Kitsap Pumas News Release - www.kitsapsoccerclub.com
Saturday, June 13, 2009
ABBOTSFORD, BC -- The Kitsap Pumas retained their grip on first place in the Northwest Division of the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League with a dominant 3-1 win tonight over the Abbotsford Mariners Saturday night under sunny skies and before a crowd of 135.
The win maintains the first-year franchise’s unbeaten status atop its division at 20 points (6-0-2) as the club hits the mid-point of its season. Abbotsford falls to 2-4-1 (7 points). Kitsap also grew its goal differential to +14 (19 for, five against) – fourth-best in the 68-team PDL. Kitsap is one of only five unbeaten teams in the PDL and the only unbeaten side in the Northwest Division.
“We played well in patches and were up 2-1 at half,” said head coach John Wedge. “After we got it to 3-1 we were pretty well all over them until the close. I think their goal was offside and I’m sure we should have had a penalty – but regardless of all that it’s a very solid win.”
Kitsap forward Spencer Schomaker opened the scoring in the 5th-minute, getting a shot off a great move and an assist from speedy winger Mark Conrad.
Abbotsford’s Justin Cordick leveled the score a minute later off an assist from forward Gibson Bardsley.
Pumas Midfielder Kyle Johnson notched his first goal as a professional with a near-post blast in the 33rd-minute giving Kitsap the lead for good.
Max Lipset added insurance off a long throw from D Mark Lee, which the balletic 6’ 5” defender poked in from the far post to close out the scoring.
The Pumas outshot their hosts by a whopping 20-8 margin – its highest shot total on the season and in the club’s brief history. Further proof of the Pumas’ attacking mindset tonight were the corner totals – seven for the visitors and none for Abbotsford.
The victory and the lead are also enhanced by the fact that Kitsap still holds a game in hand over its nearest competitors in the division.
The Abbotsford goal broke a string of 456 consecutive shutout minutes for Pumas goalkeeper Dustyn Brim who made four saves.
The Pumas next face Victoria at home Friday Night then turn around for an afternoon match versus Vancouver a week from Sunday – Father’s Day.
“(Forward) Eli (Gordley) was the Man of the Match as far as I’m concerned,” said Wedge, “he was outstanding.” The match marked Gordley’s first start for Kitsap.
The match was moved from Abbotsford’s Bateman Park to Chilliwack - 45 minutes east only 48 hours ago. Abbotsford hosted Seattle last night.
“Kudos to (Abbotsford General Manager) Brad Nichol and his staff for pulling this match off in such short notice,” said Kitsap Executive Director Ben Pecora. “He is one of the unsung heroes of the PDL.”
