The Ellis Moving Eagles took their time but managed to squeak out a late victory on Sunday (Feb. 13) over the Dyer Straits, winning 2-0 in the first weekend of action in 2011 for the Howe Sound Men's Soccer League (HSMSL).
The game was a scoreless draw for nearly the entire match before Todd Rippon scored on a skillful shot from a long distance late in the second half. James Bellinger added another goal with time close to expiring to give the Eagles the 2-0 win.
Eagles head coach Dan Ellis said it was an extremely close contest.
"It was really close, basically a stalemate," he said. "I'd say both teams were pretty even as far as possession and chances. It was a fantastic strike by Todd that was the difference today."
Both goalkeepers made several huge stops, particularly in the first half. Sam Dunkley of the Dyer Straits and Evan Cross of the Eagles stymied a handful of chances each and Ellis said he was impressed with Cross.
"He played just stellar for us today," he said, noting that Cross was called in to replace the team's regular keeper, who was injured.
Ellis said he was impressed by how smooth the transition was for both teams to Quest University field, which has a faster playing surface compared to Brennan Park.
"There was a bit of an adjustment for everyone at first, but I thought the guys got used to it pretty fast," he said. "Both teams played well and it was a great midseason battle."
The Eagles, with a record of six wins, three losses and one draw, leapfrogged over Dyer Straits and into third place. The Straits fell to fourth with a record of five wins, four losses and two draws.
In other HSMSL action, former Olympian and Whitecaps soccer star Martina Franko suited up for Zephyr, but her presence wasn't quite enough to lead the team to its first victory. Franko and Zephyr lost 8-3 to Khalsa in the early game on Sunday, with Franko contributing one goal. Also scoring for Zephyr was Ruben Peopl and Sam Anderson. Richard Collins picked up a hat trick for Khalsa, with Ben MacGregor and Chad Pereira picking up a pair each and Jag Sangha adding a single.
The late game saw Galileo maintain the top spot in the league, defeating Lilwat7uhl 5-2. Goal scorers for Galileo were Richard Moody, Cristian Oreamuno, Lawrence Gauthier, Gary O'Neil and Michel Lafreniere. Replying for Lilwat7uhl were Mark Gabriel and Hans Schranz.
The league will continue next week with Khalsa taking on Dyer Straits, The Ellis Moving Eagles taking on Galileo and Zephyr squaring off with Lilwat7uhl.
For more of the full standings and top scorers in the HSMSL, check out the scoreboard section of The Chief.
