The Kootenay South Youth Soccer Association U17 Storm claimed the bronze medal with a brilliant performance in Penticton at the Les Sinnott Memorial boys provincial youth soccer championship on the weekend.
After going 1-1-1 in the round robin to finish second in their pool, the U17 Storm defeated Vernon United in an exciting 3-1 match on Sunday to take third place at the eight team event. The Storm controlled much of the game with pin-point passing, strong defence, and execution when it counted.
“The bronze medal this year coupled with the bronze attained in 2013 caps off four straight years of provincial qualification for this team,” said Storm coach Neil Moon. “I attribute the success of this team to the skill, determination, and camaraderie.”
The Storm opened the tournament with a 4-4 tie against Terrace on Thursday, but rebounded for a 3-0 shutout of Cowichan Valley Friday. Facing the North Vancouver Fury on Saturday, the Storm needed a victory to advance to the gold medal game, but couldn’t find the net as they fell 4-nil to the Fury attack.
Despite the loss, the U17 Kootenay South boys are the most successful Kootenay team in recent history with a record of 10 wins, five losses, and one tie on their way to two bronze medals in the last four provincial championships.
“The team will try to end their youth soccer affiliation next year by attempting to reach the gold medal U18 game in West Vancouver,” said Moon.
The CCB Elite beat the Fury in the gold medal game 3-2.
The KSYSA Storm’s boys U16 team missed the playoff round after finishing with one tie and two losses.