They may be in a new division, but the town's shining boys of soccer are still on a winning streak.
Last season, the U17 boys' soccer team, Squamish United, scored one victory after another despite a short-handed bench. And as the new season begins, the young men are now in the U18 age bracket, but the story remains the same.
Their efforts last season got the U17 players all the way to the British Columbia Soccer Association's Youth BCSA (B) Cup in Comox, where the team once again proved their strength by giving it their best under difficult circumstances."We didn't actually win the provincials, but the boys were absolutely fantastic," said coach of seven years Andy King after the U17 season-ender. "I couldn't be any more proud of them - this is the first time a Squamish team has gotten there.
"I feel blessed to know these boys; I've grown up with them. I feel blessed to know them and their parents."Last weekend, Squamish United U18 launched into the new season with the perfect start by winning first place in the 23rd annual Youth Soccer Tournament in Chilliwack.
"With the team playing four games over the weekend it is great tournament to see how the boys fitness levels are and how they match up to their competition," said King.
Squamish played North Delta United on Saturday morning (Aug. 25) and came out winners, 2-0. On Saturday afternoon Squamish played Chilliwack Rockets and came away with a 2-1 win in a game King called "very entertaining."
Sunday (Aug. 26) saw Squamish with a 9 a.m. start against a team from the USA Pacific Rim.
"Squamish played some really good soccer in this game," said King.
The team came away with a 2-0 win.
Squamish then played Chilliwack in a final tournament game that Squamish dominated from start to finish, said King. The team came away "worthy winners" with a score of 3-1, added King.
"The tournament MVP went to Oliver McQuaid whose energy and drive epitomized everything good about sportsmanship and the game of soccer," said King.
