McLean Ice score last minute goal to win 2-1 against VSA Heat

In a thrilling contest at Lewinsville Center, two evenly matched ODSL U11 boys’ teams battled it out in 80-degree heat. If this game is anything to go by, we are all in for an exciting season of travel soccer.

With a 2.30pm kick-off the game started at a fast pace with aggressive play from both teams in the mid-field. A corner-kick to Mclean Ice after 3 minutes of play led to their first shot on goal by Alex AbiNajm, saved by VSA Heat.

VSA responded with a break towards McLean Ice goal however good defensive work by Stephen Seliskar put an end to the challenge. McLean Ice went back on the attack with Alex AbiNajm crossing to Ben Kordes-O’Brien in the penalty area the ball goes high over the bar.

Again VSA Heat respond with good attacking play but defenders Matt McDonald and Matthew Callahan pair up to successfully close down the attack. However VSA Heat regain possession in midfield and find a gap in the Ice defense and score.

Spurred on by their success VSA Heat continue a sustained period of attack, however they are consistently thwarted by energetic and committed play by the Ice defense and mid-field and solid goalkeeping by Robby Maffei. Renewing their form and confidence Ice go back on the attack with two attempts on goal by Dylan Goodale and Michael Knight.

The remainder of the first half saw sustained pressure by Ice with much of the play within VSA Heat’s half of the field. An agonizingly near-miss just right of the post by Harry Siggins is followed by a last minute break by Heat that was well defended by Andrew Awad, closing the first half at 1-0 to VYS Heat.

McLean Ice opened the second half strongly, winning a series of three corner-kicks against VSA Heat. On the third corner Eric Leimkuhler intercepts the clearance and scores the equalizer for McLean Ice.

A period of end to end play followed with McLean Ice retaining the majority of possession throughout, both sides endeavouring to capitalize on a number of good scoring opportunities. McLean Ice then begin to get the upper hand securing a corner-kick. Philippe Nunnenkamp intercepts the clearance just outside the penalty area and shoots on goal with such force the VSA Goalkeeper can barely stop the ball, but just manages to stay the right side of the line.

McLean Ice continue the relentless pressure and maintaining the majority of possession in the VSA Heat half. With two minutes of play left a break from the mid-field leaves Scotty Lafoon on the left wing. A brilliant back-pass and turn by Scotty is picked up by Dylan Goodale who hoists a high lob over the VSA Heat goalkeeper and into the back of the net. McLean Ice now lead 2-1.

VSA Heat respond with more attacking play but the Ice defense is too strong. The final whistle goes and McLean Ice win.

This game proves that McLean Ice, who are new to the ODSL League are a team to watch. Led by Coaches Ken Nunnenkamp and Michael Callahan, in a short space of time these boys have demonstrated great skill and true team play from every member of the squad.