the referee to win you a game, but yourself.
In the second half the boys were warned a game played in 2nd gear never turns into a winner and with the warning from the coaches going unheard, the team’s overconfidence was punished. A cross from the far right from 35-40 yards had everyone fooled, except coach Avtar on the sidelines who said it was going in, and it did. As the boys resumed the game from the center circle they were more positive in their play and saw some clear chances go begging as well as a shot from a central defender skimming the top of the cross bar even though they only shifted into 3rd gear.
It was a well deserved victory by the BC Tigers who played less of the rough stuff and more of the good stuff. A game in which the CRS Boys know they let themselves down once again by underestimating the opposition.
Lost 1-0.
Vs Akal FC
Captains = Gavin Pannu & Manjit Bassi.
Coming into the game the boys said they had something to prove after the morning games disappointment. The game got off to a bright start for CRS, showing some great pass and move football and really applying the screws to the opposition.
However a miss kick opened a gap and the opposition took the lead. The boys then changed gears back in to 2nd and of course, a second goal was conceded in the first half while a CRS player was on the ground injured. Half time could not come soon enough.
At half time, the Boys were reminded of the good periods of football they had enjoyed and where they had been effective. But also how disappointing this tournament had become. With questions being asked of them, they took to the field as if playing in 2nd gear was cool. But as soon as the whistle blew, a whole new animal was unleashed on Akal FC.
Passing, movement, aggression, attacking, defending, vocals, and all the positives were on display by the CRS team as they pushed the Akal players who were finding it hard to coupe. All of these characteristics combined together to produce the breakthrough goal after a CRS player was felled in the penalty box, and the ensuing shot was scored.
Time became a factor, and as it was running out the boys had to press, knowing they would leave gaps but without risk there is no victory. They showed tremendous heart, and as tired faces were seen across the field they kept finding that extra burst of energy to keep pushing. Akal scored their third in the final minute on the counter attack, but it did not matter, the CRS Boys finally woke up in the second half of their second game and hopefully I never have to write about playing in 2nd gear and being asleep ever again.
Lost 3-1.
Congratulations to both teams and best of luck in the final.