They may have a short bench with only 13 players, but Squamish's U17 United boys soccer team is all heart and has enough talent to take them to the top.
The local rep squad is on its way to the British Columbia Soccer Association's Youth BCSA (B) Cup this weekend after beating eight teams in a row and team captain, 16-year-old Dylan Ackerman, said he's confident the team has the skills they need to go the distance.
"It was kind of rough in the beginning because we were playing with older teamsit was a struggle but we held it together," he said. "Now we're doing great, I'm looking forward to it - we're ranked pretty high, so I think we'll do well."
Ackerman said his team's strength lies in their accelerated fitness levels, thanks to coach Andy King who Ackerman says "runs us a lot," and a committed sense of teamwork. With the help of Mexican exchange student and striker Erik Rodriguez - who extended his stay to compete in the provincials - and forwards Chris Fraser and Chris Johnstone, Ackerman said the team is a force to be reckoned with.
Team manager Dick McQuaid is also confident the boys have the skills they need to stay on top.
"The boys have practiced hard and couldn't be any more ready to play," he said. "They have a lot of balance and have put in tons of effort. Plus we have a really good goalie, great defence and speedy forwards and a very strong midline - they're going to do well."Every player on the U17 team was born in 1990 save one, meaning they will all move up together after this season to play in the U18 category.
While McQuaid said there isn't one breakout star on the team, it is United's ability to play as a unit that has helped them move quickly up the ranks.
"They're small, there are no really big guys and there are no stars, they work together as a team," he said. "They're all really good athletes; they are smart and fast and have a lot of game."
According to 82-year-old McQuaid, currently the oldest manager in the league, this is the first Squamish team that has ever made it this far.
Under the careful instruction of coach King, the team has blossomed as a whole. On top of winning a majority of their games, goalie Joe Pilnesick was voted the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2007.
The B.C. Championships take place July 5 to 8 in Comox.
