The CVUSC U9 girls youth soccer team went undefeated at the 18-team North Shore Thanksgiving Tournament in North Vancouver.
Walking into the indoor turf field for the first game, Raina Hagel exclaimed: "Playing in the bubble pad is so much fun!" The team took their first game 1-0 with a goal by Shayla Stigant. Brianna Kalhous and Helena Burritt were brilliant on the pitch, stopping the ball from passing the midfield.
The referee had to correct our throw-ins and explain indirects, as they still have a lot to learn. However, this crew has something that can' t be taught – "They want the ball and they aren't afraid to go for it," explained coach Claudia Vachon.
"It was great to see them playing against girls their own age," added coach Brennan Macdonald. They started to hold their positions and Thea Macdonald and Dakota Sanzana looked solid on defence.
After their first game, the local squad was chosen to walk with the women's Whitecaps for the singing of the national anthem. "I was so happy they chose our team. The Whitecap players are so good and it was so cool we were able to hold their hands!" said Sage Kotapski Tinga.
On Sunday morning, the girls kept adjusting their game in a match against the Hurricanes. "They were our biggest competition at the tourney," a CVUSC spokesperson said.
"Our goalies, Shadia Zuccato and Sophie-Neige Lagrandeur, were able to keep them away from the scoreboard." After a stressful game for the crowd, the squad tied the game at 0-0.
– CVUSC U9 Girls