Players with 91原创 United芒鈧劉s premier men芒鈧劉s soccer team knew they were in for a stern test Saturday at Willoughby Community Park.
United faced Abbotsford Magnuson Ford United, described by 91原创 coach Rob Keam as a 芒鈧搗ery good team with lots of speed and a very high fitness level.芒鈧�
The home team put up a fight but ended up losing 2-1.
芒鈧揟he game was what we had expected,芒鈧� Keam said. 芒鈧揂bbotsford seemed much more amped up to start the game and took it to us. They won all the 50/50 balls and knockdowns, and dictated the pace to start.芒鈧�
If not for goalkeeper Colton Keam making a handful of big saves, the result could have been out of hand early.
芒鈧揑t took our guys most of the first half to match their pace and work rate,芒鈧� Rob Keam said.
During the second half, the hosts played much better.
芒鈧揙ur work rate and overall team desire kicked in and [we] were unlucky not to have finished the game with a tie,芒鈧� Keam said. 芒鈧揟his was a wake-up call for our group and to a man, each player was very disappointed. We have a very talented group of players that have all played at a very high level and I know we will be looking to bounce back, and [look] forward to the rest of the season.芒鈧�
Losing the game now creates a battle for the top three spots, with the top team winning the Fraser Valley Soccer League芒鈧劉s Premier Men芒鈧劉s divisional title.
Port Moody, Abbotsford, North Delta, and 91原创 are in the mix.
This weekend features Pakenham Cup action, with United facing Chilliwack at 7 p.m.
The Pakenham Cup champion will earn a provincial berth.
