VANCOUVER, BC – The EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) concluded its inaugural season of play this past weekend with nine closely fought League Cup finals across three venues in the Lower Mainland. The rainy weather conditions did not affect the quality of play nor the interest of spectators with the nine championships shared between five different successful clubs.
“The three host clubs and all of the participating teams were a credit to their communities as they put on a great show in trying conditions,” stated David Haber, president, EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League. “We thank them all and congratulate those teams that were successful.”
Surrey United SC hosted three boys’ finals Saturday, U-13, U-14 and U-15, with their teams victorious in one out of the three finals. Aaron Fulgencio scored two goals as Mountain United FC came out 2-1 winners in the U-13 final, whilst South Fraser FC were victorious in the U-14 final, coming from behind to beat the home side 2-1. However, home advantage proved to be decisive in the U-15 final as Surrey United once again overcame heated rivals Fusion FC in a game that was a rematch of the BC Soccer Provincial Championship game in June. This time the game was decided on penalty kicks after the teams ended 1-1 after extra time. Surrey goalkeeper Aman Thind was the star, saving two penalties in the shootout.
Saturday also featured four games hosted by Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC, two boys’ finals, U-16 and U-17, and two girls’ finals, U-13 and U-14. The home team were successful in both of the boys’ final games, with the U-16s beating Mountain United FC 2-1. The Coquitlam U-17 boys beat Fusion FC 3-2 in a thrilling game, with Tyson Dodich’s two goals and a late penalty the difference between two very closely matched teams.
The two girls finals saw Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC squaring off against South Fraser FC in both games. It was South Fraser who came out on top in both games. In the U-13 final, the South Fraser girls were very impressive in winning 6-0, whilst the U-14 final was a closer affair, a South Fraser win, but this time by 1-0.
The weekend concluded with two girls finals being hosted in Burnaby by Mountain United FC, both games being played in driving wind and rain. Surrey United U-15 girls overcame the hosts 2-1, which saw Vancouver Whitecaps FC club ambassador Carl Valentine present medals post-match to the finalists. Whilst the weather deteriorated the intensity did not as the U-16 final between Mountain United and South Fraser SC was played at a high tempo throughout. The game was tied 1-1 after extra time and it was Mountain United goalkeeper Priya Sandhu who proved to be the difference making a number of outstanding saves in the shootout.
As the BCSPL clubs go about their preparations for the 2013 season, league general manager Matt Holbrook reflected on a successful inaugural season.
“There has been a substantial increase in the level of play over the 15 months since we launched the exhibition season in September 2011,” noted Holbrook. “Coaches and spectators are now commenting regularly that the standard of play is at a very good level.”
Also of great importance has been the mutually beneficial relationship between the BCSPL, BC Soccer, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
“The partnership with Whitecaps FC is paying big dividends with many players graduating from the BCSPL into their full time Residency and Girls Elite programs,” added Holbrook. “By streamlining the development pathway, both players and Whitecaps FC are benefiting from the league’s work.”
“Having had the chance to watch a number of games this weekend, it’s clear that there is great talent in the BCSPL,” said Jesse Symons, Whitecaps FC women’s and Girls Elite head coach. “We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with the league as it grows stronger and stronger.”
For more information about the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League, visit www.bcsoccerpremierleague.net
About the BCSPL
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League will support player development through increased competition for top soccer athletes. Eight founding franchises in regions representing more than 80 per cent of the BC population were announced February 17, 2011. In the fall of 2011, a "mini-season" took place from September through November to prepare for the full season commencing in February 2012. The league features divisions in the U13 through U18 levels. Competition is from February through November each year.
For more details about the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League Cup Finals please contact:
Matt Holbrook
General Manager, BC Soccer Premier League
