United loses a tough one in the cold rain, the 3's keep rolling........
November 26, 2009
Saturday Nov 21st at Merle Logan Turf- 8pm VISL DIV 1 ACTION
United FC- 0 Sooke Celtic - 1
On another miserable evening Nanaimo United lost a close fought contest with rivals Sooke Celtic. Once again Nanaimo had the lions' share of the possession and once again failed to find the net. The first half was a scrappy affair and both teams struggled to stamp their authority on the game. There was chances,however. Jared Stephens was, like he has been since his arrival, a menace to the oppositions defence. His size coupled with his determination and drive is a worry for any defender and he went close on a couple of occasions after muscling his way through to goal. Sooke did not really pose any great threat to the United goal throughout the whole game but found themselves ahead around 20 minutes in. A failed clearance fell kindly to Celtics' right winger and he bundled the ball home. United responded well though, and the best chance of the evening fell to Dan Cato in the penalty area. It was a guilt edged oppurtunity and from 12 yards out you would expect a player of his calibre to do better. The second half produced much of the same. Head Coach Bill Merriman made use of the huge squad he has at his disposal making wholesale changes at the the interval. Romaie Martin was introduced amongst others and he too had an effort fall wide of the Sooke net. For all the possession and time spent in the opposing half though, one is hard pressed to recall many more chances.
It was another frustrating night for the United first team and like so many weeks previous, The boys are left wondering what could have and should have been. There has been a notable improvement in the 'second half' of the season but whether you get beat 5-0 or 2-0 (Like the games against Lakehill FC) or 4-1 or 1-0 (as we have been against Sooke Celtic), you have still been beaten and you still have not picked up any points.
Life for the boys does not get any easier either, Next week will see League winners and Jackson Cup holders Gorge FC come to Merle logan.
Friday Nov 20th in Victoria VISL DIV 3A action
United FC - 3 Prospect Lake Black - 0
Nanaimo's div 3s keep up the good form following last weeks home win with a convincing 3 nil win over Prospect Lake Black on the road. Nanaimo, again shorthanded, called up div 4 player, Marc Bodin to fill some holes in the lineup. So the whistle blows and Nanaimo immediately takes control of the game, keeping possession and creating chances. Only 10 minutes in Dan Wetmore combines with Tony Maestrello resulting in a relaxed chip shot besting the PL keeper. Tony has shown excellent form since his return to the lineup. Not long after Nanaimo doubles its lead from a long free kick which finds the foot of young Chris Hackett who made no mistake. With a two goal lead Nanaimo settled into a confident passing game, keeping the ball and making the other team run. Call up Marc Bodin made his presence felt by having a good game playing both centre mid and stiker. Nanaimo played some of the nicest soccer they have all season leading upto halftime and it truly was a joy to watch. After half time Nanaimo continued their good play and around the 70th minute Sunny Hill returns the favor for last weeks goal and feeds Tony Maestrello in front of an open net for his second of the game. Aside from some foul play from PL the game ended in good spirits for both teams. Geoff Hackett collects another shutout and Nanaimo returns home next week to face Lakehill Whitecaps Saturday, 8:00 at Mearl Logan Turf.
Div 4A and U21's did not play last week but will see some big action this weekend. The 4's will face gorga at Caledonia this Sunday at 2:15 in a key divisional matchup. Gorge beat United last time, 2-0 in a game they should have definately won and are looking to reverse that result. The u21's will also face Gorge this Sunday, with thier game set noon at Caledonia. The young guns have already beaten Gorge once, on the opening day of the season and are looking to keep thier unbeaten streak going at home.
Get on out and support the local boys!!
