FVCSL NEWS

REAL PACIFIC TRIUMPHANT

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:49:57 EST

(photo-Justin Meyer)

Real Pacific and Aldergrove played a good final match, good soccer in hot, hot conditions, the first half, sauna-like. The heat affected the players, with a seemingly lack-lustre game in the first half, but when the sun dipped down, the play picked up, and the competition and excitement heated up. Real Pacific, who finished in solid first place in Division 1, were 3-1 victors over Aldergrove.

Real Pacific opened the scoring some 4 minutes into the game. Jason Togeretz came in with the ball, and no Aldergrove player moved to challenge, not even the keeper giving JayTog a chance to shoot and score. Kevin Hendricks had the first Aldergrove shot of any quality at the 18 minute mark but hit the side of the goal. Mark Bysterveld tested Aldergrove keeper Harold Louwerse,had his hard shot batted back, shot again and Hal saved it again. There were lots of late tackles both ways as each team tried to stop the other and build up some kind of attack, but action was not smooth or successful. Attempts by Mark B of RP and Edwin Palsma of Aldergrove went nowhere. Craig Kobes had a late try when he came in, the Alder-defence turned in instead of out, and Kobes could get a shot away but no goal resulted.

The second half had more energy and Nathan Moes had an early try for Aldergrove when he and Jayden Kuik challenged for the same ball and Moes tipped it over the keeper but also just over the bar. Matt VanderGaag of Aldergrove was booked with a yellow card a while later, and Craig Kobes struck the ensuing free kick on the 18 and blew an arrow straight into the far corner. Mark B attacked again for RP but Tyler VanderGaag matched him stride for stride, giving keeper Hal the chance to blast the ball away. A short while later, the same Mark had a huge collision with the same keeper Hal, earning Mark a yellow card, as well as Aldergrove's Greg Hamelin for retaliation after that. At about the 18 minute mark, action started to pick up, with Tyler VanderGaag moved up to forward, to generate more offense. Kevin Hendricks dribbled in diagonally and finally got a shot away the Kuik had to dive to finger wide. Jordan Langelaar sent an Aldergrove shot wide and Hendricks mis-struck an Edwin Palsma pass, Mark Meerstra, set up to even the score, shot the gift-pass wide, as Aldergrove pressed to catch RP. They finally got a goal when they teamworked the ball up the wing, Hendricks got another chance to score and did this time, low along the ground to the corner. Pacific tried to answer back on the next kickoff, but Louwerse came out aggressively to clear the ball away from a charging Craig Kobes. Nathan Moes tried a dangerous pop-fly that Kuik, grabbed, jostled by Mark Meerstra but he held onto the ball. Aldergrove were now getting some close calls, definately not out of the game yet. They had their best chance of the second half when awarded a free kick just off center on the 18. Real put up a huge wall that looked like a red and white picket fence. Hendricks faked the shot, Langelaar took it and drove it through the wall, with Kuik somehow seeing it and stopping it. The area was full of both teams, (do the math!) but somehow the ball was cleared out of danger. Lots of physical play now, as the game got scrambly and scrappy for a while. Matt VdG had another great chance when he shot from just inside the RP side of center and the shot bounced just in front of Kuik, who had to be sharp to bobble, then grab the ball away from Meerstra. A tired Tyler Hoeksema got the insurance goal for RP when he took a chance with a 30 yard riser that went over Louwerse and under the bar. Aldergrove tried one more time with Colin DeWit shooting from long, Kevin Hendricks following up from in closer, and Tyler VdG from in tight, but this series gained them nothing either. Kuik certainly made the timely saves when he needed to and his team scored enough to win the game. Players on both teams should be commended for the energy they put into this game, especially the female duo from Aldergrove, Michelle deHaas and Keri VanderGaag who had to put in a whole game, and did it! Final score, Real Pacific 3, Aldergrove 1.

A large crowd had gathered to watch this match, and stayed for trophy presentations.

First place, Divison 2 trophy: Lynden Americans

First place Division 1 trophy: Real Pacific.

League Champions trophy: Real Pacific

Male MVP: Mark Peters of FC International

Female MVP: April Hendricks of Real Pacific

Most Sportsmanlike team: Oranje

And thanks to our Heavenly Father for allowing us all to play, watch and enjoy the sport of soccer.

ALDERGROVE - IN, ABBY- OUT

Ginny Vanderhorst — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:06 EST

(photo - Justin Meyer) Article co-written by associate writers Jeremy Meyer, Real Pacific and Glenn Visscher who took notes of most of the second half of the match - THANK YOU!)

The last semi-final game to determine fvcsl finalists took place between Aldergrove and Abbotsford, with Aldergrove eking out a 2-1 win and will face Real Pacific on Monday evening to play for league champions. The weather had settled down to a nice summer evening again, though the humidity on the rain-drenched pitch must have been high.

Aldergrove got the first goal of the game after both teams played a cautious opening fifteen minutes. Jordan Langelaar switched the ball from his right foot to his left and lifted a shot that looked to be going wide, but it curled back and snuck in just inside the far post. Kevin Hendricks came on a solo run, singlehandedly going through the Abby team but got in too deep and his shot did not result in another Alder-goal. Abbotsford's Andrew Selles was at the 18, ready and willing to load up and crank a ball that rolled to him ever so slowly but Matt VanderGaag prevented that shot completely. Aldergrove's next great chance came when Edwin Palsma crossed a ball from the corner that Mark Meerstra headed at the goal, but Adam Cender, the Abbotsford keeper flew through the air for a soaring save. Abbotsford evened the score when Rob Beukema, running wide, sent a ball to Stan deHaan, inside the 18, and Stan looked, aimed, shot and scored. More chances came for both teams: Hendricks in on Cender, ready to shoot at the corner of the 6yard box, but suddenly the ball was gone, smothered at his feet by the keeper. Graham Thompson in on Aldergrove goalie Harold Louwerse, who hesitated, allowing Thompson to get around him, but Matt vdGaag saved the goalie and the ball, putting it out of danger. Langelaar had one more crack at Cender when he came in, stutter-stepped and shot, but the save was made by Cender again.

The second half started much the same as the first, with action of note taking a while to get going, (here's where the new press took over with note-taking). Stan deHaan and Andrew Selles came up on an Abby rush and try, only to have Selles chest the ball wide. Graham Thompson did the same with a shot, ripping it wide. Mark Meerstra, coming back for Aldergrove, made a long run up the side, cut into the middle and slashed a shot just wide, followed by his familiar "ououoghghgh!" Aldergrove kept pressure on the Silver Bullets when a Jordan Langelaar free kick to Hendricks went just wide and another Langelaar free kick chipped well onto Colin DeWit's head was just high. DeWit got a shot on Cender as well, from inside the 18, well saved by the keeper and alertly kicked away. Mark Meerstra finally got the game winning goal on a quick passing play with Hendricks in the box and Meerstra snuck his shot just past the keeper. An Abbotsford free kick from right outside the box with 2 minutes left went just wide and that would be it.

Abbotsford certainly had a good year, going from a 4/1/14 record last year to a 10/3/6 record this year. Looking good for next year!

The championship game should be a goodie with both Real Pacific and Aldergrove bringing skill and energy to the pitch. See you there: Monday, Willoughby field, 7:30 p.m.!

LIGHTNING WOWS CROWD

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:48:20 EST

(photo courtesy of Justin Meyer, who has the Most Valuable Photographer award wrapped up.)

Cloverdale played their first game of the season and their last game for this season against Real Pacific, losing both matchups. The semi-final game was not spectacular, but the weather sure was, as a rainstorm complete with thunder and lightning caused referee Brennan to call a lightning delay for some 40 minutes, and spectators oohed and aahed at the awesome display. There was more fireworks over McLeod field than there was in Vancouver tonight, these fireworks, the breathtaking works of God. Cloverdale was outmatched tonight, especially because they did not have bench strength as they had against FC International and they lost 4-1 to the stronger Real Pacific.

Pacific almost opened the scoring after five minutes when Craig Kobes rang a hard shot off the Cloverdale post, begging the question, would this be the tempo of the whole game. But no, the game continued with seemingly little intensity from both sides, and when the game was called due to lightning, this was the one and only good try from both teams. After the 40 minute break, Cloverdale had to battle for the remainder of the half into the head wind that had blown the storm away. George Gunnink tried to ignite his team with a pass to Julian VanDyke but the ball hit the back of VanDyke's head, suggesting the kind of night that Cloverdale had. Mark Bysterveld of RP floated a wind-assisted shot that skipped right in front of keeper Josh VanderPloeg, bounced higher than he expected and flipped just over the bar. MarkB had another try but keeper-Josh stopped the first shot. A defender came to his aid, and tangled up with him, giving Craig Kobes the opportunity to shoot the ball in, over the prone goal keeper.

No half time break was taken and the team switched sides and continued playing. The wind kindly died for Real Pacific, now of no factor. Pacific scored their second goal with a header goal by Mark Bysterveld to an open corner to solidify their lead. George Gunnink tried to reel Real in when he drove into the corner and lifted a shot that Jayden Kuik had to palm up off the crossbar. On the Cloverdale end of the field, Jason Togeretz squared a header from the 18 that went over, but scored later when he stripped the ball off a Cloverdale defender, dribbled, paused, picked his spot and put it in, short side, between the post and the keeper - goal #3. Cloverdale had lost speedy forward Justin VanderPloeg by now, with a knee injury and the team seemed to be sagging. Yet, Bryan Grim took a long shot from his side of half that took a nasty bounce, then went wide. Cloverdale had their best chance of the game so far when Julian VanDyke forced Jayden Kuik to make a diving stop; the ball deflected back to George Gunnink who earned a corner kick. That would be costly to RP as Paul Gaborlik struck a sweet corner kick that curled, untouched, high into the corner of the RP goal. Pacific reestablished their lead with a Kevin Woelders pass to Craig Kobes on the 6yard line and he nudged the ball into the Clover-goal for RP goal #4 .

That would be the final score, 4-1 Real Pacific. Cloverdale was happy with their performance this season, gaining experience and better team play. Young players such as Matt Wendt moved back to defence, scoring prowess from Julian VanDyke and great support from Justin VanderPloeg, backed up by a steady core of veteran players and an eager goal keeper Josh VdPloeg indicate good things to come, according to teamleader Shelley Schoen. Real Pacific continues to power wash over opponents and have made it to the final game.

ALDERGROVE SHUTS OUT CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:24:21 EST

Photos by Justin Meyer. He named this collage "Celtic vs. Aldergrove mash-up" . I call it "Celtic vs. Aldergrove Magnifico"! What a great group of shots! But, the story, the story........

The last game of the quarter-final playoff round matched Aldergrove and Celtic, two of the original teams in the fvcsl, and Aldergrove contained Celtic, beating them 1-0, sending the A-team to semi-final action. These two teams were close all year in the standings. Celtic won both games in the regular season, the May 5th match played in monsoon conditions, the likes of which we have not seen much this year. But Celtic could not win the game that really mattered.

The first half could be best summarized as Celtic scrambling, Aldergrove passing, with many of Celtic's attempts just missing, or just bouncing away, while Aldergrove's just found their mark or just stayed away from Celtic. Aldergrove dipped into their reservist bag for this match, and benefitted from that when Colin DeWit took a free kick almost from the corner kick mark, sent it to the far post and Jordan Langelaar headed it in past Celtic keeper Russ Toet. At the 37 minute mark, Celtic tried and tried to tie the score when a free kick into the Alder-area had bodies flying, and legs flailing, but the ball came out instead of going in. In ther last five minute block, two dangerous balls came near the Cetic goal area, but Toet could grab them both.

In the second half, Celtic dropped their man-to-man play, which allowed them to play more of their own game, and their potential improved, but still without scoring success. Kevin Hendricks, the smoothly calm Aldergrove midfielder certainly had something to do with that, intercepting plays and passes, as did the defensive duo of Matt and Tyler VanderGaag. Jordan Langelaar almost had his second goal when he punted up a high kick that Toet misjudged and over him it went, but the keeper scooted back to bat the ball just off the line and out. Kevin Hendrick's 30-yard left-footer went wide of the Celtic goal and the score stayed 1-0. Celtic surged back with a Stu VanderHorst pass to Glen Visscher but Tyler VdGaag just intercepted that and cranked the ball right out of the park. Tim VanderHoek had a go at Aldergrove, trying to catch up to a John VanSeters pass, but Tyler VdG and Brad VanDelft pinched him out of that play. Burke VanderHorst had is 20yarder go wide, as Celtic pressed, and Aldergrove protected, keeper Harold Louwerse not having to make many saves. Celtic's best chance to even the score came on a 3-on-1 with John VanSeters carrying the ball in; he chose to shoot rather to pass and his hard crack hit the side of the goal. The last 15 minutes did not change the outcome though both teams played hard till the final whistle. No slam-dunk for Aldergrove and they were relieved to move on past Celtic.

Sideline veteran spectators Henk VanderHorst, Tom Wildeboer and Dick Scheper, (who filled this reporter's ear with lots of commentary during the game) observed that the quality of play has improved so much over the years of fvcsl's existence. Games like tonight, with fluid passing, communication, and daring defending all speak for the experience of the players and teams. And it allows teams like Cloverdale to advance to semi-final action, based on their team play, not some fluke. It bodes well for the league's future.

CROSS BORDER CLASH: ABBY WINS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:57:57 EST

(photo - Justin Meyer)

Abbotsford Silver Bullets move on to semi-final action with a win over the Lynden Americans. Lynden finished the season on top of Division 2 (with the Saints in hot pursuit) but did not have the game going their way this time. Perhaps it was because they were missing one of their "Triple Trouble Trio" up front, with Brent Ahrens absent, leaving Nathan Chase and Mark Hicks to do all the running up front, supported by Jonathan Kingma, Darryn Kleyn, Loren VanCorbach and Harvey Pelleboer in the middle. Perhaps it was mostly the long pass strategy that didn't work for them this time. Most certainly it was the brilliant play of Abbotsford goalkeeper Adam Cender, definately "man of the match", who put it a stellar game, stealing balls away from the Red and Blue at will.

It took a while for this game to get some hot action, but it came, and it kept going after that. Erik Estrada set up the first really good try for Lynden with a free kick across the Abby area to Matt Hicks and the ball went hard to keeper Cender who had to punch the ball up and off the crossbar for his first super-save. Andrew Selles went in for a go, running on to a breaking pass, but steady, dependable Laura Faber took the ball right off his feet and out of danger. Abbotsford tested again when Natalie deHaan got good head on a free kick that had the keeper bobbling, then grabbing the ball for another save. Later action had both Stan deHaan and Andrew Selles going hungrily at a loose ball in the Lynden area but neither could get enough meat on it to do the deed. Chase and Hicks put some pressure on the Abby goal, but not with the shots they would have wanted. Rob Beukema gave Silver one more good chance when he cranked a ball through the Lynden area and Stan deHaan cranked it right back, but hit the side of the goal.

Second half scoring was almost opened by Lynden with Erik Estrada carrying the ball, Melanie Beukema refusing to give him any space, but he finally got a shot on keeper Marty VanDriel. The shot got past the keeper, but Mike Broersma alertly cleared that ball off the line and away. Finally Stan deHaan, top scorer for Abby broke the deadlock when a ball rolled into perfect position for his patented left-foot shot and it was too hot for VanDriel. Abby got several more chances as it looked like Lynden was pressing up, giving their opponents more opportunities, none successful. Nathan Chase, top scorer for Lynden had a great chance to score when he broke in but Cender came out with reckless abandon, flung his body at Chase's feet and won the ball. Lynden's bad job of clearing the ball out of their area gave Graham Thompson a chance to shoot for goal, and his hard bullet went right in for Silver's second goal. Shortly after that, the referee settled the game down with yellow cards to a player on each team on different plays, as both teams were pushing hard. Lynden managed to pepper Cender with several good efforts, but the red-hot keeper stole goals away from Estrada and Jon Kingma, even one shot through a very crowded area that he somehow saw and smothered. Nathan Chase finally broke the shutout at the 82 minute mark, getting his team back in the game, and they worked hard to tie it up, but most of their efforts were from out too far as Abbotsford stymied their play making. Chase had one more charge up the wing and he slashed a shot from a sharp angle (see photo), the keeper got a hand on it and deflected it back in to the middle but no one else could connect and no goal to be had. Stan deHaan galloped back to the Lynden end of the field and got a low shot on keeper VanDriel, but he copied his couterpart in the other goal and came up with a brave, diving save to keep his team close. Finally Matt Hick's late game header was grabbed by Cender, ending the match at 2-1 Abbotsford. Exciting match, right to the end but someone has to win, and this was Abbotsford's game.

EPIC UPSET BY CLOVERDALE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:51:03 EST

This title was suggested by Cloverdale players and spectators, and that's just what it was, as they beat FC International in playoff action. Cloverdale dug deep and played as a team, taking a 3-2 victory over Inter. Dan Woelders lamented that his Inter squad were missing a couple of key backliners, but gave Cloverdale full marks for their win.

International opened the scoring at the 14 minute mark when Dan Woelders sprung a dashing Mark Peters, who collected the pass, turned a Cloverdale defender inside-out and slashed a sharp angled pass in to Bruce Mans who scored from in close. Mans added a second goal when he collected a long lob, took advantage of a Cloverdale defensive breakdown and scored again. Kyle Mosterd tried a shot on Werner Engeler of FC but the keeper saw it all the way and made the grab. Mark Peters cruised in on Josh VanderPloeg in the Clover-goal and loaded up a shot but that was blocked well by Matt Wendt. On the other end again, Justin VanderPloeg was robbed of a potentially dangerous ball by wily Will Folstad. In the dying minutes of the first half, Eric Atsma collected a ball inside a cluttered 18yard area, spun and shot but no problem for Josh VdPl. The score was 2-0 for FC International at the break, but Cloverdale did not look out of place.

International tried to score early in the second half when Matt Thiessen fed a soft pass to Bruce Mans, but keeper-Josh said "uh-uh, my ball" and no goal resulted. But Cloverdale got their first goal when Julian VanDyke punted a long ball for Justin VanderPloeg to run on to and drive past Engeler. Dave VandeBurgt had two chances for Cloverdale, one that he blasted into the next field, but the second one was just off the mark. Mark Peters tip-toed along the Cloverdale 18 yard line but his bullet bounced off Blue bodies. Julian VanDyke responded with a Cloverdale try when he spun away from an FC defender but his shot was just off the mark. But VanDyke did not miss on his next try when he lifted a shot from some 30 yards out and Engeler watched it float over his head and into the far corner, for a tie game. After that, Dave VdBurgt, called up from the reserves, but effective in the game tonight, saw a breaking Paul Gaborlik and dealt him a pass but Gaborlik's lunging shot went wide. Dan Woelders came in on an Inter rush but became a Clover sandwich and no shot was possible. International was frustrated by several offside calls as Cloverdale marked their big guns closely and they had little room to work their magic. Mark Peters did manage to get loose enough for a shot but struck it just wide. Jeff Bergen drove another shot in for Inter but VdPloeg saw it and handled it. Will Folstad was awarded a yellow card when he chased down a dashing Paul Gaborlik and knocked him head over heels in the race for the ball. Play got rougher as tension mounted. With about 10 minutes left, Cloverdale's Gaborlik sent a beauty corner kick into the Inter area, and the ball went in off Julian VanDyke's body, followed by an Inter body, for an own goal and a 3-2 lead. international almost got that back when Mark Peters lifted a pass to Dan Woelders which scuffed of his head; keeper-Josh juggled it, and (Cloverdale spectators holding their breath) came down with it right outside the goal line. Inter had two more chances to close out the game, but none that got them back even with Cloverdale and it was victory for Cloverdale.

George Gunnink and Bryan Grim, Cloverdale players of the "veteran" variety grinned after the game, "It sure is nice to have those young guys flying around up the field!" Dan Woelders sighed, "We lost games twice to Division 2 teams, both of them playing to beat us, and they did. Oh well, there's always next year." See you then FC International! Next round, Cloverdale meets Real Pacific.

REAL PACIFIC KNOCKS OUT VALLEY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:40:39 EST

Valley United came off a huge win over Oranje last Saturday but could not get the same result against Real Pacific, and have been eliminated from the fvcsl playoffs. Valley certainly played some of their finest soccer of the year in these matches and showed that they are capable of playing side by side with some of the top teams, even beating powerhouse FC International earlier in the season. Real Pacific only lost two games this season, both to Inter and are in good shape, going on to the next round.

Pacific opened the scoring in the first 10-minute block when they were awarded a free kick in the Valley end. Jason Togeretz squared the ball over to Jeremy Meyer instead of shooting, and Meyer's shot, though stopped by Valley keeper Jason Breukelman wasn't smothered and Tyler Hoeksema was there to tuck the ball under the keeper and into the goal. Valley evened that up when Maurice VanderLinde got a pop-over pass that sprung him into the RP end, and he did a pop-over shot to get the ball above keeper Jayden Kuik and in. Pacific took the lead again, about ten minutes later when Craig Kobes raced up the sideline to win a ball off the end line and passed in to Hoeksema who was in the perfect place, in the keeper's face to direct that pass in. Next rush, right off the kickoff, Valley cut that lead again with Matt Schouten doing the deed, deftly dribbling through a throng of RP players who allowed him to shoot high to the corner. The teams were tied at the break.

The second half started with a lot of tight, close checking, neither team wanting to give the other team any sniffs at the goal. Pacific used the back pass to their keeper often during the game, and used it well, getting opportunities to regroup. But Real Pacific were too much for Valley to contain, and a long, high cross from Tyler Hoeksema went to Jason Togeretz who headed the ball away from the keeper and high into the net. Sean Bredenhof threatened to add to RP's tally when he dipsy-doodled through the Valleyites, pulled the ball back and then pumped a shot off the crossbar. The next couple of minutes saw Yellow cards given to Tylers - Hoeksema of Pacific and Voorhorst of Valley on separate plays. Mark Bysterveld got the last goal for Pacific when he collected in a pass, put a deke on the challenging keeper and shot around him for RP's goal #4. Valley had late game chances without reward, notably one on a free kick that deflected wide off a Pacific player, a Calvin VdLinde shot that went wide and a shot that got past Kuik but rolled just wide.

Well done to Valley for their playoff prowess, and will the Real Pacific tide keep surging?

ORANJE OUSTED BY VALLEY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:03:55 EST

(photo, Justin Meyer)

Valley admits that they don't always bring their A-game to the pitch, but they sure did tonight, toppling Oranje 3/2 on what could be considered to be an upset. "Wow, we don't always play this way, but the win sure feels good!" Oranje had a 2/0 lead but let it slip away, in no small part due to the no-quit attitude of Valley. Both teams had reserve keepers in goal, Max VanLaar for Valley and Tom Sikma for Oranje, but both put in solid efforts for their side.

Mark Sikma opened the scoring for Oranje in the first 10-minute shift when he cannonballed a back pass from the top of the circle into the back of the goal. Oranje added to their lead when Shauna Stam fed a ball to Tom VanderHorst on her left and TomV drove a low shot to the far side of the Valley goal. Valley played hungry and Maurice VanderLinde struck a hard shot on Tom Sikma and had his next try blocked by Tyler VanVliet. Matt Schouten, also putting in a strong game for Valley had a line drive rebound off keeper Sikma with Shelley Sikma clearing that ball out of play. But the subsequent corner kick was well struck and found Jordan Fennema in a crowded Oranje area and he could head the ball in for Valley's opening goal. Tom VdHorst had the next try for Oranje when Mark Sikma squared the ball to him, but his one-timer scooted through the box and wide. And Ron (I'll never get a chance like that again) Smouter, in the middle, at 10 yards, sent his shot over the bar. Tim Schouten struck a super 25 yard free kick for Valley in the dying minutes of the first half when he curled the ball high around the Oranje wall and keeper Tom had to tip the ball out at the corner. So, 2/1 at the break.

Valley's strategy of trying to break out their fleet-of-foot forwards worked for them early in the second half when Ruben Timmerman got loose behind the Oranje back line; the keeper came out to challenge and Timmerman could chip the ball over keeper-Tom and in. Mo VdLinde tried to add to Valley's tally again after that but had his 30-yarder grabbed by Sikma and another shot go over the bar. Oranje dug deep to handle Valley but their efforts were not rewarded with goals. Rick VanderHorst sent a hard shot in that went off the crossbar and off the football uprights, and brother Tom had a (goal written all over it) shot from the side of the 18yard box squib off the (friend of Max) crossbar as well. Jordan Fennema got the game winning goal, and his second of the game when he ran onto a rolling ball that keeper-Tom came charging out to challenge for, but that left a yawning goal mouth for Fennema to shoot at and find. Matt Shouten had a late minute shot that Sikma dove to parry wide. Oranje could not break through the Valley team in the latter part of the game as Valley clogged up their 18-yard area, not allowing Oranje to get shots on goal, though they came with intensity. Oranje had nowhere to go with their shots, Valley protecting their lead well.

Good game for Valley, good game for Oranje, but the team going on is Valley, and the team licking their wounds is Oranje. ON, ON, Valley!

CELTIC SHUTS OUT VITESSA

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:27:01 EST

Celtic moves on to the next round of the fvcsl playoffs with a solid 2/0 win over Vitessa. Both teams were missing some key players, especially Vitessa who could have used their leading scorer tonight and couldn't generate too many quality chances, though not from lack of effort.

Celtic had many chances and many tries in the first half, but they all went over, or wide, or way over or way wide, compliments of Anthony Togeretz, John VanSeters, Keith Wildeboer, Glenn Visscher and company. It wasn't till the 41 minute mark that Celtic got a shot that was actually under the bar and between the posts. Steve VanDelft collected a ball out of a crowded Vitessa area, passed it back to Stuart VanderHorst and his line drive went straight in. Vitessa almost tied the game just before the half time whistle when Brent Marriot shot from the circle and keeper Russ Toet tipped the ball up and off the corner of the bar and the post to keep it out.

Vitessa could not even the score in the second half, though an early header from Henk Colijn was dangerous, but went wide. John VanSeters threatened to score for Celtic when he readied a shot inside the Vitessa 18, but Kevin VanderBoom took the ball and cleared it out of danger, something he did several times in the game. But VanSeters got a second try at the 64 minute mark when he got the ball on the same spot, and this time he pumped it in. After that it was Celtic's Tim VanderHoek - wide, Stu VanderHorst - keeper Tim Erickson dropped to get his hand on the low shot, Keith Wildeboer - header wide. Then it was Vitessa's Brent Marriot hustling to keep a sideline ball in, crossing it to Gary Hovius, but his header went wide. And teammate Ben VandeBurgt rolling a low shot just wide of keeper Toet and his trusty goal post. Those would be the only good scoring chances that Vitessa got in the second half as Celtic protected their lead.

Vitessa looks forward to next year, hoping to bring a core of players that will only improve with the experience of playing together, noting that Celtic brings that team cohesiveness to the pitch every game. Celtic hopes to build on this victory and keep their playoff run going.

McLeod Park

Bored Assistant — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:41:31 EST

Please be advised that the track will be closed from July 16, 2009 to August 31, 2009 for the resurfacing.

There will be fencing up around the track on both sides and the only way you can access the track is via one of the breezeways under the grandstand seating at the stadium. While using the oval field if it happens that one of the playing balls gets kicked or thrown into the construction area **DO NOT RETRIEVE IT** Contact Kelly McGivern at 7350 and advise her of this and she will contact the contractor and we will get the piece of equipment back to you.

Kelly McGivern
Support Clerk
Parks Operations
Recreation, Culture and Parks
Township of Langley
Ph: 604-532-7350
Fax: 604-532-7337

Langley FC Topples Valley

Morris Klos — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:18:44 EST

WILLOUGHBY - Langley FC put together a strong passing game with a strong back line led by Mike Timmerman, and a relentless front line assault by led by Ivan Scheper and Jeff Vandergaag, to earn a 5-2 victory last night. Valley came back from a one goal deficit but even led by a strong showing from Ruben Timmerman and Matt Schouten, they could not keep Langley FC from pulling away in the second half.

The game winning goal was was scored by Jeff Vandergaag at the 3-2 mark, and Ivan's goal (pictured above) put the game out of reach for Valley. Both teams have several exceptional players and fairly equal strength overall, and both spectators and officials commented that the game was exciting and a great show - well worth coming out for a couple of hours mid-week!

PLAYOFF GAME WRITERS WANTED!!

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:56:02 EST

Please try to have someone write up playoff games that your team is involved in. For instance, this reporter is out of town and cannot write up the Saints/Lynden game or the Langley FC/Cloverdale match, but it would be nice if someone would report on those exciting games, don't ya think??

VALLEY "NOT READY TO PLAY"

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:01:47 EST

Those were the words spoken by the Valley tailgate gathering after their 5-0 loss to Celtic: "I guess we weren't ready to play". This from a team that beat FC International 2-1 last month: they must have been ready that game!

The game was barely started when Celtic had their first quality chance: Burke VanderHorst running along the top of the Valley circle with a lane opening, but his shot went just wide. Celtic did score some minutes later on what looked to be a set play when Rob VanSeters dealt a free kick from just inside the Valley half to Anthony Togeretz who was just outside the corner of the six yard area. He passed to Chris Vanderhorst, waiting right in front of the keeper and he headed the ball in for his 3rd goal in 2 games. At the 40 minute mark, Keith Wildeboer was at the top of the Valley box, deked out the dark greens and left-footed a shot past keeper Geoff VanLaar. Valley had some rushes in the first half, but none that really tested Russ Toet's keeper abilities.

Celtic had an early chance to open the second half when Glenn Visscher got a good shot on goal but it was kept out with the combined effort of Geoff VanLaar and cousin Dorothy. The resulting corner kick was blown down when Daryl VanDelft was taken down in the Valley box. He took the resulting penalty kick and smoothly struck the ball into the goal for Celtic's 3rd goal. Matt Schouten tried to ignite his Valleyites when he pressured in the Celtic end but he was covered by a Celtic blanket and couldn't get a good shot away. Maurice VanderLinde tried with a header off a corner kick, but no success either when the ball went wide. Mo tried a combo with Kent Ostermeier when Celtic allowed them to squeeze in but the close-in shot went over the bar. Anthony Togeretz got Celtic's 4th goal of the game when a Chris VanderHorst through ball bounced to A-Tog in the middle of the box, and he found the back of the net. Celtic's scoring was capped by Burke VanderHorst when he broke in on a wide, loose ball and pumped a low shot under the Valley keeper for Celtic goal #5. Matt Schouten had two late shots on Toet, one calling for a good save, and the other going wide. And Kent-O had Toet bouncing as much as the ball was, when his shot deflected, Toet needing to scramble first one way, then the other but the ball stayed out.

Valley has one more game to play, a makeup game against Langley FC, a game early in the season which was called due to darkness. Both teams will want to head into the playoffs with a win fresh under their belts. Celtic has 2 wins in a row, and are ready to 'rock-em, sock-em!

ORANJE FINISHES WITH A WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:51:33 EST

Oranje finished the regular season with a 5-1 win over Crossway, while Aldergrove trounced Bethel 9-0 on the other Willoughby field. Langley FC, in the early game, had to forfeit to Vitessa as they didn't have enough players to field a team, and the teams played a friendly instead. Crossway hopes to finish the season with a win next Tuesday in a make-up game against Abbotsford.

Players on both teams had no reason to complain about playing time, (unless it was too much time) as Oranje fielded only 11 players, while Crossway had 12. Both teams played an energetic game, not using lack of players for an excuse to slow down. Oranje dominated in the first half, and would do most of their scoring in that half. Their first goal came off a free kick which Phil Sikma lifted to his teammates waiting in the Crossway area, but a red shirted player tried to clear the ball out, heading it into Crossway's goal instead, for an own goal. Ben Evans tried to equalize when he intercepted an Oranje pass but his drive careened off Tyler VanVliet, just outside the Oranje 18. On the other end, Morris Klos did his Crossway keeper a favour when he blocked a Rick VanderHorst shot. Mark Sikma got Oranje's second marker when he alertly trapped a Crossway clearance and rifled it straight back at Driscoll and in - no chance for the keeper. Oranje's third goal was the result of a nifty pass from Rod VanSpronsen, running wide, to Rick VanderHorst who one-timed his shot off the crossbar. Leroy vanSpronsen was waiting for just such a juicy rebound, and drove it right back on goal and in. Oranje rounded out the first half scoring when Paul Sikma drifted a left-footer from 35 yards, and it soared high, just under the crossbar and in. A convincing 4-0 score at the break.

Crossway generated more chances in the second half, starting early with Jared Mayer shooting just over, and having a later shot redirected away from the Oranje goal by keeper Ryan Sikma. Red was finally rewarded for their effort when Mike Carter squeezed a shot between the post and Sikma to spoil the shutout. Both keepers came up with good saves for their teams after that. Driscoll on Paul Sikma when he headed a pass from his wife Shelley, but Driscoll made the good grab. Driscoll had help too, when Tom Sikma crossed a ball past the sprawling keeper but Trevor Bodill cleared the ball out of the open goal mouth. On the other end, Sikma had to be sharp when Morris Klos got a good feed but Sikma got a quick hand on the shot to keep it out. Claire Wirtz and Julie Tubbs combined on a Red rush but Sikma stopped their effort as well. Mark Sikma tested Driscoll twice on hard drives but the keeper pushed both shots wide. Rick VdHorst had numerous shots around or at the Red goal, but only one that Driscoll had to save. Morris Klos and Mike Carter each had shots on Oranje that Sikma did have to save. Oranje rounded out their scoring just before time ran out when Leroy VanSpronsen's cross found Tom Sikma lurking at the near post and Tom headed it in for goal #5 for Oranje.

Both teams had solid team efforts, but Oranje takes home a resounding win.

CELTIC DEALT TOUGH LOSS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:38:59 EST

photo, courtesy Justin (Bad-Knee) Meyer. This photo is worthy of MVP for the year. That is "Most Valuable Photo"!

Celtic were looking to redeem themselves after their recent 2-0 loss to Real Pacific, but the horizontal stripes were defeated by the vertical stripes again, this time by a 1-0 score.

Real Pacific admitted that Celtic played a stronger first half, but there were no spectacular chances from either team in the first 45 minutes. Celtic spread the ball through their whole team, handling RP well. Steve VanDelft punted a ball over the Pacific bar and Anthony Togeretz centered a long ball square to Glenn Visscher but GeeVish nodded the ball to keeper Kuik and no goals for Celtic. Craig Kobes of the Red&Whites chased a bouncing ball along the outside but could only get a roller onto a kneeling Green&White keeper Russ Toet and no goal for RP. Tyler Hoeksema tried to change that with a dangerous ball across the box but Joni Versluis had good position on Mark Bysterveld and blocked the pass away. Just before the half, a Rob VanSeters clearance bounced back off Craig Kobes but the riccochet went wide of the Celtic goal and the teams were deadlocked at nil.

Both teams generated more chances in the second half, and Real Pacific did that early, when Jeremy Meyer took a long low free kick that deflected off a Celtic player, just enough to squirt by Toet and the post. 'Own goal', declared the ref as the ball changed direction enough on the way in. Kobes tried to add to that with a shot from the circle that Toet deftly pushed wide. And a header by Stu VanderHorst inside the RP18 was caught by Kuik. Jason Togeretz of RP ripped a shot at the Celtic goal that ended up in the next park and Tyler Hoeksema slashed a ball that found its way through a multicoloured crowd with Toet seeing and saving. Celtic pushed hard and their sustained pressure resulted in Rob VanSeters laying a juicy pass into the 6-yard box. Tim VanderHoek slid to connect but the ball skimmed over his foot and out. RP played a very unselfish game tonight, but along with other Celtic mates, Daryl VanDelft played a strong game on the Celtic defence, his headers numbering in the double figures, to stymie RP's efforts. Both keepers played great as well, challenging for loose balls, and being in good position to take scoring chances away. Kuik had help with that though from Glenn Visscher, when Keith Wildeboer lined up and cranked a hard shot that pounded off fellow Celt, Visscher's body to stay out. And Kuik got help from April Hendricks as she got her head on a Stu VanderHorst cross, taking the pass away from a waiting John VanSeters. Toet made a great grab off a rising shot from JayTog to keep his team in the game. The game saving goal though, came when Glenn Visscher was sprung loose by Burke VanderHorst and Jayden Kuik had to be good to read the shot, get in position and punch the shot wide.

Both teams needed team efforts in this tough battle. Real Pacific ended up being rewarded with a win, a result that both teams deserved.

REAL PACIFIC PADS THEIR LEAD

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:34:13 EST

Real Pacific increased their lead atop Division1 with a 2-0 win over Celtic, aided by Abbotsford who tied FC International 1-1. Real Pacific has only been beaten twice this season, both times by FC Inter, and Celtic would have liked to add their name to that win column, but they will have to wait till July 6th when they meet RP again and hope to get revenge.

This game took a while to get spirited, but it did get that, with lots of physical stuff (sometimes too much) from both sides. Though there were some attacks and shots from both teams in the first half, the opening goal of the game did not come till the 32 minute mark. RP's Jeremy Meyer passed a ball to the far corner for Mark Bysterveld to run on to. Mark got a shot on Celtic keeper John VanSeters who blocked the shot out, but Craig Kobes was waiting for the loose ball and attacked the near post and VanSeters, clipping the ball over the goal line. Stu VanderHorst struck a free kick for Celtic that had potential to tie the game up but the shot was kept wide of the mark by Pacific (see photo). Stu V had a heads-up chance just before half time when he caught keeper Jayden Kuik napping way off his line, and he drove a 45yarder that Kuik had to hustle back for but the ball drifted just wide.

Some serious rainfall started just before half time, and that affected the quality of play during the second half as players had to adjust to the slippery turf. An early Real corner kick was headed just wide by Peter VanBrederode, and moments later a tic-tac-toe play between Anthony Togeretz and Glenn Visscher went off the football upright, plays that got both teams back in the game. And a Tyler Hoeksema/Chris VanderHorst shoulder to shoulder rush towards the Celtic area resulted in a RP corner kick but no goal. Mark Bysterveld retrieved a ball deep in the Celtic corner and passed it to Craig Kobes but he punted the ball over, for still no goal. RP set up their second goal of the game with a patented RP play when Jeremy Meyer saw a breaking Craig Kobes running wide. Meyer fed Kobes the ball who saw Tyler Hoeksema breaking in as well (there's never just one RP player breaking in) and Kobes gave the pass to Hoeksema who scored from in close. Meyer tried to get his own goal when he came hard into the side of the 18yard area, but keeper VanSeters came out just as hard to steal the ball away with a sliding grab. Celtic worked hard and dug deep to try to break the shutout, but it was not to be, and the game would end 2-0 Real Pacific. Quite an even game really, but Pacific scored on two good chances, while Celtic had trouble getting that quality finish.

ALDERGROVE BACK WITH A WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:01:55 EST

Aldergrove probably thought, "well, if that know-it-all reporter knows anything, then we're due for a win again", so they did that, getting a 2-1 win over Oranje. Aldergrove had Jordan Langelaar moved up from the reserve squad, and he gave them spark up front, as well as creating options and space for Kevin Hendricks what with Oranje needing to mark Langelaar.

Aldergrove had test shots on Ryan Sikma in the first couple of shifts, one where Colin DeWit picked his way through Oranje for a soft shot and Matt VanderGaag getting a long floater in for Sikma to grab. Oranje followed that with a shot that was anything but soft or floating as Rick VanderHorst rifled a 35 yard bullet that zoomed into the top corner - no chance for Brian Meerstra. "That's a Shot!!" exclaimed a spectator! Kevin Hendricks had a couple of even-up chances, one stopped by the head of Sue Dehaas before Tyler VanderGaag got Aldergrove on the scoresheet when he skidded a shot up off an Oranje foot. The ball popped up to Sikma, who thought he had the ball but didn't have enough touch on it to keep it out. Sikma followed that up with a good save off a Hendricks shot that he parried wide and away. Justin Meyer had a chance when he skinned an Aldergrove defender: Meerstra came out to challenge and stopped the first shot and crawled to gather in the followup shot. Jordan Langelaar had a chance on the other end but was hampered and prevented by Mark Penninga, who turned his ankle on the play and had to leave the game. Matt VanderGaag drove an Alder-shot shot wide before Oranje's Meyer had another tough try on Meerstra with the shot deflecting back off the keeper. Steve Koning cracked the ball back but sent it over the bar. One last first-half try for Oranje came off a corner kick: Meerstra ("no respect for his own body", muttered the sidelined Tom VdHorst) dashed out and brazenly threw himself at the feet of Rod VanSpronsen who was settting up a big shot and took the ball away. Tied at the 1's at the break.

The second half had an early shot from Jordan Langelaar go straight to a Sikma in the middle of the goal mouth. At the other end, Rick VdHorst took a shot from the top corner of the 18 box that Meerstra had to push over the bar. Off the following corner kick, Rod vanSpronsen snapped the ball wide of the near post. Steve Koning of Oranje drifted a 25 yard riser for Meerstra to catch, but followed that up with a yellow carded offence for a tackle on an Aldergrove player. Koning also had a goal negated when the ref called him for pushing on a shoulder to shoulder grapple with an Aldergrove player. Justin Meyer tried to put Oranje ahead with a twisty-turney shot that went wide, but he hurt his knee in the process and had to leave the game. With Oranje now reduced to only one spare, many players started to run out of steam. They could no longer win the battles for the 50/50 balls and Aldergrove took advantage. Edwin Palsma won one of those balls in the Oranje end and got it back to Matt VdGaag but his crank went off the bottom of the post and stayed out. Kevin Hendricks took advantage of another scrambly moment in the Oranje area when he poked a loose ball into the goal for a 2-1 score. The lead held and Aldergrove are back in the win column, while Oranje has 2 losses in a row, something they haven't had since May 9th. They'll need a healthy lineup to get back on the winning track. Aldergrove may be starting to gel at the right time in the season. Time will tell.

REAL PACIFIC DRAW ORANJE BLOOD

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:56:55 EST

(photo by Justin (Toothless-wonder) Meyer)

It was the wrong game for Oranje to be stuck with a small bench, having players on holidays, at graduations and nursing a nasty ear injury (Tom VdHorst) and extracted wisdom teeth (Justin Meyer). Not enough fresh Oranje legs to keep up to those RP young legs.

Real Pacific came off the opening kickoff with a chance that Brittani Heetebry had a chance on inside the 6, but she fanned on the spinning ball and it was cleared away. Mark Bysterveld had to fly to catch up to a Real clearance but his shot went off the football uprights. Oranje had equally as many chances as Real in the first half, but Rod VanSpronsen and brother Leroy had shots that went over or wide, while Rick VanderHorst's shot was deflected wide by a diving Jayden Kuik. At the 30 minute mark, Tyler Hoeksema made a heads-up play when he had a good look, saw Craig Kobes in position for a pass, sent it right to him, and Kobes put the ball between Ryan Sikma and the near post. Pacific plays a wide field game, always sending in the long cross to an open player on the far side. Yet, Oranje played them evenly in the first half, and started the second half with confidence.

RP pushed hard from the get-go in the second half, and Craig Kobes tried to set up Hoeksema with a back pass. Tyler bazookaed a shot straight at Sue Dehaas, who took one for the team, blocking the shot with her body. A short while later, an RP cross came to keeper Ryan. He deflected the ball up, and it came down right to Dave Rolleman's head, who nodded it in for RP's second goal. Oranje tried to bounce back from that with up-field pressure, but when a Craig Kobes/Mark Bysterveld rush ended up with a MarkB goal to the far corner, it started to look like the beginning of the end for Oranje. They got shots at the goal, but not enough on the goal, but "RP closes the gap so quickly" lamented an Oranje player, not giving them time or space to set up the shot they really wanted . And generating their own chances with their quick transition game. Mark Sikma had one more crack at ruining the shutout when he got a shot through an oh-so-crowded RP area, but Kuik could snag that shot. A slow Oranje backpass to Ryan Sikma was stolen and exploited by Craig Kobes when he could rush the keeper, intercept and had Ryan beat and the open goal to fill, with his 2nd, and Real Pacific's 4th goal. Though Leroy VanSpronsen and Rick VanderHorst both had shots, they went wide, something that happened frequently during the match. JasonTogeretz had a spin and shoot drive go straight into a Sikma smother, and that would be about it. A lopsided victory for Real Pacific.

Oranje probably deserved a better fate than 4-0, but the best team won the match tonight. So ends their winning streak at 6 games, while Real Pacific got their 4th win in a row.

Lynden v. Real Pacific

Reuben Moes — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:50:21 EST

The game started off with Lynden applying pressure, with a Matt Hicks’ chip over the goalie, only to be stopped by a sprawling defenseman. That rush was followed by a hard shot by Ranelle Faber that was also blocked by the defense. Real Pacific answered the initial Lynden pressure with a couple of their own long shots, keeping Lynden’s keeper on his toes.

A very fast 2 on 1 for Nathan Chase and Matt Hicks was stymied by a faster Peter Vanb. The resulting corner kick was right into the box and headed just over the bar by a leaping Erik Estrada.

The first goal of the game came shortly after when a pass to Nathan Chase was headed through the Real defense for an Erik breakaway that he hit past the on-rushing keeper. 1 to nil Lynden.

20 minute lull.

About 20 minutes later came the next chance on a goal when Craig Kobes sent in a high cross to Shane Boes, whose header went just over the crossbar. Another rush from Real Pacific, who started to go on the offense, was slowed as a charging Marty VanDriel smothered the ball at the feet of Boes. And just as easily, the momentum switched again, with shots from Lynden, and a close call off the foot of John Kingma.

With the last sub of the first half off, Real Pacific turned it up a notch with big Jeremy Meyer hitting a bomb that exploded off the crossbar. A late corner kick by Real ended up bouncing to David Vdg., who put a short pass into the “Jeremy Meyer Zone“, who in turn unloaded another heavy shot, this time hitting the far post. Lynden survived the last five minute onslaught, with the help of Mr. Woodwork to keep them ahead in the game.

The 2^nd half began with Real, still excited from the last five minutes, flying out of the blocks. Lynden’s top scorer Chase is on the sideline nursing a right knee. Real comes up the field again, with some great passing, ending up with Craig Kobes sending in another long tester that Marty had to be careful with. Shortly after a long cross from Dave Rolleman gets controlled by Meyer, who turns, fires, but hits the post again! Craig attempted another long shot, this one curling hard, but Marty was there again, tipping it over the net. More hard work from Real earns them a free kick, which pinballs inside the eighteen yard box until cracked at the net by Peter Vanb.- just wide. Finally Real, with a long pass, a flicked-on header into the 18 yard box, and another header by a flying Kevin Woelders, puts the ball over the keeper and into the net to tie up the game.

Lynden answers the goal with a hard rush the other way, with Matt Hicks beating the charging keeper to a loose ball, and chipping it over him, only to have it bounce past the outside of the post. But for all the hard work, it only takes one mistake: a Lynden handball inside their own eighteen, which ended up in a penalty kick and a goal from Jason T. 2-1 for Real.

Lynden, instead of admitting defeat, is re-energized knowing they must score. A hurting Chase was subbed back in, and nearly scored off a loose ball from a corner kick, but was stopped by a defenseman inside the 6 yard box. Real answered with a Woelders shot that went high. Craig also sends a bullet from the left side, that gets stuck in the side netting. Real continues to push Lynden back with more shots and pressure.

Last subs are called, and it looks like Lynden has had it. But then the tide turns again. A cross from Andrew a.k.a. “Howie” ends up going to Erik, who turns from a Real defenceman and gets taken down inside the 18 yard box. A penalty shot is awarded. Howie is given the green light to tie it from the dot. He delivers a hard low shot to the right side of the net, but a completely horizontal Jayden Kuik gets both hands on it and makes an amazing save to win the game.

The exciting and fast game, well reffed by M. Klos, ends in a 2-1 win for Real.

ALDERGROVE TAKES A TOUGH LOSS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:06:40 EST

Aldergrove has had trouble with consistency of late, having a run of Win/Tie/Win/Loss/Win/Loss in the month of June, with their recent 4-1 loss to Celtic. The race for Division 1 supremacy is still between FC International and Real Pacific, but the next 4 teams are neck and neck, and interlocking games take on huge proportions. Celtic played this way, and gave Aldergrove almost no room to set up and score, while bagging 4 themselves.

The first shifts of the match were tight as both teams tested the other, with even chances on the net, no goals to be had. But Celtic's Chris VanderHorst found the opening they needed when he pushed the ball up the wing, Tim VanderHoek charged up with it, and made the perfect cross in to Burke VanderHorst and John VanSeters, on the doorstep of Brian Meerstra. VanSeter's ball to finish and Meerstra had no chance to keep it out. Daryl VanDelft made a Celtic run and long lob from the sideline but the ball went through the Alder-area and out the other side. Anthony Togeretz tried the same run and shot from the same spot, but his low drive did the same as Daryl's unsuccessful lob. Mark Meerstra, playing in only his 4th game of the season, added some hop-skip-and-jump to the Aldergrove lineup, but his chase down of a bouncing ball was one that Russ Toet could control and cradle. Towards the end of the first half, Glenn Visscher broke up an Aldergrove attack, countered on his own but his shot went to Meerstra. Matt VanderGaag drew his team even with Celtic when he and Russ Toet challenged for a loose ball. It seemed that Toet had won the race, but VdGaag put it over him and into the open goal. Celtic came right back at them off the following kickoff when Togeretz made a great run up the wing, with Chris VanderHorst open for a pass, but A-Tog had a clear lane to shoot and he did, and he scored, for a 2-1 score at the break.

Celtic kept pressure on Aldergrove in the second half, and forced them to move the ball before they were ready, time and again. Nathan Moes drifted a long early shot over the Celtic bar, and Keith Wildeboer countered with a pass that grazed off the head of Togeretz to Meerstra. Celtic had a free kick a while later, that they took before Aldergrove was ready. No goal resulted from that shot, but the following interplay left a ball open for Rob VanSeters to crank a 30-yard blast that caught Meerstra and his team flat-footed as the ball made it through and in the unguarded corner. Minutes later, Tyler VanderGaag took a potential goal away from Togeretz when he intercepted his line drive. Yet, A-tog would find the back of the goal again, when a corner ball came in along the ground; Aldergrove did not get a chance to clear it before Togeretz cranked it in.

A solid, team win for Celtic, and a confidence builder. Aldergrove faces Oranje next, another of those big Division 1 games.

VITESSA BOW TO CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:09:08 EST

This (absent) reporter's notebook was thrust into the hands of spectator Julia VanLaar with the plea, "take lots of notes so this game story can still make it on the website". This, Julia did, and what follows is a summary of her observations and recap. THANKS JULIA - YOU'RE HIRED!

Celtic opened the scoring in the first 10 minute block when Burke VanderHorst got his team's first goal of the game, and his first goal of the season. This caused his wife MaryAnne to exclaim, "He finally did something good for the Celtic, finally earning his salary!" Ben VandeBurgt tested Celtic's keeper Russ Toet with a shot on net from a free kick but it went straight to Toet. Celtic's second goal game off a pass from Anthony Togeretz to Stuart VanderHorst who tipped the ball on to Chris VanderHorst, and he put the ball in the net. Gary Hovius had a Vitessa shot go wide but that was followed up more successfully a while later when Ben VandeBurgt scored off a Vitessa corner kick rebound to make the score 2-1. Both teams had several more chances while completing the first half, but there were some slip-sliding issues as the pitch was wet from a recent shower.

The second half took a while to get some excitement going, causing rookie reporter Julia to note that "Krista Scheper has cool red cleats, Stu's shorts do not match his jersey very well and a Vitessa player has red socks that clash with his burgundy jersey". Tempo and intensity picked up in the second-sub block, a little too much so after a Vitessa shot that went over the goal. Russ Toet collided with Marcus VanNoort and was given a yellow card for his actions, and a penalty kick awarded to Vitessa. No goal was scored off the PK,with the ball ringing of the post instead. The ensuing Celtic trash talk resulted in referee Mike Wagner giving them a stern talking to about their play, both physical and verbal. Play settled down again and after Burke VanderHorst's shot on goal just missed, John VanSeters scored a nice goal. "He tipped it just around the keeper - definitely not a bullet of a shot, pretty slow" giving Celtic a 3-1 lead. Vitessa pushed on though, and Marcus VanNoort drew them back to within one when his shot just slipped through the fingers of Toet. John VanSeters reestablished the 2-goal spread shortly after that when he scored again to make the score 4-2. Gary Hovius headed in on a Vitessa breakaway but his shot went straight to Toet, protecting the lead. Final score: hard working game, with Celtic winning 4-2.

Last notes submitted: "Julia VanLaar did NOT write this. The writer remains ANONYMOUS! (please....)" Oops, too late Julia. Thanks though, and keep up the good work. (GV)

PACIFIC WAVE CONTINUES

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:53:58 EST

(photo courtesy of Justin "Shutterbug" Meyer)

Real Pacific kept their winning streak going when they won their matchup against Aldergrove at McLeod field, the Red/White Stripes beating the Blue/White Stripes for the second time this season. Spectators found the game to be fairly physical as both teams were in it to win, but referee Darryn Kleyn let them play for the most part, though one penalty kick was awarded and one yellow card given out.

Aldergrove found themselves in a hole before the game was 25 minutes old, when RP scored twice. The first goal came when Aldergrove missed a chance to clear a ball out of their area, giving Jeremy Meyer a chance to score instead, and this he did. Pacific's second goal was generated from a corner kick; big scramble in front of the goal, many bodies, lots of different coloured stripes, but Peter VanBrederode managed to squeeze the ball through all those bodies and in. Jayden Kuik was called upon to make a couple of good saves, one of the foot of Edwin Palsma inside the 18, and Kuik made the brave and successful challenge. Glen Hamelin tested Kuik as well, but the keeper dove to push the ball wide. Aldergrove was awarded a penalty kick after a bump or two inside the RP 18, and Colin deWit had Kuik guess the wrong way, and scored. Kevin Hendricks treated the fans to some gymnastics when he tried to get to a backline ball that Kuik was scrambling for as well, and Hendricks did a handspring over the keeper to avoid a nasty collision. Nice move, Kev! Aubrey vanderGaag got a chance close in but his shot deflected off the prone keeper, and stayed out, leaving the score 2-1 at the break.

Aldergrove tried to dig themselves out of the aforementioned hole with energetic play and ball movement and Nathan Moes jumped up regularly from his defensive position to try to help generate scoring chances. Michelle deHaas moved a ball crisply up the sideline for Matt VanderGaag, but his shot just missed the mark. Tyler Hoeksema of the Red/White Stripes hustled up his wing, settled a bouncing ball and shot straight at keeper Brian Meerstra. But Aldergrove had another clearance problem with lots of attackers and defenders. Mark Bysterveld took advantage of the confusion and banged in RP's third goal. April Hendricks added her own threat when she came in under a floater but Meerstra grabbed that out of the air. (Tom VanderHorst took the rest of the notes - thanks Tom). Bysterveld tried to add to his team's tally, once set up by Sean Bredenhof, but Meerstra made three successive saves, one in the brilliant column. Kevin Hendricks could not convert on a close volley, the same for Meyer who would like his close-in-over-the-bar-challenged-by-Meerstra shot back. Meerstra did the same when Hoeksema came in on another long, speedy rush but Brian wouldn't allow a good shot.

Final score, Real Pacific 3, Aldergrove 1. This result boosts Pacific ahead of FC International and gives them sole possession of first place in their division. Aldergrove and Oranje are neck-and-neck.

ANOTHER LOSS FOR LANGLEY FC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:42:56 EST

"We're not getting frustrated with each other, and that's a good thing. But we are getting frustrated with the number of losses this year', sighed Dave Doornbos. Once a league powerhouse, Langley FC is struggling to regain that form,but it is eluding them. Oranje players commented that the Yellow side was playing a much stronger, more unified game then when they met back in May, a 4-0 win for Oranje. But the outcome was still an Oranje victory, this time with a 3-1 score.

Langley has had to use Jeff VanderGaag in the back line, to replace Wes Driegen, out with a knee injury, and while Jeff plays a stalward defence, they could use a Jeffie-clone up front where they need his scoring touch as well. The Scheper trio of Ron, Ivan and Derek tried to generate offence and chances, and they did, but none that made it over the goal line. Justin Meyer had chances to add to his growing goal total, but didn't manage that tonight, but he did roll a ball through the Langley crease that AnneMarie VanderGriendt was very close to nudging in. Tom VanderHorst followed that up when he ripped a Leroy VanSpronsen centering pass just barely wide. After Steve Koning gained a corner kick at the 24 minute mark, Phil Sikma struck the ball into an area filled with lots of heads, with Mark Sikma power-heading it in, for Oranje goal #1. Jeff vdGaag and John Zietsma traded timely defensive clearances and Derek Scheper came close to equalizing but just couldn't quite connect on a ball in close, so still no goal for Yellow. Rod VanSpronsen crossed a ball in to a calling Rick VanderHorst, and Rick smoked a screamer that Driegen parried just wide and kept out.

Oranje would potentially wear Langley FC down in the second half, having 7 spares compared to Langley's 2, and that did happen, especially when Oranje hemmed Langley into their end for the beginning stretch of the second half. Sue Dehaas generated an Oranje rush that ended up going to Rick VdHorst: this time he shot a bullet that keeper Daryl Driegen got his hands on but the shot was too hard and too high, and tipped in under the bar. Oranje followed that up with much buzzing around in the Yellow area, with keeper Daryl doing his own buzzing . He had help from his team with Jeff VdGaag and Greg VanPopta both sacrificing their bodies to take shots away. Take shots was good team strategy for Oranje and Leroy vanSpronsen was rewarded when his 25 yard shot looped high, into the lights and dipped down just over Driegen and under the bar for goal #3. Derek Hoogerdijk had a great chance to score when he lifted a shifting shot on keeper Ryan Sikma that Ryan had to alertly bat over the bar for no goal. Yellow mounted pressure but no rewards, but Tyler VanVliet was given a yellow card on a tackle from behind when trying to shut Langley down. Langley was finally rewarded with a goal when Ivan Scheper crossed a ball into a crowded Oranje goal area, and Matt VanderHorst chipped the ball in over Sikma. More chances came from both teams, but none that resulted in goals, and the final result was 3-1 Oranje.

"Always fun to play Oranje!" "Always fun to play Langley FC!" "Always fun to ref these two teams!" "Always fun to watch these two teams!"

INTERNATIONAL BACK ON TRACK

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:58:48 EST

FC International bounced back from a surprising loss to Valley United with a lopsided 6-2 win over Celtic. "We were determined not to have the same outcome as we did against Valley", remarked Dan Woelders, who gave credit to Valley for playing them well. "We know that Celtic has a strong defensive side to their game and we would have to come at them hard". Yet, Celtic matched them step for step in the first half, once they got over their opening game jitters. The play was testing, testing, testing each other, sometimes feisty,with referee Mike Wagner having conversations with players on both sides at certain moments in the half. Yellow cards were even given to Jason VanDelft and John VanSeters of Celtic and Adam Woelders of FC Inter during different stages of the match, showing an intensity of play on the field, but not dirty play.

The Mark Peters/Dan Woelders combo tried to open the scoring with an early rush that was broken up well by the Celtic defence. A short while later, Celtic's Rob VanSeter's lofted a juicy free kick in toward the Inter goal that Glenn Visscher headed on to the keeper on the goal line, but the subsequent jostle by John VanSeters earned him his yellow card. Russ Toet, keeper for Celtic was tested several times in the half, but was up to the challenge and made good saves, notably off of shots from the aformentioned "dangerous duo". The teams were tied at the half, realistic of what happened on the pitch.

So, what happended in the second half? What did Inter say to each other during the break? Whatever it was, it worked as they set Celtic back on it's heels for several shifts and broke the game open wide. Mark Peters started the onslaught when a ball came into a crowded area, squirted out to him, and he nailed a good low shot to the far post. Minutes later, Peters broke through, had Toet at his mercy but showed none with a low shot to the corner again. Celtic tried to mount back, with Tim VanderHoek getting a shot in on Werner Engeler that dropped into his waiting arms, and a set up to Anthony Togeretz that Engeler won the race to nab. Peters showed pure skill when he won the ball back for Inter, outran the Celtic Defenders and beat the keeper with another great shot, and a 3/0 lead for the Blacks. Jeff Bergen tried to get onto the Inter scoresheet with a ball marked for the back of the goal, but Keith Wildeboer headed that shot away to keep the game at 3/0. Peters, the scoring machine of the evening, seemed to get through Celtic at will, stole a ball at the center line, outran Celtic, had Toet eye-to-eye and picked the open corner to score again. After that it would be an undefended Bergen who would score with a turn-and-shoot goal that went over Toet. What's happening? The first half, so even? Inter again, this time Dan Woelders taking advantage of a bad Celtic clearance, deep in their end, and a willing DanW put it deep in their goal for 6/0. Celtic finally gave themselves a shake to demesmerize themselves and try to get back in the game. Steve VanDelft set up the play that broke the Inter shutout when he delivered a nice ball for Anthony Togeretz to run onto and A-Tog cranked the ball over a hapless Engeler. Minutes later, Engeler made a sloppy goal kick that Togeretz intercepted and drove the ball right back at the keeper and in. Celtic seemed pumped and came on with renewed pressure. Toet settled down as well, and faced down DanW's two touches on the ball with two saves. But several more rushes and shots by Celtic could not reduce the Inter lead, and the game ended 6-2.

Definately a game of two halves: first half 0/0, second half 6/2.

ORANJE: STRONG START AND WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:03:39 EST

Justin Meyer found his scoring touch and used it to the max in a decisive 6-1 win over Vitessa, with Meyer notching 5 of the Oranje goals. (I believe that's a fvcsl individual record, but I stand to be corrected.)

Three minutes into the game, Tom VanderHorst, deep in the Vitessa corner, lifted a long cross to Meyer beyond the far post, and Justin made a great nod to head the ball back across the goal area and in. Meyer had the jets going all evening and capitalized when he burst through the Vitessa back line to sprint onto a loose bouncing ball which he settled and slashed in. Meyer's third goal followed closely when Leroy VanSpronsen crossed the ball from the sideline into the middle of the goal area and the middle of Meyer's head. Goal! The virtual hats were thrown onto the field to celebrate the natural hattrick, but Meyer was not finished yet. Tom VdHorst punted up a long break-out pass that Meyer exploded through and onto again, and put his shot through the outstretched arms of Tim Erickson, the Vitessa keeper. Vitessa was not without their chances but even with Alan Schouten joining the rush time and again, they could not generate shots that were scoring chances. Oranje, on the other hand, notched a 5th goal when Phil Sikma cracked a 25 yard free kick that the keeper had to bat out, but brother Mark was right there to head the ball in. Shauna Stam had a chance to add to the Oranje tally when she one-timed a pass out of mid-air but knocked her "serious pow" (sideline comment) just wide. James VdBurgt of Vitessa went for a serious challenge through the Oranje line, but lost the ball in the process. Steve Koning made a hard run for Oranje to save the ball off the Vitessa end line, but his shot had too tight an angle and the keeper grabbed the ball. Charis Siebenga (see picture) waited for a coming cross but miskicked her attempt and Vitessa stayed off the scoresheet. Just before the half, Tom Sikma, Justin Meyer and Steve Koning were all in the Vitessa circle, but the ball was for Meyer and he buried in into the corner for Oranje's 6th goal, and Meyer's 5th.

After the break, Oranje switched their lineup and postions, concentrated on ball possession, and did not tally any more goals. Vitessa, on the other hand, started getting more shots on goal, but they were all on Ryan Sikma, and he caught them at will, especially on a good agressive run by Ben VandeBurgt with his shot rolling right to Sikma. The best Vitessa shot to this point was taken by Byron Vanderbeek when he got a high, hard shot on Sikma that Ryan had to spike out, away from the lurking Kevin VanderBoom. Brent Marriot of the plum-clad (well, what colour is it?) was in a crowd at the 20 yard line but managed to spin and shoot a riser to Sikma, and still no goal. Alan Schouten, long shot wide. Ben VandeBurgt, riser to Sikma. Marriot and Vanderbeek mounting an attack that was broken up by Rod VanSpronsen. Sue Dehaas squibbing a nice set-up from Oranje teammate Tom Sikma, and she had several more tries as did Shelley Sikma. Finally Vitessa would ruin the shutout when Charis Siebenga set up Ben VdBurgt who curled a pinpoint riser into the top corner. Moments later, Henk Colijn slashed a shot on Sikma that Ryan got his foot on to keep it out, and Tom VdHorst tried to get a last goal for Oranje but pinged it off the post, and that would be game. Strong start, strong win Oranje, 6-1.

(by the way, it's a nice colour, Vitessa!)

-p.s to Morris Klos: thanks for writing up the Valley/Inter game!

Valley Over FC Inter

Morris Klos — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:03:28 EST

Willoughby - Valley United took a 2-1 victory from top ranked first division FC International late Monday night. Matt Schouten opened the scoring for Valley by converting a penalty kick. Graeme Dueck responded for FC Inter twenty minutes into the second half by redirecting a perfect corner kick by Will Folstad. Ruben Timmerman answered for Valley soon after to take the lead which they fought hard to defend. Valley kept FC Inter from pulling out the tie and moved themselves up one position over Crossway to take fifth place in Division Two.

ORANJE OVER CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:57:33 EST

"We always have fun when we play Oranje" noted Celtic's Burke VanderHorst after suffering a hard fought 3-1 loss to the orange clad. "Both teams had lots of good chances, but Oranje had more finish, and Ryan Sikma gave up no rebounds for us to take advantage of." Oranje would agree that Celtic had some of the edge in play at times, but their opponent needed to score more than one goal, and that didn't happen tonight. Jack Dehaas of Edmonton, doing some early scouting for the CanRef soccer tournament in Vernon this August, felt that Oranje getting two goals in the first half of the first half gave them a solid edge and forced Celtic to play catch-up all night.

The first of those two Oranje goals came when Justin Meyer sent an easy roller in to Steve Koning who had time to pick his spot away from keeper Russ Toet and shot it in next to the post. Oranje's second goal was the result of a Rick VanderHorst long, hard lob from 25 yards that dropped in perfectly right under the bar. Ryan (no-rebound) Sikma stole shots away from Stu VanderHorst and later from a Tim VanderHoek/John VanSeters combination but couldn't stop everything. Celtic's Tim VanderHoek pulled a ball off the end line and cranked it into the area and into the goal off an Oranje player. Four Oranje players had their arm up in protest, but referee Mike Wagner told them that the goal was as much a result of that and advised them to play the whistle next time. Both keepers made other timely saves in the first half to keep the score at 2-0 at the break.

Russ Toet of Celtic kept his team in the game in the first 20 minutes of the second half with sharp saves off a Rod VanSpronsen drive, and Tom Sikma well-taken strike and a Shelley Sikma in-close mis-kick. At the other end, Chris VanderHorst bust through from his defensive position with a strong chance but Shauna Stam alertly cleared that away. Both keepers kept that up with saves: Toet on Tom VdHorst, and on Rick VdHorst's free kick. Anthony Togeretz set up Stu VanderHorst with a great pass but Stu lunged in the 6-yard area and just missed the A-Tog gift. Paul Sikma set up the 3rd Oranje goal when he sent a ball to Steve Koning, who chested it down, spun and lofted a high drifter that dropped in above Toet. "It pays to take shots', grinned Koning after the game. No matter what Celtic dished up after that point, Oranje was prepared to dish it out again, and kept Celtic from narrowing the gap, keeping the score 3-1. All the female players deserve commendation tonight. It was a treat to see the likes of a Krista Scheper take on a Paul Sikma, double her size. (?!) Well done!

Great, entertaining game, as always when these two teams meet.

BETHEL BEATEN BY ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:22:04 EST

Bethel, the newest team in the league is "still busy trying to work out our positions, our strengths and weaknesses as well as having a regular lineup", according to Jeremy Wiebe. They played most of the game with 4 female players on the field. The Knights met Oranje, most of whom have been playing together for several years, and who play a clean game, with lots of teamwork. Bethel also had to play with Trevor Schroeder in goal, not their regular keeper, but seems to be becoming that as time goes on. Schroeder did his best for his team in goal, but Oranje managed to get 6 goals past him and his team for a 6-0 victory.

Oranje scored a goal on each of their first two rushes down field. The first was a Justin Meyer cross in to Tom VanderHorst who made a soft chip shot over the outstretched arms of the keeper. Meyer got his own goal minutes later when he sent in a shot that deflected off a Bethel player, away from the keeper and in. Schroeder got some valuable help from his team in front of him, especially Daniel Wagner who headed a long Oranje cross back out of the goal area. At the 25 minute mark, a crowded Bethel end of the field did not stop Ron Smouter from sneaking a low shot through the crowd and in by the far low post. Another Oranje shot, struck well, was just as well cleared by Dan Harvey to keep his team in the game. Shauna Stam had her Oranje shot just miss the far corner, and redirected a late period ball wide as well. Lisa Walgram got a rising shot on Oranje's keeper Ryan Sikma off a pass back from Jeremy Wiebe, but Sikma made the grab. And Tyrus Hawkins set up Daniel Wagner nicely with a back pass but Wagner's shot went wide. Tom Sikma made a slick cross to Justin Meyer who just couldn't quite get his head on the ball, and the other Tom (VdH) rolled a shot along the crossbar and down, with AnneMarie VanderGriendt waiting to punt it in , but missed. Josh Denny-Keys of Bethel got a rising shot on Sikma, but the keeper had a good view of it and made the snag. Oranje played with a lot of ball control, passing a lot in the course of action, stopping Bethel from setting up much of the time.

An early Oranje buildup in the second half saw Tom Sikma get a shot on goal that Schroeder bobbled and Shelley Sikma was in position to pop that one in for Oranje goal #4. Tom Sikma followed that up with another rising shot that the keeper batted down and grabbed. Johnathan Nickel drove a long shot over the Oranje goal, not in the goal, but not long after that teammate Jeremy Wiebe probably had the best Bethel chance of the night when he got a great shot on Sikma but Ryan was on to it, and made the save. Oranje's fifth goal came when they flooded the Bethel 18 yard area, but Tom VdHorst was left alone and kicked the ball in. Ron Smouter iced the Oranje cake when he chased down a ball in the far corner, crossed it back in to Justin Meyer, inside the 6 yard box, and Meyer headed it in.

Daniel Wagner said later that he was enthused about how the Bethel team is improving; their passing is coming along, and they enjoyed the game against Oranje. Oranje, meanwhile, keeps their victory tally growing.

CANCELLED: Crossway vs Abby

Bored Assistant — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:34:12 EST

The 7:00 game at Mouat is cancelled tonight.

CELTIC MOUNTS COMEBACK WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:44:27 EST

"We're not very good at coming back from behind and winning a game" said Celtic Stu VanderHorst, but they did tonight, clawing back from a 1-0 deficit to gain a 2-1 victory over Cloverdale. That gave Celtic a win after two ties and a loss, while Cloverdale had built up a three game winning streak, now ended.

Julian VanDyke, Cloverdale's top scorer, tried to add to his tally early in the game when he got a shot on John VanSeters, in goal for Celtic and that shot came loose to Mike Schouten, eager to connect on the rebound, but no luck. Keith Wildeboer rolled a blast into Clover-keeper Josh VanderPloeg who slid out to smother the ball safely away from the co-attacker Dylan Bredenhof. At the 15 minute mark, Celtic's Burke VanderHorst struck a right footed free kick and curled it around the left side of the wall but VdPloeg saw and saved. Reserve Cloverdale player, Paul Gaborlik showed well when he skinned the Celtic defence and got a shot in, but keeper John made the grab. Cloverdale got the first goal of the game, the one that put Celtic behind, when shrewd veteran Mike Schouten left-footed a free kick at the edge of the 18, around the wall and into the top corner. Stu VdHorst had a chance to equalize late in the half when, out of a scramble in front of the Clover-goal, he drove the ball just wide of the post.

Glenn Visscher opened the shooting in the second half with his first of some 6 great scoring chances but his lob from 28 yards out when high over. Anthony Togeretz made a hard run in on a loose ball but keeper Josh met him at the ball and took it away. Visscher had a hard shot that went straight to the keeper and Dylan Bredenhof curled a hard 20 yard shot just wide. Celtic was taking pretty good control of the ball and the half when Stu VanderHorst scored on a high shot that goalie Josh lunged to keep out. However the play had been whistled dead before the shot due to a hand ball in the Cloverdale area. Stu took the Celtic penalty kick and made no mistake, driving it into the goal to even the score. Now that Celtic had tasted blood, they pushed hard and went for the win. Confusion in the Cloverdale area between the defence and their goalie resulted in Togeretz being in the right place at the right time, on the goal line and popped the ball in to take the lead. Cloverdale tried to reel Celtic back in again, twice sending long outlet passes to Mike Schouten, lurking in the shadows of the dark sideline, and on one, Chris VanderHorst had to make a desperate run back to take Schouten and the ball out of the play. The last 20 minutes or so became somewhat of a shooting gallery for Celtic as they kept most of the action in the Cloverdale end of the field. Shelley Schoen, Matt Wendt and the rest of the Cloverdale defensive corps were kept busy. Good win for Celitc, but Cloverdale is no push over!

FC INTERNATIONAL OVERPOWERED

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:11:21 EST

photo, courtesy of Justin Meyer

F International, tied for first overall in Division 1, met a very determined opponent in Oranje, and went down to a convincing 3-1 defeat. Oranje certainly had an advantage in bench strength, as Inter started with no spares, till Mark Peters arrived in the dying minutes of the first half. Oranje had lots of fresh, eager legs on the sideline, and Peters would lament after the game that the lack of spares on their sideline was part of their undoing.

Oranje started the game strongly and had all the early pressure, repeatedly forcing Inter off the ball and generating their own chances. Oranje had numerous chances in the International end before the Black team had their first shot on goal at the 8 minute mark. Eric Atsma had several tries on the Oranje goal but was stymied by keeper Ryan Sikma or rebuffed by the Oranje defenders. Tom VanderHorst got Oranje on the scoresheet when, running cross-field, he wound up and got a sweet shot into the uppermost corner: no chance for Werner Engeler. Dan Woelders had a chance to equalize when he went in cold on Sikma but his left-footed riser went just over the bar. Oranje notched their second goal when Rod VanSpronsen and Tom VanderHorst burst through the Blacks. Tom drove in a hard shot from the 18 that Engeler got a hand on but the deflection ended up in the net, about the same spot as VdHorst's first goal. Matthew Thiessen got a tricky shot in from the corner that Oranje defenders cleared just over the bar, and a short while later, Jeff Bergen deflected a rolling ball over the Oranje bar. Paul Sikma had a ground shot that a diving Engeler had to push wide, and Mark Penninga, his Oranje teammate almost headed in an Oranje cross that came to him in the 6-yard box. The score 2-0 at the break.

After Eric Atsma played a ball through the Oranje area that no Black player could connect on, Justin Meyer tested Engeler with a soft left-winged riser, and Jeff Bergen tried to set up Mark Peters, International got themselves a goal. Bergen fed a ball to Dan Woelders and he snuck his shot under Ryan Sikma, at the near post. Inter was energized by that and a Black shot had goal written all over it when Sikma deflected a shot up and it came down to him and Mark Peters, both on the goal line, but it was save, rather than goal. Oranje tried to add to their tally with a 30 yard shot from Mark Sikma for Tom VdHorst and his head to run under, but the header went just barely wide. Minutes later, Mark Sikma was given a yellow card on a tackle from behind on Peters. Dan Woelders took the free kick from 20 yards out, and got the ball through to Ryan-S who bobbled, then buried the ball. At the 80 minute mark, Rod VanSpronsen broke through at 30 yards out but rushed his shot, and shanked it wide. Seeking to redeem himself, moments later he ran a diagonal inside the 18, shot back against the grain and caught the low, left corner for Oranje's 3rd goal. A couple more chances from both teams, notably when R-Sikma was jostled but grabbed a free kick shot connection away from Adam Woelders, and Justin Meyer had a shot that Shelley Sikma charged to finish but Engeler batted the ball away.

A big, big win for Oranje. Both teams now have a win against each other. When will they meet again - in the playoffs? Interesting!

LANGLEY/CELTIC SCORELESS TIE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:51:34 EST

(photo-courtesy of Tom VanderHorst)

If a soccer game score is based on corner kicks, it was Celtic 14, Langley FC 2, or there abouts. Yet the outcome of the game was Celtic -0, Langley FC - 0. And the shots on goal were about the same as well, with Celtic getting lots of chances, but not the finish they wanted. It was not as lopsided a game as these opening remarks suggest, but Daryl Driegen, in goal for Langley Yellow, caught an awful lot of balls that Celtic intended to be goals.

Celtic had three corner kicks in succession early in the first 10-minute block that were all threatening but unsuccessful, and that would be the harbinger of things to come: lots of corners, no success. Celtic had the edge in the first half as shots with potential from Burke VanderHorst against the side of the goal, and Anthony Togeretz just wide. John Noort, playing forward again had his offensive try inside the 18 cleared out by Celtic defenders. Derek Hoogerdijk set up the best chance for Langley in the first half, actually in the game, when he lifted a great cross in to the charging Jeff VanderGaag but Celtic keeper Russell Toet was there at the same time to make the snatch.

Celtic started the second half with a strong buildup seeing Joni Versluis making a run and getting a shot on goal, but Driegen nabbed that one, something he did often in the game, taking away any chances that Celtic generated. Anthony Togeretz had several more Celtic chances, one on a nice turn and shoot that went through the area, and another on a breakaway ball that Driegen drove out of danger. Keith Wildeboer almost had a goal for his new (just born) daughter when he charged in on Driegen but the keeper dislodged the ball from his feet and then stole the ball away from an eager Tim VanderHoek as well. Glenn Visscher tried to beat Driegen with a juicy 30 yard lob but Daryl got his hand on it to deflect it off the crossbar and out again. John VanSeters unsuccessful as well.

That was it. Celtic, not enough finish, Langley FC, not enough shots. Still an entertaining game in a 0-0 tie.

ALDERGROVE & ORANJE TIE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:40:27 EST

(photo - courtesy of Justin Meyer)

This game almost didn't take place as the regularly scheduled referee did not show up. But some panic cell phone calls were made and Dave (Save the Day) Doornbos sped over to Willoughby field to get the game going, albeit a late start. Thanks, Dave!! It turned out to be one of those nice,exciting, hard fought but cleanly played games that was a pleasure to watch, to play and to ref, with only a couple of foul calls on each team. The 1-1 outcome was a fair result, though no team ever likes a tie.

Quick action in the first five minutes! Oranje's AnneMarie VanderGriendt pressured the ball loose in the Aldergrove corner, Paul Sikma got the ball and squared it over to brother Mark, who drove a hard shot just off the crossbar and out. Down the field went the play, and Tyler VanderGaag made the same pass for Kevin Hendricks, but Hendricks' hard shot went in. That would be the difference in the first half: Oranje's shot stayed out, Aldergrove's shot went in. Good rushes and hard shots were traded by the teams with Oranje's keeper Ryan Sikma and Aldergrove's Brian Meerstra called on to be sharp in goal. Edwin Palsma, Hendricks, Colin DeWit, and Tyler VdGaag all challenged Sikma but they were just off the mark or Sikma was up to the challenge. Same for Meerstra, who faced down Rick VanderHorst, brother Tom, Steve Koning, Rod VanSpronsen but he was also not to be beaten. Shelley Sikma had a glorious opportunity for Oranje when she was in perfect position in the goal area to head in a cross, but couldn't quite get enough redirect on the ball, and wide it went. Aldergrove's Mel deWit (17 weeks pregnant, and still playing) went down with a painful looking ankle injury that took her out of the game, and the pregnancy/ankle combo will take her out of the season. Mel wryly commented, "It must be God's way of telling me it's time to quit". The last Aldergrove rush by a flying Tyler VdG needed a big challenge and rush done successfully by Ryan S. but he tweaked his ankle on it and pulled himself from the second half.

Same action in the second half, with Tom Sikma taking over the keeper duties for Oranje. Nathan Moes and Edwin Palsma a give and go that Tom-S stopped. Leroy VanSpronsen to Tom VanderHorst, headed to Meerstra. Kevin H., a long hard drive that Tom-S got a hand on. Steve Koning, a crack wide. Tom VdH just wide, same with Rod VanSpronsen, and on it went. But the save of the game surely was when Aldergrove's Kari VanderGaag got a pass square to the middle, and calmly punted a hard volley at Sikma that he had to alertly push over the bar in the 85-90 minute block. Oranje had one last attempt in the dying minutes to tie the score and they did just that when Tom VanderHorst crossed the ball into a very crowded Aldergrove area, and Rick VanderHorst managed to head the ball over Meerstra to make the score 1-1. The ensuing kickoff was quickly whistled down for full time, and the game was over. Well done, everyone!

CELTIC SHOT DOWN BY ABBY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:46:25 EST

Maybe it was the two week layoff that made Celtic look somewhat disorganized, or maybe it was the style of Abbotsford's play that did it, but Abbotsford Silver Bullets played good enough to gain a 2-1 win and more space between them and Celtic in the standings. It didn't help that Celtic had to use forward John VanSeters in goal as Russ Toet was out of town, which reduced their fire power up front, taking away his scoring threat. But full marks to Abbotsford for getting back on the winning track.

Abby's Alan Boeve had the first chance on goal for either team when his shot slanted across the goal area. Celtic matched with their own good chance when Anthony Togeretz made a great cross to Tim VanderHoek in the area, but he just missed the header. So, Stu VanderHorst made a great pass to Tim and this time he connected with a long low shot into the corner of the net. Graham Thompson, who has become quite the quarterback in the Abby midfield, broke Alan Boeve free just over the center line and VanSeters came out to tip the rolling ball away from Boeve. Stan deHaan tested JohnVS but he batted that ball out, with Natalie DeHaan waiting but no go. A-Tog tried another Tim VdHoek setup but keeper Adam Cender was all over that to make the grab. The teams traded rushes, tips and touches with both keepers doing their share especially off of deHaans(s), Boeve, Thompson, Togeretz, Burke VanderHorst. At the 44 minute mark, a long ball was floated to the Celtic area, VanSeters came out but missed the challenge and the wind-driven ball was helped into the goal by Stan deHaan to tie the game.

The second half had lots of scrambly play, with no consistent ball possession by either team. Stu VanderHorst drove a 35 yard shot along the carpet which deflected off another player but Cender made the grab. Tim deHaan got a shot out of a scramble generated by Ardis Kuik but shot wide of the far post. Togeretz got one more shot at the 85 minute mark but couldn't get enough on the shot to beat the keeper. But Graham Thompson was allowed to make a run up the wing and get a shot away into the box that went off a Celtic defender and in. Own goal, otherwise Stan deHaan would likely have done the deed.

Abbotsford has changed their "big-boot-and-chase-it-down" game into one with more passing and teamwork, and it's working for them. Celtic, known for their teamwork, will just have to chalk this one down as "let's learn from this".

REAL PACIFIC TIED FOR TOPS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 23 May 2009 08:50:45 EST

Real Pacific won their Friday night game against Langley FC on Willoughby East field, while FC International was losing their game to Aldergrove on Willoughby West. This brings RP even with FC in the Division 1 standings. (FC was short-staffed, playing with only 10 players due to only one female in the line-up and playing Adam Woelders in goal, but that's another story!)

Real Pacific is a very fast team: everything they do is quick, including their first goal, which came early in the first half. Langley FC complained that Mark Bysterveld was offside, and that the ball did not go in off his foot, but off some other body part, but the ref saw it otherwise, and the opening goal stood. Kevin Stumph was in the lineup for Yellow and generated the first chance for Langley when Jeff VanderGaag flicked the long pass with his head but keeper Jayden Kuik was there to grab. RP got their second goal off a Jeremy Meyer corner kick that came into a crowded goal area, with Pete VanBrederode finding the ball and finishing the play. Stumph carried the ball up on a return play, making 5 or 6 dekes around RPers, but shooting the ball wide. Tyler Hoeksema of Pacific looked to add to his team's tally with a streak down the sideline but keeper John Noort came out to challenge and won the ball. April Hendricks got the third goal happening when she punted a long ball that lofted over the head of Mark Bysterveld right to his feet and his hard low shot went into the far corner. Pacific kept coming and coming and Hoeksema made a run up the sideline, booted a high cross to the far side to a diving Craig Kobes, who headed the ball in: a brilliant goal!

Real Pacific were kept off the score sheet in the second half as Yellow worked hard to keep pace with them and break up their rushes while also trying to create their own chances. A lot of midfield play up and down the field. Langley's rookie Scheper, Derek, started them off well when his 25 yard shot curled into the goal area, but was caught by Kuik. Yellow had switched keepers for the second half with Daryl Driegen coming in, giving John Noort a chance to show his offensive side. Noort contributed to Langley's only goal of the game when Ron Scheper struck a very good corner kick into a crowded area; bodies bouncing off each other, John (Too-Tall) Noort multi-covered, which left the ball for Jeff (I'm a head shorter than John) VanderGaag to head the ball in. Pacific had another good chance in the half with Daryl Rolleman dribbling the ball up the field and over to David VanderGaag, who shot across the box and just wide of the far post.

"A chippy game" was one opinion after the game. Chippy on both sides. Too bad. "That Real Pacific sure is fast and young!" was another comment. "Langley FC has played worse than this, and intends to keep getting better", was also overheard, as they look forward putting together some wins. Real Pacific has the 'putting together of wins' down pat.

ABBOTSFORD STREAK ENDED

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:02:52 EST

Abbotsford Silver Bullets were coming off a two-game win streak, and wanted to add to that with a win over Oranje, but the Orange-clad were out to wipe out the memory of their last game, a nasty loss and it was Oranje that achieved their goal with a 4-2 victory. Stan deHaan, tied as the league scoring leader, was held off the score sheet tonight, and for the first half, so was his team.

Oranje had more of the ball possession in the first half then did Abbotsford, and looked like they might score at will. Tom VanderHorst got the first one when his short side rocket had keeper Alan Cender get a hand on it but not enough to keep the ball out. Stan deHaan tried to get that one back with a determined attack, but keeper Ryan Sikma got a hand on his hard shot, keeping it out. Oranje pressure resulted in their second goal when Tom VanderHorst crossed a ball in to Leroy VanSpronsen, close in, and Leroy could gently head the ball in to the goal - no chance for the keeper. Another concentrated Oranje attack had both Justin Meyer and Rod VanSpronsen in close, with opportunity to score, but Rod was the one to finish the play for a 3-0 lead. Oranje again: this time Tom VanderHorst squaring a pass to Justin Meyer, who turned and left-foot cranked the ball past the keeper. Abby was picking up their game, lest it seem otherwise, sending more midfielders up to put press Oranje. The new 2009 Bullets of Alan Boeve, Brian and Mandy DeWit, Daryl Hofsink and Graham Thompson all contributed to the added pressure, helping out the deHaan gang and the Beukema boys along with the rest of the Abby regulars. Stan deHaan had his best chance in the dying minutes of the first half when he had Sikma beat but rang his shot off the post. The rebound went to sister Natalie, who put too much leg on the shot and it went way over.

The second half was opened with a Tim deHaan quality shot, but a quality grab made by Sikma. Tim deH was stymied again when he ran stride for stride with defender Phil Sikma and couldn't quite get the shot away that he would have liked. Stan deHaan was clearly frustrated, especially when his 20 yard left-footer went wide of the mark. Justin Meyer had a couple of good tries, most notably a hard curler that went barely high and wide. He followed that up with a hard rising shot that keeper Cender pushed away from a threatening Shelley Sikma, and over the bar. Rick VanderHorst had a spin and shoot shot that Cender had to make a super-save on and a Paul Sikma's header off a corner kick was saved by Cender as well. Slowly but surely though, Abbotsford was taking over the midfield play and finally got results. On an Abby rush, keeper Sikma called for the skittering ball, but missed and Alan Boeve had an open goal to bury the ball. Playmaker Graham Thompson had several dangerous attempts go high or wide. But Tim deHaan made no mistake when he was sprung and he broke free to chip the ball over Sikma. Another T-deH point blank shot on Sikma was saved by the keeper. Silver made for an exciting finish , but could not close the gap. The final score, 4-2.

CLOVERDALE SHUTS OUT ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 10 May 2009 08:49:38 EST

"Chalk that one up in the stinker column" muttered one Oranje player. Another one was heard to say, "I sure hope the Canucks are playing better than us tonight" That pretty much summed up the game between Cloverdale and Oranje, as nothing the orange clad team tried got them on the scoresheet.

What did Cloverdale do right? According to George Gunnink, "We clogged up the area, and our midfielders gave us lots of help, blocking lots of passes and shots". Three times Oranje had free kicks and three times the wall took the ball. Any other shots that Oranje could get through the crush were right to the waiting hands of Josh (Big Air) VanderPloeg. Another Cloverdale player concurred with Gunnink: "We have Kyle Mosterd, Julian VanDyke and Joey Zhang up front, and the rest of us just hang back and try to get the ball to them".

Oranje did not look ready to play tonight, and the first couple of shifts were lackluster. Doug Schouten took advantage of that when he deked through and around a couple of Oranje players to notch Cloverdale's first goal. After that the Blue team had very little possession of the ball, only breaking up Oranje play and blocking Oranje passes, resulting in no Oranje finish.

The second half was more of the same, with Oranje trying to put together some teamwork, but not managing to get any consistent buildup. Cloverdale got their second goal, against the flow, when Julian VanDyke came in on John Zietsma and keeper Ryan Sikma and confused both of them to pop a header over Sikma. A deflating moment for Oranje, but it did wake them up and the urgency picked up, but not the success.

Cloverdale's play is consistently improving, according to Shelley Schoen and they look forward to building on this win.

p.s. ( The Canucks didn't play well either.)

LNGLY/LYNDEN: BY DAVE DOORNBOS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 09 May 2009 08:07:48 EST

Bailouts continue apace in the US of A

Last night proved that the bailouts show no sign of abating as fvcsl federal reserve chairman Daryl Driegen, continued to rescue stalwart industry giants Langley FC, who are going through some soul searching times thanks to the global soccer credit crunch. Noted an anonymous Langley FC defender David Doornbos, “the thing is, we’re not used to these grass conditions, and the natural undulations of the field caused some strikingly random ball movements that no one could foresee.” He was also quoted to say that “Langley FC is working hard to get competitive again, slashing it’s workforce in these ‘tough soccernomic times’”, pointing out that at last night’s game, the team only employed 2 women and 11 men, and carpooling to the game in Lynden to save on fuel costs.

In any case, even this leaner and meaner attitude didn’t stop the fvcsl federal reserve chairman from being called upon to bailout his defence again and again. His efforts were most notable in the second half, in one series of ridiculous saves, diving full out to his left to get his hands on the hard shot from a Lynden player, then crawling / scrambling to his left again to dive and get his elbow and ear on the rebound opportunity to close the door. As if this wasn’t enough, later on the chairman back-pedalled furiously on a chip shot, parried it into the air while falling backwards, bounced off the ground in time to volley (like the volleyball way) off the line past the eager forward to his defender to knock out the side.

This reporter doesn’t have the time or the editorial space to detail the numerous charging, sliding, breakaway destroying smothers, nor the leaping corner kicks steals. Suffice it to say, this reporter is almost certain he saw the CEO of certain unnamed auto industry manufacturers lurking around the field after game time, looking perhaps, for a bailout of their own.

The final score was a 1-1 tie of a hard fought battle, both teams played well, although both a little short staffed.

REAL PACIFIC SQUEEZE ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:47:53 EST

Real Pacific is way ahead of Oranje in the fvcsl standings to date, but needed a strong game, a penalty kick goal and a flukey goal to squeeze out a 3-2 win. Oranje knew they would have to run with speed and determination tonight and had lots of spares on the sidelines, giving them fresh legs to keep pace with the young and speedy RP.

Pacific had the first good threat on goal when Mark Bysterveld had a breakaway; Ryan Sikma came out to challenge, forcing Bysterveld to shoot way wide. Tom VanderHorst answered back for Oranje when he gobbled up a loose ball forced by Paul Sikma, but shot over the bar. Tyler Hoeksema generated the first Real Pacific goal on a swoop up the sideline and a cross to the far side of the box to Sean Bredenhof who one-timed his blast into the goal - no chance for Sikma. Bysterveld got another chance in on the Oranje goal, but Sikma took control of his goal area and grabbed the ball away from the Byster-feet. At the 28 minute mark, Oranje pressured the ball loose and Rick VanderHorst blasted a 20 yard shot along the carpet into the far corner to even the score. FVCSL rookie, Tyler Hoeksema created several chances from his outside position but his own shot hit the side of the net, and his cross to Mark Bysterveld's head went off the crossbar. Craig Kobes closed out the half with two tries, one that Sikma punched away, and one that went wide of the mark.

Pacific kept up their pressure early in the second half, with Daryl Rolleman taking an off-balance shot that was off the mark, and Jason Togeretz, redirecting a squared pass to Sikma, who punched the ball wide. Pacific was awarded a penalty kick for (I don't know what), and Jason Togeretz sliced it in for RP's second goal. Pacific got their third goal on a surprise shot that Sikma will surely want to have another grab at. Jeremy Meyer took a very long free kick that touched no one, and drifted unexpectedly over the Oranje goal line. Meyer said after the game that he had no intention to score from that position but felt that the keeper was perhaps distracted by Craig Kobes, running decoy.

Oranje was not going to take that lying down and worked hard to get another goal. Leroy VanSpronsen was unlucky when his left-footed shot went high to RP keeper Jayden Kuik. Craig Kobes was kept off the score sheet when his stone-cold shot was saved by Sikma. Leroy VanS had another crack at glory, but he toed the pass from Tom VanderHorst over the bar. In the last five minutes, Oranje was rewarded with a late corner kick. The ball went into a crowded goal area, with another fvcsl rookie, AnneMarie VanderGriendt getting her boot on the ball and a goal for her team. Oranje was re-energized, and a well-struck free kick by Phil Sikma in the dying minutes had goal potential: Jayden Kuik fumbled the shot, but then bravely and brazenly grabbed the ball away from the pressing Oranje. Game over. Good entertaining, energetic game.

ALDERGROVE 2nd LOSS IN A ROW

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:54:19 EST

(photo by Justin Meyer)

It was a dark and stormy night! No, it was worse than that: dark, windy, rainy, stormy as Aldergrove and Celtic met at McLeod field. The only good thing was that the few fans that braved the elements could sit under the shelter that the grandstand at that field provides. Celtic took the game to Aldergrove and went shivering home with a solid 3-0 victory, their first win ever (?) over Aldergrove in fvcsl play.

Aldergrove started the game with no spare players and it took till almost the end of the first half before they had 2 players to provide some relief. They certainly could have used playmaker Greg Hamelin, as well as Matt VanderGaag and Nathan Moes on defence. Celtic had lots of room in the midfield to set up their offence, while midfield and defence took away Aldergrove opportunities.

Celtic got their first goal early in the game when a hustling Anthony Togeretz scooted to save a ball out of the Aldergrove corner, crossed it over to Burke VanderHorst, who passed to an open John VanSeters. He sent his low shot away from Aldergrove keeper Brian Meerstra and in. At about the 30 minute mark, Aldergrove had their best chance to equalize when a long 35 yard shot by (?...sorry) squirted through Russell Toat's hand, but went wide. Two following corner kicks did not end up in goals for A-grove.

In the opening block of the second half, Edwin Palsma had his best chance of the game for Aldergrove with a long run, but he was closely marked and could not get away the shot that he wanted. Kevin Hendricks and Colin DeWit were also stymied by the Celtic coverage. Togeretz got Celtic's second goal when he collected a great pass from Glenn Visscher, made a left side rush, and threaded the needle with a calm poke that went through/under Meerstra and in. Meerstra made a couple of great saves to keep his team in the game, notably on a point-blank shot from Burke VanderHorst and the same kind of save off another Celtic (I forget who - my brain was starting to freeze). Aldergrove did not get the same pressure on Toat. Just before full time, a Celtic corner was headed smartly off the Aldergrove goal line by Kevin Hendricks, but Tim VanderHoek was ready, waiting and eager to drive that loose ball with a nice shot to the top corner and Celtic had their 3rd goal.

Aldergrove can, and will do better, but tonight was not their night.

Celtic enjoyed their total team win.

BOTH teams enjoyed HOT SHOWERS!

FVCSL WANTS........YOU.......

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:12:14 EST

FVCSL wants YOU to be a SPORTS REPORTER!!

And so does Ginny VanderHorst, who does not want to be the ONLY Sports Reporter.

Coax your most faithful fan to step up, sharpen the old pencil and write up your team's games. It's not that hard. If it was I wouldn't be doing it!! Let's get more info and more variety on this website.

LANGLEY FC SHUT OUT BY ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 02 May 2009 08:42:19 EST

Oranje put together a total team effort in their 4-0 victory over Langley FC. Eager to get their first victory after 3 losses and a tie, they did it in style. Dave Doornbos of Yellow summed the game up by saying, "Oranje earned their good bounces with good effort, and then they made the best of them."

Both teams tested each other in the beginning of the first half, with dependable Ron Scheper of Langley FC getting the first shot on Oranje's keeper Ryan Sikma, but Sikma could see the shot and grabbed it well. Oranje's Rick VanderHorst got a couple of shots that just missed the Yellow mark as did a header by Justin Meyer. Keeper Ryan made a super save when a Yellow free kick went into the area and Derek Hoogerdijk deftly headed what looked to be a sure goal, only to have Sikma lunge to get a hand on the ball and direct it wide. He did the same on the ensuing corner kick. Oranje finally opened the scoring when a Tom VanderHorst shot deflected back off a Yellow defending body and Justin Meyer had the loose ball available to guide into the goal.

The second half was not old yet when an Oranje buildup was carried by Meyer who deked around a Langley defender and keeper John Noort was helpless to stop the pinpoint shot for Meyer's, and Oranje's second goal. Later, Greg VanPopta of Langley worked the ball in from the sideline and finished with a low hard shot, but his effort was directed wide by Sikma. Meyer potted his hat trick goal of the night when he ran up with the ball, crossed it to the wing where a racing Tom VanderHorst gathered in the pass and sent it back to the head of Justin at the far post, who only had to nod the ball in. Langley was not without their chances and Matt VanderHorst made a desperation shot from the sideline, only to have it go just wide. Oranje was relentless though, with their pressure and Rick VanderHorst left-footed a shot from the top corner of the 18-yard area: Langley keeper John Noort made the initial stop but an eager Leroy VanSpronsen was in his face to bop the ball over the line for Oranje's goal #4. Langley Yellow did not quit and their midfield kept trying to get the ball to tightly marked Jeff VanderGaag, whose best try was when he managed to slash a hard shot from the left side, but Sikma got his foot on it to keep the ball out.

Oranje, happy with their solid win. Langley FC unhappy with the loss, but a clean game between two teams who respect each other.

CELTIC AND ORANJE TIE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:39:47 EST

Celtic and Oranje played to a 1-1 draw in a game that was marked with lots of midfield play, evenly matched teams, and clean competition, the only exception being Phil Sikma who went down on a hard collision in the second half, and had to deal with "cobwebs" as he sat out the rest of the game.

These two team enjoy playing each other, knowing that the atmosphere on the pitch will be one of good competition and fair play, but both teams wanting badly to win. Celtic had only two female players for this game, with Krista Scheper and Nicole VanDelft playing strong games for their side. Krista even had the first good scoring chance for either team when she sprinted onto a loose ball just outside the 18 and Ryan Sikma had to reach to grab her high shot. Oranje had a nice free kick by Phil Sikma find the head of Tom VanderHorst, but his header was headed out just as firmly by Rob VanSeters. Moments later, Oranje's Jaclyn Penninga saw her good strike go wide, but not too wide. The half had lots of good midfield play with neither team generating many quality shots on goal, though Rob VanSeters rushed through Oranje terrritory and had a dangerous try go just wide. Glenn Visscher of Celtic drew a ball back off the Oranje goal line to Neil Dykstra who directed the ball just wide again and the half ended in a 0-0 deadlock.

The second half started with a Rick VanderHorst pass to spring Justin Meyer loose on John VanSeters, playing goal for Celtic, but VanSeters made the grab before Meyer met the ball. Rick VdH had his own crack from the sideline but at an almost an impossible angle, and VanSeters grabbed that shot as well. Celtic would finally open the scoring when Rob VanSeters put a long, beautiful shot over keeper Ryan Sikma, who was off his line, and in. Oranje had to, and did pick up their intensity, and Rod (self-professed pylon) VanSpronsen launched a riser out of a crowd, but straight to keeper VanSeters. Tom VanderHorst had another Oranje try go over the bar. Finally Justin Meyer, looking for his first Oranje goal, got that when his long run and shot squirted through a knot of Meyer/VanSeters/VanDelft, and made it into the goal. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

Probably a good and fair result for both teams, though a win always feels better!

(apologies for the photo quality, but I'm an amateur...........)

de Haan Clan & Co. Push Past A

Reuben Moes — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:50:55 EST

Abbotsford FC simply out-hustled and out-paced the Aldergrove squad

– consistently being first to the ball en route to their 2-1 victory over Aldergrove FC. The game started slow with a quiet and, for the most part, uneventful first half. A pair of Abbotsford FC scoring chances from the feet of from Brian de Witt and Stan de Haan closed off the scoreless half.

But it didn't take long for the tide to turn and the waves to bring in the goals. Within the first ten minutes of the second half, Nathalie de Haan scored the first goal of the game

– what then side-lined Harold Louwerse poetically described as a "nice chip." Aldergrove responded with a surge; Colin de Witt hitting a post and a crossbar, before Kevin Hendricks scored the equalizer on a penalty kick in the 72th minute.

Undeterred, the hard-working Abbotsford team regained their control of the game on the next shift with Stan de Haan answering with a goal of his own

―muscling his way from the left side and pushing the ball past Brian Meerstra. And that's the way the game finished out, with Abbotsford holding on towards a 2-1 victory on a pair of de Haan family goals. As Captain and side-lined "coach" James Bisschop concluded post-game: "As a team they worked together. They put in a full 90 minutes." A well-deserved win on a clear spring night. Abbotsford FC drove home back east with their helds held high.

James Moes

LYNDEN AMERICANS OVER ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:05:24 EST

Lynden Americans showed that they will win their share of games this season, as they racked up a 6-1 victory over Oranje. They just kept running and running, using speed and energy to a lopsided win, beating Oranje to many a loose ball, or forcing the ball to come loose. Speedy offence and defence, skill all around

Oranje actually had the first chances to score, when Leroy VanSpronsen almost had a goal, only to have keeper Mark Feentra make the grab. Feenstra did that again when new Oranje player, Justin Meyer had a crack on goal. Brent Ahrens got the first goal of the game instead, when he took advantage of a disorganized Oranje goal area, pounced on a loose ball and tapped it in. Meyer had another Oranje chance when he was sprung loose but his shot scooted just wide of the Lynden post. Ahrens scored a heads-up goal after this, when Oranje cleared a ball out of their area straight to him, and Ahrens launched a torpedo right back and high into the top corner. Oranje drew back within a point when awarded a free kick just outside the Lynden 18. Rick VanderHorst rolled the ball over to a waiting Paul Sikma, who blasted the ball straight to the back of the goal. Loren vanCorbach had a spin and shoot shot saved by Oranje keeper Ryan Sikma, and Nathan Chase ran stride for stride with John Zeitsma but still got a hard shot away, saved by Sikma. Meyer of Oranje broke free for a long run and a good shot, but just as good a save by Feenstra. The score was a respectable 2-1 at the half.

The second half would be another story as the Americans took the game away from Oranje, outrunning them all over the field, a pitch which leaves much to be desired, but the same field conditions for both teams. Nathan Chase got a goal when he got a shot on Sikma: Ryan got a hand on it but not enough to keep it out. Van Corbach and Chase notched another one as they hustled in on the Oranje goal with Chase finishing the combined effort. A long Ben Faber cross from the sideline to Erick Estrada resulted in a header goal and the rout was on. Ben Faber got his own goal minutes later when he chipped a shot over Sikma for Lynden's 6th goal and that would be the final result.

Warning to other teams: the Americans are coming! As for Oranje: happy with their play in their loss to FC International, but not happy with their play in their loss to Lynden.

CELTIC WINS CROSSWAY CLASH

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:33:43 EST

Crossway FC won their first game of the new FVCSL season against Valley United, and would have liked to make it two in a row, but it was Celtic who got the two-win result, after winning their first game against Langley FC. Crossway has added some new players to their lineup who will add speed, experience and scoring power, making them more competive this year. Celtic's lineup has changed only a little, and their strengths at defence and midfield should bode well for them again this season.

Celtic opened the scoring early in the match when Tim VanderHoek laid a crossing ball along the 18 yard line for Glenn Visscher to redirect just inside the post. Celtic followed this up with several more attempts, notably a VanderHoek shot that went over as did a Steve VanDelft try, while Jared Mayer of Crossway had a strong, dangerous run taken away by Jason VanDelft. Nathan Square-Briggs was given a yellow card on a collision with Celtic Chris VanderHorst: the resulting free kick from the 20 was struck well by Visscher, but pushed away well by Crossway keeper Andrew Driscoll. Square-Briggs put up some skillful pressure several miutes later, but launched his shot just over and wide. Celtic's second goal came when Dylan Bredenhof tangled up with a Crossway defender but managed to squirt the ball through and it snuck over the goal line. Though Crossway had a couple more attempts at the Celtic goal, none were good enough to score.

No goals were scored for either team in the second half, though each team received a yellow card: to Daryl VanDelft and to AJ Lissemore, on the same crashup play. Glenn Visscher took another free kick later in the second half that Driscoll again cleared with a daring dive: Neil Dykstra of Celtic was right at the post, but couldn't get the ball to go in. Dykstra had another chance when Chris VanderHorst send him cruising, but he was defended well by Crossway's Alex Kim. Crossway could not find the back of the net for the rest of the game, but did not quit trying.

Final score: Celtic 2, Crossway 0.

The Start Of A New Season

Bored Assistant — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:49:16 EST

The FVCSL 2009 season is about to begin and we are looking forward to a great year.

Exhibition games will be played from Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 9. The schedule has been posted.

Regular season play will begin on Tuesday, April 14 at 9:00 on the Willoughby East field. The schedule will be posted soon.

Teams are reminded to bring their referee payment to the games. Payment must be give to the ref at the start of each game. If a team does not have their money they forfeit the game. ($20/team for player refs and $25/team for non-player refs)

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the board.
Board of Directors:
Commisioner: Ron Scheper ( commisioner [AT] fvcsl.com )
President: Adam Woelders ( president [AT] fvcsl.com )
Treasurer: Leroy VanSpronsen ( treasurer [AT] fvcsl.com )
Secretary: Mary-Anne Vanderhorst ( secretary [AT] fvcsl.com )
Director: Ben Vandeburgt ( director [AT] fvcsl.com )

EPHESIANS 4:1-6 - Unity in the Body of Christ
¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

FC INTERNATIONAL - CHAMPS!

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:16:48 EST

FC International and Oranje met in the fvcsl final game, and FC Inter came out on top of a 6-1 score before a full set of bleachers at Willoughby field. Was it a 6-1 game? Not really, but Inter was certainly deserving of a solid win.

Oranje got the first kick at the can when Shelley Sikma went toe to toe with Adam Woelders on a ball close to the Inter goal: Adam won the battle, as they would do much of the night, and the loose ball went to Tom VanderHorst whose shot went just wide. Bruce Mans got the first tally for Inter when he headed a nice ball that keeper Ryan Sikma got a hand on, but not enough to keep the ball out. Leroy VanSpronsen tried to tie things up when Rick VanderHorst squared a ball to him but he could not get enough leg on it to get it past keeper Werner Engeler, and later, Mark Sikma had a shot straight at Engeler as well. Adam Woelders picked up a hard working goal when he took advantage of an over commited keeper Sikma who had come out very far, leaving only defenders to play keeper and it became an easy shot for Woelders. The next rush took some wind out of the Oranje sails when Mark Peters had his long shot slip through the hands of Sikma and dribbled in. Another goal followed soon when Wil Folstad ran up the wing and sent a long shot just inside the far post. A shooting gallery for Inter, it seemed. But there was no quit in Oranje. Mark Sikma hit the side of the goal. Rick VanderHorst rung a shot high off the post. Leroy VanSpronsen popped a volley that Engeler grabbed. Oranje would finally be rewarded when a Rod VanSpronsen corner kick was craftily headed in by Paul Sikma.

The second half started with a Bruce Mans rush that John Zietsma tusseled to stop, but keeper Ryan blocked that shot out. And an Oranje cross was stolen off the head of Steve Koning by Engeler. International added another goal with a Wil Folstad free kick that curled around the Oranje wall, and snuck in, far post. Few realized that it was a goal because it snuck through a hole in the net, but goal it was. Oranje kept trying but they could not get the results they wanted. Shauna Stam, wide. Tom VanderHorst off a Steve Koning pass, right at Engeler. Rick VanderHorst a shot that Engeler had to dive for and a Steve Koning shot that Engeler swam to save. After Morris Klos took a goalline shot that Engeler could grab, it was Inter's turn to shoot, but they would score with a Mark Peters slash through the area that found a hole in the net in the far corner for the final Inter goal #6. Oranje was ready and willing, but FC International were able.

International has built themselves a very strong team, but Adam Woelders would acknowledge that "Oranje played for 90 minutes. We just had lots of energy and more finish tonight".

Trophies were awarded after the game as well as were various accolades to individuals instrumental in keeping the fvcsl league the fine league that it is today. Male MVP went to Mark Peters of FC International. Female MVP was awarded to young and plucky Laura Faber of Lynden. Most sportsmanlike team award, (a very important award in a Christian league) was given to Oranje. Coach Henk VanderHorst affirmed that one team objective this year was "let the refs ref, no back talk, no tackles from behind, and it's nice to see that recognized." Real Pacific were the first place finishers in divison 2,in their first year in the league, and FC International were divison 1 champs as well as league champs.

Much thanks to the fvcsl board who keep this league going, and ultimate thanks go to God the Father for allowing us to enjoy healthy Christian competition.

PENALTY KICK VICTORY, ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:40:54 EST

Oranje and Celtic met twice in the regular season, with one tie and one victory for Oranje, both entertaining, competative games. That was the fare for tonight as well, as their playoff game was worth the price of admission (were any admission charged).

The first half would end scoreless, as both teams tested the other out and tried to stick to their game plan and strategy. The best chances for both teams came off a Tim VanderHoek hustle up the wing and cross to Anthony Togeretz but A-Tog could not get the shot he wanted off the bouncing ball. Celtic had another golden opportunity when VanderHoek got a shot on Ryan Sikma which he kept out, and John VanSeters followed up with the next shot that John Zietsma, covering in goal, kept out. And Tom VanderHorst loped in and had a long cross into the Celtic area that keeper Russ Toet grabbed. A late toe save by Sikma kept Celtic off the scoresheet.

It would not take long for Celtic to score in the second half when Anthony Togeretz took a long run up the wing and shot from quite an angle past keeper Sikma and into the goal. A return run by Mark Sikma met with no success on the other end, missing the top corner. Two minutes after their first goal, Celtic struck goal again when John VanSeters took advantage of goalie hesitation and got a shot past him and into the corner.

That woke Oranje up and a perfect corner kick went to Paul Sikma who headed a perfect ball into the Celtic goal. The teams traded chances, but Oranje would score again, when Shelley Sikma provided confusion in the Celtic end, leaving space for brother Tom VanderHorst to shoot a ball straight through the crowd and in, to tie the qame. Chances came thick and fast after that: John VanSeters, Paul Sikma, Anthony Togeretz, Leroy VanSpronsen, Burke VanderHorst (drew ooohhhs from the crowd), Stu VanderHorst, but the game would stay deadlocked.

Shootout!! Again!! It took eight shooters from each team before a victor was declared, with Ryan Sikma making a save, after shooters from both teams had scored to this point. Celtic was a very plukky opponent, and while either of these closely matched teams could have won, it was Oranje's night.

The final game of the fvcsl season will pitt FC International against Oranje on Monday evening at 7:00 at Willoughby field. Come one, come all!!

FC INTER ADVANCES

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:07:02 EST

FC International were given a good run for their money, and a good scare by Lynden Americans, and needed a come from behind, penalty kicks win to advance the fvcsl final.

Lynden outworked FC Inter for much of the first half, and outscored them by a 2-0 differential. The first goal for Lynden came off a free kick by Eric Estrada from just outside the 18 that the goalie Werner Engeler was there for the but the rebound came to Matt Hicks and he found the back of the goal. Before the half was too much older Hicks scored again. He and Nathan Chase came running up the left side; Hicks waited till the goalie committed and then curled a long kick around Engeler and inside the far post. Inter woke up and realized they had better pick up their game, and Mike Woelders responded with a nice header inside the 18 that keeper Mark Feenstra grabbed. And Dan Woelders came in, double teamed on a late rush, but no good shot to be had. The half ended 2-0 Lynden. What was Lynden doing right?

Both teams came up with chances in the second half, and the excitement would build. The first save was made by Feenstra, off a Dan Woelders rush, and the first one for Engeler was an Eric Estrada 25 yarder that the keeper had to punch over the bar. Inter almost scored when Bruce Mans received a corner kick, sent it on to Dan Woelders, but Dan-W's flick-on was grabbed out of the air above the goal line by keeper Feenstra. Mark Peters finally scored for Inter on a good spinaround and shot to the corner. That would change the game. How would Lynden respond? They responded with renewed offence, but so did the Blacks. Bruce Mans was sent in on an overlapping run that had potential, but Laura Faber bravely took that away. Lynden might have put the game out of reach had a Loren VanCorbach pass to Ben Faber reaped results; Faber had just Engeler and the post to beat, but the shot hit the post and stayed out. Feenstra made another goal mouth save on the Lynden end when a ball came off a Black head (Mans? or D-Dubya?) but he snatched the ball back out of the goal mouth. By the time the 40 minute mark came, Inter had Lynden looking somewhat bewildered and back on their heels, after handling the mighty strikers of Black so effectively all game. Dan Woelders came in on Feenstra, who came out to clear the shot, but it went right to Mike Opp who cranked a shot right over the retreating Feenstra, into the open goal. Tie game at the final whistle. Yellow cards had been given to Inter's Mike Woelders, Mike Opp, and Jonathan VanPopta during the game.

Shootout!! Both teams scored on their first two attempts. The next shots were a miss and a save, then Inter went ahead with another scoring shot, while Lynden did not. The winning PK for Inter was well struck by the female shooter, Jordan Brown.

Lynden Americans had a fine year, and an excellent playoff run. Thanks, and see ya next year, y'hear!

ORANJE OUSTS LANGLEY FC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:55:53 EST

"Hard fought!" "Even battle!" "Could have gone both ways!" "Good defensively!" "Fun!" All comments describing the Langley FC/Oranje playoff game. It took penalty kicks to decide the outcome, with keeper Ryan Sikma and the Oranje shooters having more success than the Langley FC side.

The first half of the match could best be described as, "tons of work, lots of hustle, tight defence on both ends, not many quality shots on goal and no goals to show for it." Derek Hoogerdijk of Yellow struck a fine free kick about 10 minutes into the game inside scoring range, but his shot glanced off the wall and Ryan Sikma could make the grab. Later, a charging Morris Klos of Oranje got on a nice through ball from Rick VanderHorst but could only get his toe on it, not his whole foot, no goal. Mark Sikma sent a pass to Leroy VanSpronsen but Leroy rushed the shot wide, and Shelley Sikma drove a shot along the carpet that Langley keeper John Noort knelt to grab and that would be the first half, the edge going to Oranje.

Yellow started the second half with more energy and drive than did Oranje and early pressure resulted in a shot into the side of the goal by Ron Scheper, and a quality cross from Greg VanPopta that AJ Lissemore drove way over. Rod VanSpronsen tried to generate a chance for Oranje but Steve Koning and Rick VanderHorst couldn't quite get to his cross. Joni Louwerse answered back for Langley with a shot off a corner kick that Sikma saved. Oranje almost got that elusive goal when a long Rick VanderHorst free kick went right in close to the goal, but the Tom&Tom duo of Sikma/VanderHorst both felt the ball streak just above their heads and wide. And a Morris Klos cross was just a smidgen too high for Steve Koning to get his head on, and the game stayed scoreless. Langley almost changed that though when Jeff VanderGaag was sprung loose, with a breaking ball, but Sikma timed his slide just right to steal the ball away. And John Noort would perform the same thievery when Paul Sikma made his patented long throw-in to Steve Koning who crossed it in to Rick VdHorst, but Noort smothered that chance. Morris Klos got the monkey off his back when he finally got Oranje's goal: a perfect pass from Tom Sikma came to Klos and he had the time to strongly lob a picture perfect shot over Noort for a great and timely goal. Would it be enough? A Derek Hoogerdijk try stifled by Sikma. A Tom VanderHorst run, carried, carried, launched, but just wide. With 2 minutes left, Langley FC would not be denied, when Ron Scheper got a pass to the closely marked Jeff VdGaag but he could just get the shot away and drove it into the corner,

Shootout! The second in a row for Langley FC. Ryan Sikma was up to the task and saved any Langley FC shots that were on goal, while several of their shooters missed the mark. Oranje had their first shooter miss, while the next two shots were unstoppable and gained them the victory.

Ron Scheper, stalwart leader of Langley FC said "At leat we made a game of it: that's better than losing 1-0." And make a game of it , they did! Well done to both teams!

CELTIC BATTLES PAST LCRC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:52:12 EST

The fans were cold, but the action was hot! "It was a battle out there!' sighed Stu VanderHorst, while savouring the Celtic victory over LCRC. And it was, as the fans were treated to a very competative game. LCRC, having lost the last meeting to Celtic by a 7-2 score, were in no mood to be manhandled again, and they weren't. There would be about 13 minutes left in the game before the deadlock was broken, and Celtic got what would be the only goal of the game.

The teams were even in the first half, both sides having chances, and taking away the other teams opportunities. Mare VanderHorst did just that when Chris (the Hammer) VanderHorst of LCRC ran up from his defensive position and loaded a torpedo, but Mare blocked the shot with her body to keep it out. Kevin VanderGaag had to battle the wind and the turf as he rushed in on a loose ball, but could not beat the elements to get the solid shot he wanted. After Burke Vanderhorst whaled on a loose ball that Justin-the-keeper-Bontkes grabbed, Nicole VanDelft got a dangerous shot in that Bontkes bobbled and Tim VanderHoek dashed in, but put himself rather than the ball into the goal. A mad scramble in front of the Celtic goal in the final minutes of the first half had lots of legs and lots of kicks till finally Rob VanSeters cleared the ball out. Hugo (Dad of Tim) VanderHoek, watching his last fvcsl game before moving to Smithers, summed up the first half "LCRC, more muscle (playing harder), Celtic more brain (playing smarter).

The second half saw the heroics continue, with all players on both sides contributing with offensive and defensive struggles. Greg Hamelin got a shot over John VanSeters but wide of the goal, with no chance for a threatening David Wildeboer to convert. Celtic pressure in the LCRC end that Neil Dykstra could connect on but not get by Bontkes. A Stu VdHorst cross to Richard Welfing's head that Darren Leffers negated. Celtic coming on, holding the flow at the moment. Excitement built as Justin Bontkes and Keith Wildeboer challenged on the same loose ball, but Wildeboer could not chip the ball over the prone keeper and into the open goal. Brian DeWit of LCRC had a very good chance for a goal when he intercepted a ball in the Celtic 18; he got the shot but also got the post, and a desperate clearance by Steve VanDelft saved that moment. Kevin VanderGaag: several attempts, no success, Ivan Scheper to Neil Dykstra's head, no success. Celtic, getting more pressure and ball control, were rewarded when Burke VanderHorst got a ball to Anthony Togeretz, and A-Tog flicked the ball on to Keith Wildeboer who held on just long enough to pick his spot, the far corner, and buried it - no chance Bontkes. More LCRC action from a Kevin Leyenhorst drive and a Brian DeWit strike, but no goal. Celtic, Burke VanderHorst, over, Stu VanderHorst pounding one at Bontkes, A-Tog, through the goal mouth and wide. Finally a final whistle, and the victors would be Celtic. Playoff quality action! Great game!

This means a new fvcsl champion this year, as LCRC were the reigning champs.

KEEPERS BATTLE, LANGLEY FC WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:49:10 EST

Both keepers played a very solid, very aggressive, very involved game for their respective teams in the Langley FC/Cloverdale playoff matchup, and neither would be faulted for a loss, but someone had to win, and it would be Langley FC in the shootout who would claim the victory.

Cloverdale had the early chances off the foot of Matt Wendt, a dangerous crossing shot that sailed just over, and a deflection of a Kyle Mosterd shot that Langley FC keeper John Noort had to be very sharp to get a hand on. Cloverdale got the well deserved opening goal at the 15-minute mark on a good buildup that Mike Schouten finished with a left-footed shot from a sharp angle. Langley FC came right back though, and Ron Scheper set up the equalizer when he squared a shot into the area and Jeff VanderGaag was in front to deflect the shot in. Kyle Mosterd tested Yellow again when he had the defence beaten but his shot went through the goal mouth and out the other side. Ron Scheper of Yellow, on a rush was broadsided by Mike VanderGugten and Mike VdG received a yellow card for that aggression. Later in the game, Doug Versluis and Julian VanDyke received a yellow card for other infractions. The Blues had the edge in pressure and Mosterd had another try for his team that Noort alertly tipped wide. Cloverdale was hemming Langley FC in with their determined play, and Mike Schouten had another shot on Noort that Johnny had to grab. Ian Moes tested John VanderPloeg on the other end, but the rookie goalie did the job.

"Cloverdale had the game early, Langley FC had the game late", would be the assessment on the sidelines as the second half progressed. Ron Scheper took a Derek Hoogerdijk pass and sent it on to sis Jolene Moes, but Jolene was just too late to tap in the quality chance for Yellow. Cloverdale were robbed of a sure goal minutes later. Mosterd charged a loose ball, as did Noort with the challenge resulting in a loose ball going to Joey Zhang, and his hard (sure goal) shot went off the near post and stayed out. Cloverdale was winning the little battles on the evening; would they win the big one? Both teams stepped up their game a notch and had chances with no success. Julian VanDyke (Cl) off the side of the goal, Aren VanDyke (Lgly) over, Wes Driegen (Lgly) big defensive hustle back play to take scoring chance away, same play George Gunnink on Ron Scheper. With the last substitution, both teams checked their lineup to see who they would want in, should the game go to shootout. But a goalie slipup by Cloverdale almost meant the game, when the weak clearance was intercepted by Ron Scheper and his strong return shot was headed over the bar by George Gunnink - the play of the game, by George!.

Shootout!! John Noort made a savvy save off one Cloverdale shooter and the first 4 Langley FC shooters scored to give Yellow the victory. Cloverdale played a great game, and with their rookie goalie Josh VanderPloeg and their fresh young blood up front added to ther roster, they will just get better and better. Langley FC goes on to meet Oranje in the next round of the playoffs.

LYNDEN DOWNS REAL PACIFIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:47:04 EST

To call it an upset is a bit too strong, but it was a somewhat surprising outcome in the playoff game between Division 2 leaders Real Pacific and the second place team, Lynden Americans. Pacific, with the best goal differential in the Division 2 regular season, picked a bad time to suffer their first loss of the season, going down to a 1-0 defeat.

Both teams had a very hesitant start as they tested each other out, and it would take till the 20 minute mark of the game before either team had a good shot on goal, this one by Lynden's Ben Faber who stroked a shot that deflected off an RP player and wide. Laura Faber, who played a solid game for Lynden cracked another solid shot that the Stripes cleared away. A Lynden free kick some minutes later saw Eric Estrada facing a big RP wall but Estrada's free kick curled wide of the wall and wide of the goal. Real Pacific seemed to be struggling to find their game, to hit their stride, and this would continue throughout the game, in no small part due to the close marking of Lynden. On a Pacific miscue, Ben Faber took advantage and rolled a good ball along the ball toward keeper Jayden Kuik. Kuik sprawled to smother, but Nathan Chase beat him to the ball and had an open goal in behind the helpless keeper to score for Lynden. In the last 15 minutes of the first half, Real started looking real, and had some buildup with Jason VanderHorst getting a good shot on Lynden keeper Mark Feenstra and Mark Bysterveld stroking a shot off the football uprights. Bysterveld would get a yellow card a short while later when he checked into the Lynden keeper who was cradling the ball. Pacific's best chance of the first half came when Jason VdH found Mark Byst. with a nice crossing pass but M.B's dangerous shot went over.

Referee Wagner declared "a very (unexpectedly) scrambly half: I've never been hit by the ball so often".

Real Pacific could not find their range on the goal, and many second half shots were taken from far out or through a crowd as players started to press too hard. Mark Feenstra could get an eye on many shots, but a lot were right to him, making it easier to make the save. Pacific had the crowd 'oohing" when JayVee crossed a sweet ball into the Lynden box with both Craig Kobes and Mark Bysterveld in scoring position on the far post, but neither could make contact the ball and no goal resulted. Lynden had their own chances, what with Nathan Chase always in a high position waiting for a breaking pass. Loren VanCorbach broke in himself with dangerous shots on Kuik but Jayden was up to the task and made the save, and watched another Laura Faber shot go over a gaping goal. Pacific's coach implored his team for intensity, but his team could not get more out of the tank. Jeremy Meyer got a long sideline cross in that sailed just over the head of Craig Kobes, and that would be the name of their game tonight. Desperate play in the final minutes could not buy them a goal, and they went down to defeat to a very hard working Lynden side.

Coach Norm VanderHorst commented after the game, that Real Pacific could be happy with their first season in the league, "Our scoring touch left us in the last month, but we had a great year." Coach Darren Kleyn of Lynden was also very pleased with his team as he agreed with Reece Lodder's assessment, "In our matchups this year, Pacific usually got us in the second half, but not tonight".

Lynden goes on. Real Pacific - thanks and see you next year!

Playoffs; just goes to show, ya never know!"

SOLID WIN, CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:38:29 EST

Celtic and LCRC met in last game of the fvcsl regular season in a game that would determine both their final positions, and with the solid 7-2 Celtic win, they ended up above LCRC, clinching 4th place in Division 1. Not your typical LCRC game, and they will be happy to get some key players back for the playoffs.

The first Celtic goal came with some dispute as Ivan Scheper's first strike was stopped by Justin Bontkes and while he rolled to grab the loose ball, John VanSeters was also struggling to connect. Goalie interference? Not called, and the loose ball skittered to Neil Dykstra who pushed the ball over the line. LCRC had chance to tie the score when David Wildeboer had the perfect shot opportunity but gave the perfect pass to Bryan Grim instead, and he let go a perfect shot, with Russ Toet the perfect save. Darren Leffers had an LCRC try, as did Brian deWit and Saul Fuentes, with no success, but Celtic struck again when Ivan Scheper had a shot hit the crossbar and come down. Bontkes tried to grab the ball but Tim VanderHoek (who had one of his best games of the year) just beat him to the bouncing ball and drove it off the post and in. A third Celtic tally came off a Stu VanderHorst pass, squared to Anthony Togeretz in front and he nailed it in. Half time:3-0.

Jeff Bontkes tried to rally his troops with an inspiring pep talk at the half, ("we enjoyed it,' claimed Kevin Leyenhorst, "but it didn't help!") and their woes would continue. Chris VanderHorst started it off early for LCRC when he ran up from his d-position and struck a good shot at Toet, but Russ was up to the challenge and was sharp to grab the shot. Bryan Grim had a shot that bounced up and came back off the crossbar, only to hit an LCRC hand and the play was blown dead. (If they didn't have bad luck they would have no luck at all.) A bad goal kick by LCRC was intercepted by Tim VanderHoek, who passed off to A-Tog: he had Bontkes at his mercy but showed none, and got his second goal of the game and Celtic's 4th. Brian DeWit had some more LCRC bad luck when he drifted a long shot over Toet's outstretched fingertips but hit the far post and the ball stayed out. Finally LCRC got on the scoresheet when they were given a penalty kick for a Celtic handball and Saul Fuentes didn't need luck to stroke the ball low to the corner. Celtic goal #5 came when Stu VanderHorst broke John VanSeters loose with a leading pass and Bontkes had no chance on the shot to the corner . After a nice Dave Wildeboer cross to Darren Leffers shot and Toet save, and Tim VanderHoek shot and Bontkes save on the other end, LCRC scored again. Darren Leffers, inside the 18, got a slow rolling shot and with Daryl Hofsink in the goal area too, the ball rolled on in. Celtic closed out the game with two more goals, one on a Glenn Visscher pass to Tim VdHoek, who unselfishly (again) dealt the ball back to Stu VdHorst and he drove the ball in. Glenn Visscher iced the cake with the 7th Celtic goal.

Jeff Bontkes quipped after the game, "We're saving our good stuff for the playoffs!" Bring em on!

REMATCH GOES TO ABBY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:55:06 EST

Oranje Oranges and Abbotsford Silver Bullets met for the second time this season for a match that would change nothing in the final standings but a victory would be a nice end to the regular season for both teams. Last time these teams met, it was Oranje victorious, this time it was Abbotsford on the winning end of a 3-2 score. Oranje were missing several of their regulars due to injury or Stepping Stones camp. but would not use that excuse, admitting that Abby brought their A-game tonight.

Oranje got the first scoring chance of the game when Leroy VanSpronsen got a good cross in to Shauna Stam but her header skidded off her ponytail and keeper Jagersma made the snag. On the other end, Stan deHaan made a nifty sideline cross in to brother Tim in the middle, but Tim's foot swished just past the ball - no shot. Abby had Oranje on their heels for a stretch and Andrew Selles took advantage of this with a shot from a sharp angle that passed keeper Ryan Sikma and buried itself in the far corner. Oranje picked up their game and Rick VanderHorst received a throw-in and drove a left-footer that Hilmer Jagersma dove to save, with the ball going hard off the post. James Bisschop of Silver sent a nice cross to Rob Beukema lurking in front but Oranje's John Zietsma intercepted to drive that ball away, and Sue DeHaas did the same when Stan deHaan was in the danger zone. More Abby goal mouth pressure resulted in an Oranje hand ball. The penalty kick was stroked by Andrew Selles: keeper Sikma guessed right but couldn't quite make the grab, and Silver had a 2-0 lead. Abby teammates were preaching patience to each other, while Oranje was calling for control as they tried to reel the Bullets back in. They almost got on the scoreboard when Hilmer Jagersma came out to punch a free kick shot away. Oranje drove that ball right back past the sprawled keeper, but James Bisschop headed the shot out of the goal area. In the final minutes of the first half, Tom Sikma drove a long ball from outside the 18 that deflected in off an Abby defender and Oranje was on the board.

The second half's first good chance took a little while to come, but Paul Sikma of Oranje had it when he launched a rising bullet past the Silver Bullets but his shot rang off the crossbar. Leroy VanSpronsen chipped a nice shot over the bar, and Ron Smouter had chances but no results for Oranje as well. On the other end, Andrew Selles would have had a good shot on goal were it not for being blanketed by Tyler VanVliet. Abby had another glorious opportunity when Stan deHaan worked the ball up the length of the field and switched it through the area: Charis Siebenga allertly attacked the ball but her hard shot went over the bar. Abbotsford got their third goal of the game when Jagersma booted a goal kick up the field and hard working Stan deHaan outfought Oranje for the ball and shot a good ball inside the post. Oranje worked hard, hungry for another goal and were finally rewarded when team pressure resulted in a Rod VanSpronsen pass to a pressing John Zietsma and he found the opening between Jagersma and the post. Abby had one last kick at the can........actually the ball, when Stan deH streaked up the left wing and Andrew Selles streaked up the right wing but the pass by deHaan and the shot by Selles were saved by Sikma. On, on to the playoffs for these two teams!

Standings Falling Into Place

Daniel Woelders — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:59:35 EST

As the final games of the 2008 season draw near the fight for playoff positions intensify and begin to take shape. FC International with their crucial win over Aldergrove last Thursday drew near the league title and confirmed the number one position with a win over Crossway on Saturday. The battle for second looked to be determined by a make up game between Oranje and Aldergrove, unless Aldergove could steal at least one point in their match against Lynden tonight and that they did, tying the division 2 powerhouse 3-3. The win took them to 39 points in the standings, pulling them out of reach with Oranje who have now claimed the third place spot.

The four, five, six spots have yet to be determined in division 1, since a final game between LCRC and Celtic could see either team taking the four spot. If LCRC were to come out on top, it would give Langley FC an opportunity to tie Celtic in total points, given they are able to beat Valley in their final game. Abbotsford, being on the rough end of some tight games, is unable to catch Langley FC yet will no doubt be a tough team to beat during their playoff run.

Division 2 standings could have been made a month ago, with Real Pacific running away with 15 wins and no losses, yet were given a run for their money in their final game against Cloverdale, tying 1-1. Lynden, who has shown great strength against teams in both divisions, finished their season strong, tying Aldergrove and guaranteeing a number two spot in the second division. Saints FC and Cloverdale have also been confirmed as the 3 and 4 seeds entering the playoffs, as well as Crossway in the 7 spot. However, the 5, 6 spot is still up for grabs between Valley and Vitessa as they enter their final games against Langley FC and FC International.

As the playoffs begin at the end of the week, there will no doubt be a number of upsets and early faceoffs as teams battle to stay alive and claw their way to the final. Will it be a first ever division 2 playoff champion? Can a bottom seeded underdog go the distance and claim the trophy? With such talent in both divisions, the coming playoffs will no doubt be competitive and entertaining.

ABBOTSFORD FORFEITS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:10:02 EST

Abbotsford Silver Bullets knew they would have trouble fielding a full squad this evening, as a hockey tournament and a wedding pulled many of their players away. Abby and Celtic, their opponents, came to McLeod field knowing that a forfeit would be the likely outcome, but both sides wanting to play some soccer anyway. So, they played a friendly with Abby's side bolstered by several Langley FC players who still had something left in the tank after their matchup with the Saints. Nice to watch the comeraderie and good sportsmanship showing on the field.

According to my informed source, a forfeit means a victory for Celtic.

SAINTS MARCH OVER LANGLEY FC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:47:57 EST

Langley FC and the Saints met for their one and only game of the regular season, and the Saints were the winners, beating Langley FC 3-1. Langley had to play with a short bench again,missing at least four of their core players, a problem that has plagued them this season, and tonight they were competing with a hockey tournament, holidays and a wedding. But they did not want to use that as an excuse and gave the Saints credit for being first to the ball on much of the night. Dave Doornbos lamented, "We had to work too hard to play catch up instead of playing first to the ball, and we didn't have enough energy or players to play that way and win."

This writer missed the first half, but trusty sideline commentators and the referee Brennan could attest to the fact that Langley FC came under Saints pressure quite a bit during the first half, and looked a little slower against their energetic counterparts. Yellow got their only goal of the game on a penalty kick taken by Ron Scheper: good call, good shot, good goal. The Saints goal was an equally good goal, only a different kind, coming off a well struck corner kick taken by Ben Schoeber and David Tolkamp got the head on it: good corner, good header, good goal.

The second half was some 15 mintues old when the Saints had a nice buildup with Ben Schoeber loping up with the ball and he got it over to Matt Phillipchalk who struck a nice rising shot that keeper Noort could only wave at. Yellow came back with Ron Scheper carrying the ball up; Mike Timmerman jumped up into the play and his hard drive was pushed just wide by the Saints keeper, Dustin Jonkman (I think?). The Saints had another drive with lots of potential but Erica Noordam couldn't get enough foot on the ball to bury it. The Saints got their third and last goal of the game, the result of another corner kick that Langley cleared out but right to Clifton VanderHorst and he sent a hard header right back past the helpless Noort.

NO LIGHTS: ALDERGROVE/ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:39:17 EST

Aldergrove and Oranje were both pumped to take on the other team in a rematch of last week's game when Aldergrove got the late game victory over Oranje. Aldergrove wanted to prove that it wasn't a fluke, while Oranje wanted redemption. But ity wasn't o be. The lights at Willoughby field refused to come on, with a slight teasing flicker now and then.

Aldergrove opened the scoring when their signature rush, Hendricks/DeWit/Meyer finished with a Justin Meyer goal. Meyer had had an earlier header go hard off the Oranje post, and Mark Meerstra had a hard drive saved by Ryan Sikma. Oranje was not in the mood to let Aldergrove get any further ahead, and Morris Klos hustled in from the Oranje side of half, got a slick shot on Brian Meerstra that he saved, the rebound going to Rick VanderHorst, Rick cranked a sure goal shot, but Shane Welfing made a hi-lite reel effort to clear the ball out of the goal mouth. Klos had another run and shot on Meerstra, this time the loose ball went to Rod VanSpronsen but his shot was pulled off the line by the heroics of Kevin Hendricks. Later chances were from Rod Van Spronsen again, as well as from brother Leroy, and Michelle Dehaas of Aldergrove had a shot on Sikma off a corner kick clearance that Ryan could still see and saved. But it became too dark to see the ball and the play, because of the faulty lighting ,and referee Newcombe had to call the game.

It will be up to Oranje and Aldergrove to determine a new date to replay this game. Too bad, because it looked like a great game was in the making! Stay tuned!

CELTIC WINS LANGLEY FC REMATCH

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:17:52 EST

It seemed like a nostalgic little slice of history, Celtic and Langley FC playing on Credo's field, an adequate field that was used for all, or most of the fvcsl games in years gone by. But, now that teams have become used to the size and speed of the turf fields, both teams were hampered by the small, uneven surface. However, it was game on! And Celtic took the rematch with Langley FC by an identical, though reversed score of 3-2.

Both keepers were busy tonight, with John Noort of Langley and John VanSeters of Celtic getting more touches on the ball than several of their teammates. Yellow had the edge in play in the first half, and at one point had seven unanswered shots in the 10-20 minute block of play. Both keepers were tested, notably Jeff VanderGaag getting a header on VanSeters and another shot off a defender, Ron Scheper with two unsuccesful tries, AJ Lissermore wide, On the other keeper Noort, Burke VanderHorst a rising shot save, a Tim VanderHoek shot from a Stu VanderHorst pass, save, but Scheper would beat VanSeters with a spinning shot that skimmed off the face of a Celtic player and in it went. Celtic was relieved to be down only 1-0 at the half.

Aren VanDyke tried to up the tally when he received a little touch from (Dad of new son!) Greg VanPopta and sent a long floater just over the bar. AJ Lissemore did add to Langley's scoring when VanSeters came out to chase down a loose ball, leaving the goal open for Lissemore to drive in a shot from 25 yards out. Would Celtic be up to the challenge of a 2-0 deficit? They had an early opportunity when awarded a penalty kick. Ivan Scheper stroked it well, but John Noort saved it even better to keep Celtic at nil. The Stripes were coming on though, with VanSeters holding them in the game with his goalie play. He had some help from brother Rob when Jeff VanderGaag and John V-S collided on a challenge for the ball; a Yellow player drove the ball at the gaping goal but Rob V-S came in behind and chested the ball out. Now the game was Even-Steven with both keepers making saves, and both teams just missing on chances (Anthony Togeretz, Mary-Anne VanderHorst, Ron Scheper) It would be Keith Wildeboer who would successfully set up his team when he drove a hard shot in; it went off John Noort, up and down and up again, and Tim VanderHoek put it in, with Ivan Scheper ready to do the same. Burke VanderHorst sent a bouncing shot that almost picked the corner but Noort would have none of that and pushed the shot just wide. Celtic tied the score off a corner kick that went in to a scramble in front, with Keith Wildeboer pouncing on the loose ball and driving it in to the back of the goal. Tie game! Anthony Togeretz got the winning goal when he sent in a looping shot that was bobble, scramble, in! Ron Scheper had a last minute dangerous cross in to Jeff VdGaag but VanSeters punched that ball away and Celtic protected their lead and were rewarded with a win. Ron Scheper sighed after the game, "It was our game to win, and we didn't do it tonight."

PLAYOFFS begin next week...

Bored Assistant — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:50:34 EST

... and the schedule is now online. Click the Playoffs link at the top or bottom of the schedule.

GOOD GAME, CROSSWAY FC!

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:14:12 EST

Crossway FC is a remarkable team. No wins, 2 ties, the rest losses, yet they keep coming, playing with a positive attitude, having a good time playing soccer together. Something to be admired! Good for you Crossway Reds. Crossway had an import player on their roster this year, Dirk Willem ("our Dutchie") Kwant, and they took a team photo after the game for a souvenir for Dirk of his time playing in the fvcsl. And that's why Crossway's team photo is on the website today.

Crossway played what must have been one of their best games of the season as they gave Oranje a good run for their money. The Reds opened the scoring at the 10 minute mark when Rick Soehn stroked a free kick with pin point accuracy over a crowd and right into the top far corner of the Oranje goal. Oranje got that back in the next block of play when Tom Sikma took a pass in the 18 yard circle, turned and shanked a ball off the post and in. Oranje had several more chances as the first half progressed, but Crossway took many chances away, and players like Dan Wagner, Alex Kim and Kwant gave their keeper Andrew Driscoll lots of help to keep the game close. Oranje started to spread the field in the latter stages of the first half, and were finally rewarded when Mark Sikma made a calm run up from just over center and lofted a long shot which dropped in just under the crossbar to give Oranje a 2-1 lead at the half.

The second half had Oranje starting to gain control of the play though Crossway certainly held their own. But Oranje pressure got more organized and they gained a third goal when Rod VanSpronsen's first shot rebounded off Driscoll and Shelley Sikma lunged to push the loose ball over the line. Oranje scored again when pressure in the corner resulted in the ball coming out to Rick VanderHorst who slashed a shot through a crowd and Tom Sikma got his head on it for his second goal of the game. VanderHorst followed this up with an indentical shot three minutes later, but this time the shot went in unassisted for Oranje's 5th goal. Crossway did not lay down and give up, but kept coming, with Joe Doyle, Tim Visscher and Mike Carter being especially pesky in the Oranje end. Finally their second goal came on a long, long free kick off the foot of Dan Wagner that keeper Ryan Sikma lost in the setting sun, and he fumbled it and in it went, with Joe Doyle making sure, though the goal was Wagner's. With 5 minutes left, Oranje had a chance to add to their tally when awarded a penalty kick for a hand ball infraction but Morris Klos' well struck PK hit the inside of the base of the post and came.........OUT..........OUCH! Steve Koning had his last minute dangerous effort kept out by the Driscoll/Kwant combo, and that would be the game.

Oranje 5/Crossway 2.

LANGLEY FC DROPS CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:13:06 EST

Langley FC and Celtic met for the first time this season, and both teams had to juggle lineups in what seems to be "wedding weekend" in the fvcsl, with both teams missing some key players. John VanSeters was called upon to play keeper for Celtic and Langley FC played with a short bench.

Langley FC opened the scoring within 5 minutes of the opening kickoff when Ron Scheper got a sideline shot in from a nasty angle past the VanSeters duo of keeper John and defender Rob. Jeff VanderGaag tried to add to that with a hard shot from just inside the 18, but John VanS was ready for this one, and knelt to save it. But on another Jeff VdG attack, VanSeters came out far, too far, with a sprawling challenge, and Jeff could pull around him , had an open goal to shoot at, and filled it. Yellow's Aren VanDyke had a swivel and shoot opportunity that went wide, but the best Celtic try to this point came when Stu VanderHorst made a tough run up the wing to win a cross to Tim VanderHoek and Tim was unlucky to see his header stopped by Noort. Langley carried the play for a while, took the ball up the field, and Jeff VdG finished the play when he notched Yellow's third goal. Celtic knew it was imperative to get a goal before the half, and did just that on a long Ivan Scheper free kick that Anthony Togeretz could get a head on, and put in - no chance for Noort. Score 3-1 at the break.

Celtic played with more passion in the second half, and an early Glenn Visscher run from center to the six yard box went to Neil Dykstra who was playing up, but Neil couldn't quite get his toe on this dangerous ball. Ivan Scheper got the next Celtic penetration but John Noort was at the post to smother the shot. Big brother Ron Scheper of Yellow was on a near breakaway, running step by step with Keith Wildeboer and between the combined efforts of Wildeboer and keeper John, Ron could not get a shot away. Brother Ivan countered with a hard shot on Noort that the Yellow keeper had to punch away. A Rob VanSeters free kick from the Celtic side of the field went to Noort, who made a bad decision to kick the ball instead of catch, and his hard kick rebounded off nearby Tim VanderHoek (took one for the team) and the ball went to Togeretz who volleyed the ball past Noort. Celtic pressed on and had Langley retreating into a defensive shell, especially Dave Doornbos who was up to the challenge of a beautiful A-Tog first touch on a Celtic pass and DaveDee took the shot away. Glenn Visscher was finding his range in the later part of the game but was not rewarded with a goal, and though Celtic forced the play, they could not get that equalizer, and went down to a score of Langley FC 3- Celtic 2

LCRC WINS AGAIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:37:10 EST

LCRC United and Abbotsford Silver Bullets met for their second match of the season, and came out with the same result, a 2-1 victory for LCRC, but not an easy one. This reporter missed most of the first half, so had to depend on the game assesments from players on the pitch. Justin Bontkes opined, "We're missing 2 of our defensive quarterbacks, Chris VanderHorst and Jeff Bontkes, so we're having a bit of trouble staying organized." To say nothing of missing their leading scorer Kevin VanderGaag. Abbotsford opened the scoring when John Schouten laid in a great corner kick and Stan deHaan finished it with a beauty (the words of injured sideline commentor Jeff Bontkes) goal for Silver. Abbotsford were missing their regular goalkeeper Hilmer Jagersma, and Ben Beukema put in a valient effort in goal, but Oscar Fuentes took advantage of Ben's inexperience when he drew him out, shot across to the far post and scored. Saul Fuentes summed up the first half for me, when he said, "They dominate, we dominate, they score, we score, a pretty even half.

Two minutes into the second half, Oscar tried to break that deadlock when he got the ball over Beukema but not over Andrew Thalen who was facing his goal but flipped the ball over and out. Saul Fuentes had another LCRC try with a free kick that went over the Abby wall, but Beukema dove to drive that ball wide. Abby had a drive of their own stymied when Stan deHaan sent an excellent ball from the sideline to a charging Kevin Vanderboom but the short shot was caught by LCRC keeper Justin Bontkes. An LCRC drive from Greg Hanlin to a breaking Dave Wildeboer was stopped by a sliding Ben Beukema and a low, hard Kevin VdBoom shot was gathered in by Justin Bontkes on the other end to keep the game tied. Abby had their passing game going and John deVries and Rob Beukema combined on an attack, but Kevin Leyenhorst got his body in the way to block their efforts. And a crowded Rob Beukema, James Bisschop, Stan deHaan flurry saw Justin Bontkes ready, willing and able to make the save. Silver were certainly getting their chances but not the finish, a recurring fact that Rob Beukema lamented after the game, having lost numerous games in the dying minutes. But LCRC did finish a late-game counter attack when Oscar Fuentes lobbed a ball over keeper Ben for the go-ahead goal in added time. Right after that, Oscar went down on a twisting play that looked to have done serious damage to his knee. David Wildeboer was given a yellow card for his enthusiastic criticism of the the referee's judgement. Final score, LCRC 2, Abbotsford 1

A-GROVE LATE WIN OVER ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:02:53 EST

Aldergrove and Oranje met for the first time this season, and Oranje is already looking forward to the rematch between these two closely matched teams, Oranje losing the first go-round by a 3-2 squeaker. The game could be summarized as each team holding the edge at times, with the other team taking back control and putting on their own pressure. Both teams could be happy with their ball control, and team work, something which both side exhibited all night long, trying to take advantage of the other teams miscues. Both keepers were also called upon to make timely saves, and this they did, even with a 3-2 score.

An early Aldergrove corner kick resulted in an early scramble front of the Oranje goal, and Johnny-on-the-spot Zietsma cleared the goal line ball away. Coming back, Tom Vanderhorst got a left footed drive that keeper Brain Meerstra touched wide, and another Oranje rush, with Tom V and Mark Sikma coming in resulted in a high shot going over. Justin Meyer headed an Aldergrove free kick in but could not get that opening goal, which would go to Oranje instead. Mark Sikma floated a long free kick in from just inside Aldergrove's half; keeper Meerstra came out to grab but stumbled and fell, and the ball kept going and made it over Meerstra and over the goal line for Oranje's first goal - unlucky, Brian! Aldergrove tried to equalize when Justin Meyer climbed up and over the back of defender Tyler VanVliet and got his head on the ball, but Ryan Sikma made the grab. But the speedy duo of Kevin Hendricks and Meyer connected for Alder's first goal when Hendricks broke up the left side, received the pass, and send it back in to a covered Meyer who would not be denied again and got a no-chance shot away. Aldergrove picked up a quick second goal when a crowded goal area could not prevent a Meyer to Colin DeWit pass and Colin made the no-mistake shot for goal.

Oranje tried for an early equalizer in the second half but Meerstra bravely stole a corner kick off the boot toe of Tom VanderHorst. And Aldergrove looked to have an insurance goal when Justin Meyer sent a sideline pass in to Edwin Palsma but keeper Sikma toed that shot away. Meyer followed that up with an across the area run and shot but Sikma was there again. When Aldergrove commited a hand ball foul in their area, Rick VanderHorst struck the penalty kick, and drove it low into the corner to draw Oranje even. Neither team was satisfied with a tie, and Oranje's Morris Klos charged in on a loose ball with Meerstra just winning the race, while Meyer and Aubrey VanderGaag split around the Oranje D-line but Sikma was up to the double challenge and cleared the ball away. Oranje's Ron Smouter had a spin and shoot off a pass from Su VanderHorst that couldn't get past Meerstra, Tom Vee dribbled through a crowd but shot wide, and Morris Klos had a dangerous header in front go just wide as well. The last five minutes had an Edwin Palsma looping shot go to Sikma and a Rick VanderHorst Oranje ball go over. But with seconds left, Palsma got on the end of an Aldergrove drive and he got a shot through and in to gain his team the victory. Aldergrove's Matt VanderGaag went down with what looked to be a painful knee injury: let's hope it proves to not be too serious.

Oranje and Alderove will be back at it on July 10th. Should be a good one!

ALDERGROVE GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:43:00 EST

Abbotsford played good enough to win and Aldergrove played good enough to win, but it was Aldergrove that got the win with 2-0 score. A game that both teams will admit was not their finest: too much kick and chase, too much physical, too much yip-yap. Too bad - both teams are capable of better. But it WAS nice weather!

Most of the first half was taken up by back and forth play that did not result in any real threat on goal. Neither teams could generate a really good scoring chance, though both expended a lot of energy with no return. In the last block of the first half, Colin DeWit of Aldergrove received a good ball off a corner kick but his header went wide. Abbotsford followed that up with a rush that had lots of potential, with Stan deHaan and Alder keeper Brian Meerstra both rushing at the same ball. Meerstra made the grab with way too much body language (not seen by referee Derek Hoogerdijk), but the retalitory contact by deHaan was seen by the ref, for which Stan got a yellow card. Minutes later Shane Welfing of Aldergrove was given a yellow card for extra unsolicited advice loudly given to the referee.

A little chippiness and lack of control crept into the second half and before long Aldergrove was awarded a penalty kick for a takedown in the Abby box. Kevin Hendricks took the PK: keeper Hilmer Jagersma guessed right, and almost had the save, but in it went. Abbotsford plays a lot of long ball, and Andrew Thalen did just that with a long free kick that went right to Meerstra. The next Abby pressure came from Stan deHaan who set up Andrew Selles close in on Meerstra, but Selles chopped it right over Meerstra and over the bar. Jagersma made his best save of the night, and one of the few he was called on to make when a free kick from about 22 yards out went into a crowd: eventually Kevin Hendricks slashed a shot through a lot of legs and bodies, but Hilmer could see it and dove to smother. When Jagersma and Mark Meerstra were involved in an unavoided collision in the box, another Alder PK was awarded and Hendricks got the second tally for his team. The physical contact and mouthiness continued between several players and eventually Mark Meerstra left the game with a sore quad and a yellow card.

Lots of positive players on both teams, and there surely will be better games from these two teams, but tonight was not stellar!

CELTIC&ORANJE DRAW 2-2

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:52:42 EST

Celtic and Oranje put on one of the most entertaining games of the season to date and came up with a 2-2 draw, as every player on both teams played hard and left it all on the field. Referee Newcomb claimed that it was the best game he had officiated this year, as far as comeraderie was concerned, and though it was a hard fought game, it was tough but clean and he did not have to make calls that would affect the outcome of the game. And he singled out the female players on both teams, remarking on their level of skill, finesse and guts, playing among all those big male lugs.

Celtic opened the scoring when at the 7 minute mark, after pushing in several times, ivan Scheper got the ball to Tim VanderHoek who was right on keeper Ryan Sikma, and got the ball past him for an early goal. Ron Smouter almost got that back for Oranje with a nifty header off a corner ball but Steve VanDelft cleared that ball off the line. Morris Klos charged in on another try for Oranje but Russ Toet challenged for, and won the ball. On the other end, Stu VanderHorst cranked a hard shot from the 18 that surely would have gone in , had it not hit the head of Tyler VanVliet at the 15. VanVliet went down, but shook it off and would be okay, especially since he had kept that sure goal out. Glenn Visscher had another go for Celtic when he chipped a shot out of a scramble in front but over the bar it went. Oranje got on the scoresheet when Su VanderHorst (formerly known as Vegter) centered the ball to Rick VanderHorst on the 25 yard line and he drifted a perfect shot into the very top corner - no chance for Toet. Rick VdH folLowed it up a short while later when he rushed in on a break, looking for the pass, and got it, this time shooting low to the far corner - again no chance for Toet. A very exciting half, with Oranje leading 2-1 at the break.

Celtic had the edge in play at the start of the first half, and continued that trend in the second half, Richard Welfing saved a ball off the Oranje goal line and got it back to Ivan Scheper who slashed a nice crossing shot in but it was grabbed by Sikma. Nicole VanDelft, playing mid, had a great chance but put it over the Oranje-bar. Burke VanderHorst would tie up the game when he came up from his mid-field position to punch a sweet far post shot in - no chance for the Oranje keeper this time. After that the game was even in score and in play, the teams traded rushes, chances, and defensive challenges. Steve VanDelft, shot, keeper Sikma saves. Rick VanderHorst - header over. Burke VanderHorst - spinning shot, over. John VanSeters - header - over. Morris Klos - into a crowd, IvanScheper the clearance, and Toet the grab. Mark Sikma - IN? Not IN? Not IN! And the game would fittingly end in a tie. Entertaining! Exciting!

CELTIC FEELS LIKE HOLLAND

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:59:55 EST

"We felt like the Dutch team tonight in our matchup against FC International", sighed Celtic midfielder Burke VanderHorst. "They didn't outwork us or outplay us, but they sure outcontrolled us." And that's what happened as FC Inter beat Celtic 4-0. International were missing their regular goal keeper tonight, and played two different teammembers in goal, and Celtic wanted to take advantage of this very thing, but FC Inter did not allow it, and as a result, Celtic did not have a whole whack of quality scoring chances.

Bruce (I'm back from Korea) Mans almost had a "welcome back to the FVCSL" goal when he received a Mark Peters pass, but Bruce was tangled up with Celtic's Neil Dykstra on the goal line, together with keeper Russ Toet and the ball, but Keith Wildeboer managed to clear the ball away in the nick of time. Burke VanderHorst and John VanSeters tried to open scoring for Celtic when they both were in position for a scoring header, but Burke's head put the ball just over the crossbar. At about the 25 minute mark, a Black trio came in on goal, and the short shot was deflected in by a Celtic defender trying for the clearance. Own goal. Anthony Togeretz of Celtic was given a yellow card for a tackle from behind before the break and Glenn Visscher popped a dangerous try over the bar and FC Inter led 1-0 at half time.

The Blacks opened the scoring before the second half was many minutes old when the scoring combo of Mark Peters to Dan Woelders worked their magic which resulted in a quick goal for Dan Dubya. They followed it up before too long when a corner kick went to Alan Devlin and he cranked the shot just inside the post for goal #3 for Inter. The next Inter pressure came on a rising Matthew Thiessen shot that Russ Toet got a VanDerSar-like arm on to keep the ball out. But International got their 4th goal when team scoring leader Mark Peters cruised in, cut across the area, and notched a shot into the back of the goal. Celtic finally got some good pressure going when Glenn Visscher drove the ball in, and Eric Atsma, keeper of the 2nd half had to be sharp to keep it out, followed by scrambly play till his team managed to get the clearance. Stu VanderHorst had a nice poke at the ball that went over, and Tim Vanderhoek had a late try thet went wide but all for naught. FC International put together a very complete game, and are very simply put, a very complete team.

AMERICANS VICTORIOUS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:29:06 EST

"So, Mark Hicks,' I asked, "What's the key to Lynden's scoring success this year?" "Well," Hicks replied, "It's our secret and if I told you, then you would know our secret and then I would have to kill you!" Okay, okay, keep your secret! But something is going right for Lynden as they have scored the most goals of any team in the league to date, and boast the best goal differential. They added a couple more goals tonight as they won a close game over Oranje with a 2-1 victory.

Lynden seemed to catch the Oranje team by surprise at the six minute mark of the match when they got their first goal. Oranje seemed to still be adjusting to the dense, slow-rolling grass of Bender Field when Jonathan Kingma took a ball away in the Oranje half and passed up to Nathan Chase. Ryan Sikma came out to challenge but Chase chased around him and forced the ball into the now unguarded goal. Rick VanderHorst tested Lynden keeper Ethan Neff with a 30yarder but Neff's fingers and the crossbar kept the shot out. Late in the half, Harvey Pelleboer was in a good position to head an American corner kick but Sikma was in a good position to make a Canadian save. Just before the break, defender Tyler VanVliet and Lynden forward Matt Hicks were tussling it out for a header in the Oranje box, but neither got it and a dangerous try was diffused.

Esther Berends (?-#4 girl) started the second half well for Lynden when she calmly kicked a ball to corner space for Nathan Chase to run onto; he sent it into the box, with one Lynden teammate twanging it off the crossbar before Loren VanCorbach got the low rebound and put the ball over the goal line. Oranje had to pick up their game, and Tom VanderHorst put the ball into a crowd with Rod VanSpronsen and Steve Koning there for the try but Steve Koning's crowded kick went over the bar. The next rush saw Ethan Neff duke the ball out, and a calling, cruising Tom Sikma received a later pass and rushed, but his shot went over as well. in the second block of 2nd half play, Tom Vanderhorst blasted a low torpedo, but his shot went just wide. Brent Ahrens, leading scorer for the Red/White/Blue dippsy-doodled in and around Oranje in their end, but was effectively covered on this attempt (and all night, as Oranje kept him off the score sheet) and he dumped the ball wide. Oranje finally got a tally when a low Rick VanderHorst corner kick went in off the butt of Steve Koning (hey, they all count Steve, no matter how you put it in!). Ryan Sikma made two timely saves off of Nathan Chase in the latter part of the half to keep his team close, but Oranje could not get that tying goal. Oranje acknowledged that the difference in the game was that they had trouble finishing the play in the Lynden half of the field, while Lynden Americans are certainly comfortable and effective on their home field.

CELTIC BACK ON WINNING TRACK

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:11:16 EST

Well, it was a NICE night for soccer, as the spectators had to shield their eyes from the SUN, instead of the RAIN for once. Celtic were looking forward to putting a game in the win column, following three losses, while Crossway, with two ties to their name, is still looking for their first win of the season, but it was Celtic's night with a decisive 7-0 win over Crossway.

It took till the 20 minute mark of the game before Celtic got their first goal, after testing the backstop behind the Crossway goal several, um, no - numerous times. Glenn Visscher sent a ball from just over centre that Anthony Togeretz could get to and he made no mistake, putting it to the left corner. Lindsay Bisschop set up Joe Doyle for a shot that Celtic keeper Russ Toet had to smother but Celtic would get the next goal when Togeretz squared the ball to Burke VanderHorst who swept the ball into the goal with his left foot. A short while later, Ivan Scheper set up A-Tog when his 40-yard free kick was just right for Togeretz to head in. A Celtic team rush up the left side was finished by Burke VdH with a shot that squeezed between keeper Andrew Driscoll and the near post, and it was 4-0 Celtic. A John VanSeters shot low to the corner, and a Wil Wildeboer goal just before half time made the score 6-0.

Celtic made some lineup adjustments, trying players in different positions in the second half, and only notched one more goal before the final whistle. Crossway had a couple more scoring chances in this half, notably when Mikayla Bay was on the end of a Joe Doyle pass and got a shot away for the Reds, and Dave VandeLeur when he received and shot a Tim Visscher free kick but Celtic keeper Toet was ready and able to make the grab. Stuart VanderHorst got the final goal for Celtic with a 30 yard ripper that rose into the top corner. Driscoll made two late saves in the dying minutes, one off a shot from Tim VanderHoek and another that came out of the goal mouth scramble that followed. And that was the game.........and a beautiful sunset!

FIVE GAME WIN STREAK - ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:53:39 EST

Oranje kept up their winning ways, with a 2-0 win over Langley FC, a matchup that saw two teams play a clean, entertaining game.

Yellow's first chance of the game occurred when Ron Scheper gave Kevin Woelders a leading pass and Woelders dove along the ground to try to head the ball in: no goal for Kevin, but surely some turf burn, according to spectators. Ian Moes got the next good attempt for Langley FC when he came in dangerously on goal but could never gain complete control of the ball for a good shot. Lots of midfield play in the first half did not result in success for either team, but Oranje was surely picking up their game. Yellow was unlucky to not score when a perfect Ron Scheper corner kick found the head of Jeff VanderGaag but the header grazed the top of the crossbar and went over. Oranje had their best chance in the last block of the half when Rick VanderHorst sprung a breaking Tom Sikma: keeper John Noort thrust the first shot away, with the rebound going to Rod VanSpronsen but he drove the ball straight back at a crouching Noort, who made the grab. The game was blanked at the break.

Oranje got their first goal early in the second half when Rick VanderHorst centered the ball to bro Tom who got a rising shot that Noort got a high hand on , but the ball snuck over and in. Kevin Woelders tried to even the score on a diagonal run through the Oranje area, but Paul Sikma matched him stride for stride making it difficult for Woelders to get his high shot away. Wes Driegen broke in on a determined run from his defensive position but John Zietsma kept him honest by forcing him outside. Oranje seemed to have a sure second goal when Rod VanSpronsen hustled in to the corner to win a cross into the 6-yard box, but bro Leroy bodied the ball against the post from a couple of steps out. They got that second goal, though, when Paul Sikma lifted a long free kick that went off a Yellow head and skipped on to and off the head of Rod VanSpronsen and in: no chance for keeper Noort. Langley FC pressed on and Wes Driegen cranked a far post shot from the corner of the 18 yard box, but the shot went off the top of the post of the inside of the bottom of the crossbar and stayed out! Driegen got another try for goal when he took a penalty kick for his Yellows but Oranje keeper Ryan Sikma punched that PK out (which he has done several times this year) - a mass of players slashed away at the loose ball, and it finally plunked off the (Ryan's best friend, by now) post and stayed out.

Final score: Oranje 2, Langley FC 0 (cross bars and posts don't count......!)

YA WANNA BE A SPORTS REPORTER?

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:03:29 EST

So, where have all the eager sports reporters gone? Game reports on this web site are getting remarkably one sided, or shall I say one-coloured..........actually two coloured. I have lots of fun writing up the games that I attend, but I don't go to all the games. Some teams have hardly been reviewed at all this year. (Maybe they prefer it that way.)

Anyway, if your team has a faithful fan that follows you around from game to game, from field to field, and from rain storm to rain storm, encourage them to give reporting a try. After all, if I can do it, they can do it!

LEAGUE LEGEND LEAVES FVCSL

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:06:45 EST

Henk Timmerman will be leaving the FVCSL and the province as he heads to RCMP Depot in Regina for RCMP training. Though the league hopes to get him back after he has completed that training, there is no guarantee that he will be back in this area.

The FVCSL certainly owes Henk a big thank you as he has been instrumental in setting up the league, serving as a board member, an active player and and referee. He has given of his time, expertise, knowledge and energy to make the league what it is today. Henk was recognized as league MVP last year, an accolade well deserved. Oranje coach Henk VanderHorst spoke highly of Henk T-man's commitment both to the league and to the level of soccer that the league has achieved, as well as Timmerman's expectation that the Christian character of the league to be the most important. He speaks for all, I'm sure when we wish Henk the Lord's blessing on his new direction in life, and that the Lord will protect him and keep him as he heads to Regina and temporarily leaves his family behind here in the Fraser Valley.

THANKS, HENK TIMMERMAN! MAY GOD BLESS

NO QUIT IN ORANJE WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:52:11 EST

Oranje had to come from behind with 3 unnswered goals to pull out a hard fought 3-2 victory over Langley FC. Two of the original FVCSL teams met in a game that would be team and league leader Henk Timmerman's last game as he heads to Regina for RCMP training, and it was a good Oranje/Yellow matchup. The game could have been a win for either team, but it was Oranje's turn for a good team effort victory.

Yellow had the better start in the match, and Ryan Sikma was called upon to make early saves on shots from Jeff VanderGaag off a Kevin Woelders feed, and an Aren VanDyke shot that Sikma grabbed as well. Langley keeper John Noort had the same success on a following Oranje drive. But Sikma was beaten on a long shot from Aren VanDyke that he drifted in and Ryan got the fingers on it, but not enough to push the ball over the crossbar, and in it went. Yellow kept pressure on the ball after that and a goal area scramble after a corner kick had many players trying to clear and trying to score, but no goal for Yellow. Ever dangerous Henk Timmerman had a good chance for goal when he had a quick release, spin and slash, but it went off the crossbar. Shelley Sikma on the other end, outfought John Noort for the ball and got it back to Rod VanSpronsen, but Rod hit the side of the goal. Phil Sikma had a good rip on an Oranje ball that made it through a crowd but Noort could make the grab, and Henk Timmerman and Ian Moes both had chances that Sikma could grab. Minutes before the break, Jeff VanderGaag finished off Yellow team pressure when he got a short shot into the short side of the goal and Langley had a 2-0 lead. But Oranje came right back, and a minute later Rod VanSpronsen punched in a choppy shot and the score was 2-1 at the half.

The first rush of the second half showed that Oranje had not quit and Mark Sikma energy gained a corner kick. The corner resulted in scramble, scramble in the Yellow box, with Phil Sikma getting the ball through and over the Yellow goal line. Suddenly it was a new game, with the teams tied at 2! Half way through the half, Rick VanderHorst sent a ball to the corner for Mark Sikma and Sikma took the ball across the 18 and deflected a left-footer off a Yellow defender and in. Oranje would preserve the lead, partially through keeping a close defensive eye on Henk T-man who did manage to unleash one from the corner that Sikma had to crouch to grab, and another one from Henk's brother Mike that he had to force through the area. Tom Sikma generated one more try for Oranje and his shot went through the Yellow area and Rod VanSpronsen got on the end of that but hit the side of the goal (again). Victory to Oranje, 3-2.

Henk Timmerman sighed that it was time to move on: his soccer boots were shot, held together by tape and were headed for the garbage. May his RCMP boots serve him well.

LANGLEY FC LEAPFROGS OVER LCRC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:41:20 EST

Langley FC and LCRC played in very blustery conditions at McLeod field, and the wind played a huge factor in the game, as did the fact that Langley FC had lots of extra players while LCRC had only one spare. Langley Yellow took advantage of that, as well as having the strong wind at their backs and managed a 3-1 victory over LCRC and moved over them in the standings as well.

LCRC had a heart stopping moment in the first ten minutes when Aren VanDyke had a sure shot for goal when he connected off a corner kick, but Mandy DeWit saved the day and saved the goal for LCRC when she cleared the ball off the line. At the 15 minute mark, Ryan Hanawalt picked up a Jeff VanderGaag pass, dribbled through a bevy of Stripey players and slashed a shot past keeper Justin Bontkes to take the early Yellow lead. Leading scorer for LCRC Kevin VanderGaag tried to equalize when he snuck in and scooted the ball across the goal mouth, but it was just in reach of keeper John Noort. They would tie the score a short while later when the wind and wreaked havoc on a bouncing ball driven in by LCRC; Noort got a hand on the high bouncer but not enough, and David Wildeboer cut behind Noort and put the ball in. Wildeboer broke in on another blowing, breaking pass from Oscar Fuentes but shot just wide.

Langley FC were very aware that the wind would be an extra player for them in the second half, and they used it, while a tiring LCRC side had to battle head first into the wind. Derek Hoogerdijk tried to float an early wind-carried ball in, but his shot drifted over the crossbar. It would not an easy half for Yellow and LCRC was not without their chances but Langley FC would benefit from an LCRC own goal to take the lead. Kevin Woelders came in on Justin Bontkes, who made the save, but bro Tim Bontkes was unlucky when he tried to clear the ball away but ricochetted it off Justin and into the goal instead. In the last five minutes, a determined Ron Scheper iced the cake for Langley FC when he got them their insurance goal. Ryan Hanawalt gave it one more try when he cut across the LCRC goal area and cranked a left footer at Bontkes but Justin thrust that shot away, and that would be it for the game.

Oscar Fuentes was given a yellow card for too much chirping.

RAIN AGAIN: ORANJE/VITESSA

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:06:13 EST

Oranje put together a convincing team victory as they rolled over Vitessa 5-0 on this cold March evening. Oops, it is JUNE, it just feels like March! Baseball is smarter than soccer in that they cancel games in such nasty,wet , cold weather. However, if the FVCSL did that, there would have been a lot of rainouts this year.

"Vitessa gave us much of the field, and we took it, with a good game of ball control, passing and communicating' voiced Oranje coach Henk VanderHorst, and this indeed was the name of the game. Vitessa did not have too many chances at the Oranje keeper Tom Sikma who was standing in for Ryan (brand new Dad) Sikma, and the chances they got were handled by Tom-S. Mark Sikma set up the first Oranje goal when he sent a pass in to Rod VanSpronsen who seemed to have the goal but the Vitessa keeper batted the ball off the goal line, only to have Leroy VanSpronsen make sure the ball went right to the back of the net. Steve Koning followed that up some minutes later when he headed in a Rick Vanderhorst cross off the goalies hands and in. When Oranje was awarded a penalty kick, Mark Sikma took it but shot it over and wide, (but nailed the tree in behind the goal!). Ben VandeBurgt got the most dangerous try late in the half for Vitessa when he ran in stride for stride with defender John Zietsma: keeper-Tom stayed back and handled shots from VdBurgt and teammate Jeff Boess. Oranje ended the half with sustained pressure on the Vitessa area by 5 or 6 players but none could complete a scoring play.

Vitessa started the second half with a rush that had goal written all over it, set up by Henk Colijn, but the first shot rang off the crossbar and the rebound went to #5 (don't know his name) who was unlucky to head it off the same crossbar! Coach Kees VanVliet implored from the sideline, "Under the crossbar, Vitessa, Under the crossbar!" as this golden opportunity bore no results. Oranje's 3rd goal came off a penalty kick that Leroy VanSpronsen struck well, and the Vitessa keeper Tim Erickson got a hand on it but could not keep it out. Gary Hovius had a last good run for Vitessa when he raced up the wing but Tom Sikma came out to challenge and took the angle away and Hovius' effort went wide. Oranje's efforts gave them a 4th goal coming from a heads-up pass from Rick VanderHorst to Leroy VanSpronsen who made a beautiful cross to Tom VanderHorst's head and in went the ball. Shelley Sikma almost rounded out the scoring with a shot on goal, with the keeper fumbling the wet ball, but Steve Koning made sure the ball went in.

Players and spectators (yes, there were some!!) were all happy to head home to warm, warm showers!

ORANJE HAS LCRC'S NUMBER

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:03:53 EST

LCRC were shaking their heads at the end of tonight's match against Oranje, as they suffered their second loss of the season to the orange-clad. They were missing some key players, including their starting keeper Justin Bontkes and this forced them to play Saul Fuentes in goal, which took away some offensive thrust.

The first 30 minutes of the game saw a lot of back and forth action as both teams worked to establish their passing game, and test the other keeper. Mark Sikma and Rod VanSpronsen, together with Shelley Sikma combined to get action in the LCRC end and the shot had to be forced wide by Fuentes. Keeper Ryan Sikma had to be sharp in the Oranje end when David Wildeboer cruised in after a loose ball, and Sikma snatched it off his feet. Kevin VanderGaag got a shot out of a crowd, but he was tightly marked, as Oranje tried to do most of the night, and did not get the shot he wanted. MarkS and RodVS combined again when Mark got a ball over to Rod, who flicked it on to Shauna Stam, and she directed the ball on and into the goal, for a big goal for Oranje, as it would prove to be the game winner. Morris Klos was back in the Oranje lineup and jumped on a loose ball that squirted through a crowd, but went just wide. And Brian DeWit crossed a ball to a charging Dave Wildeboer, but that effort went wide of the Oranje goal. DeWit traded dying minute shots with Tom Sikma and the half ended 1-0 Oranje.

LCRC worked hard in the second half to get their strikers Kevin VanderGaag, David Wildeboer and Darren Leffers loose but Oranje worked hard to keep them in check and not let them finish their chances, though they hung on some in the last 15 minutes to preserve the shutout for Sikma. Speedster VanderGaag came in on a great rush and seemed to be free, but Paul Sikma came out of nowhere to take that shot away, and he had a later shot denied when Ryan Sikma made a great toe save. Morris Klos suffered the same fate on the other end when Tim Bontkes blanketed him and Klos could not get a clean shot unleashed. Ron Smouter had a shot for Oranje go wide, and LCRC worked it back up the field. They took advantage of space in Oranje's defence, got behind them ,and Darren Leffers scored, only to see the play called offside by the ref. Chris VanderHorst of LCRC had moved up in the later stages of the game to help get that badly needed goal cut loose a shot out of a very crowded, (with both teams) spot just outside the 18, but it went just wide. In the last five minutes of the game, keeper Ryan made another great toe save off of Darren Leffers and stopped a late game corner kick as well, and he and Oranje had their shutout and victory.

ALDERGROVE DOUBLES CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:50:19 EST

Well, have Celtic ever given up 6 goals in a game? And have Aldergrove ever scored 6 against them? That's just what happened tonight as a solid Aldergrove team effort defeated Celtic 6-3. It took well into the first half before either team managed to test the other's keeper with anything dangerous, and it would be Celtic that scored first. Russ Toet, the Celtic keeper sent the ball up to John VanSeters and he broke a speedy Tim VanderHoek who got to the ball before keeper Brian Meerstra, got around him and scored. But a short while later, Toet took a goal kick (one that he would dearly want back) that went straight to Mark Meerstra and he drove it right back and in for Aldergrove's first goal. Meerstra followed that up with his and his team's second goal when he got control of a bouncing ball in the Celtic end, and connected and scored. Aldergrove pushed up again and Kevin Hendricks floated a long shot from the sideline that drifted high, right inside the far post for Alder #3. Celtic did not quit and got a well deserved goal when Ivan Scheper brought the ball up, Glenn Visscher came back to cross it in to John VanSeters at the top of the box and he nailed it in to keep Celtic with in one. But before the half, Aldergrove added to their lead on another nifty rush; they now seemed to have lots of room to make the play and the shot they wanted, and Justin Meyer curled a left-footer in for a 4-2 half-time score.

Tim VanderHoek had a chance to open Celtic scoring in the second half when he connected on a cross, but his hard shot thwacked off the crossbar - unlucky for him and for Celtic. Aldergrove had different luck though,when Kevin Hendricks drove a free kick along the ground at the Celtic goal and it was scramble, scramble, kick, kick, with Hendricks eventually outscrambling Celtic and chopping in the ball. Anthony Togeretz had an energetic drive on the Alder-goal that Brian Meerstra had to be sharp to parry away, but soon Aldergrove would add another goal, taking advantage of some Celtic confusion in their area, and Justin Meyer got the finishing touch on that play. Celtic created some Alder-confusion of their own when a team effort got the ball into scoring range, and John VanSeters was the one to finish that play to complete the Celtic scoring and the game scoring. Final score 6-3.

Rematch next week, and both teams will be gunning again, as they try to pass each other in the standings.

SAINTS MARCH OVER ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:44:53 EST

The Saints put on a scoring show against Oranje tonight, and played a steady defensive game as well to beat Oranje, keeping them off the scoresheet with a 4-0 shutout. Rod VanSpronsen had the first scoring chance of the game on a nice attack from Oranje, but the Saints had the more dangerous when Nico Noordham got sprung, Adele Kroeger got stymied followed by Matt Phillipchalk who cracked a shot off the crossbar. The Saints got their first goal right after that when Ben Schoeber stroked a free kick that roofed in off the fingertips of Oranje keeper Ryan Sikma. Saints almost got another when a corner kick grazed off the head of Mika Yamamoto, but it didn't change direction enough to go in. Tom Sikma and Rick VanderHorst both had chances for Oranje with both dangerous but a little far out, and David Tolkamp had his Saint effort go wide. Keeper Sikma made two great saves in a row when Nico Noordham blasted one in at him, and the rebound went to Matt Phillipchalk with a scrambling Sikma making that grab as well. But Phillipchalk would not be denied again when Adele Kroeger made a nice cross in to him and he headed the ball in for goal #2 for the Saints. Steve Koning came close to notching a goal for Oranje when he fought through a crowd and cranked a shot off the crossbar and blasted his own rebound just over. Oranje sustained some good pressure for a time, with steadier buildups and about 6 unanswered shots, but none could bulge the onion bag.

Mika Yamamoto got a second chance for a goal early in the second half when she tried to finish on an Aaron Tolkamp cross but just couldn't connect. John Zietsma and Paul Sikma of Oranje charged up from their D-positions from time to time to try to generate some more offence, but the Saints D-line of Conrad Dykman and Dustin Jonkman were just as effective at shutting Oranje down. Phillipchalk got a couple more tries on the Oranje goal, one that Sikma had to tip over the bar, and another that grazed the outside of the far post. David Tolkamp was often a dangerous presence lurking in the Oranje end as well. Jon Vanderheyden generated the next Saints goal when his setup went to Phillipchalk, to Ben Schoeber who took his time to slide his shot just under a sprawling Sikma. The 4th Saints goal came when second-half keeper Jordan Dykman kicked the ball up the field and Vanderheyden sent in Nico Noordham behind the Oranje defence and Noorham rounded out the scoring. Shortly before the final whistle, Angela Dykman was given a yellow card for unacceptable language.

Good strong game from the Saints, while Oranje will have to get their scoring machine polished up, or dusted off, what ever the case may be.

SILVER SUNK BY CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:39:53 EST

Celtic kept up their winning ways of late by defeating Abbotsford by a convincing 4-0 score. Abbotsford is struggling to put some victories together. "It is what it is" declared keeper Hilmer Jagersma, but their team stays positive and enjoys the game.

Celtic opened the scoring early in the first half when Burke Vanderhorst got the ball to Tim Vanderhoek and he to Anthony Togeretz, who put the ball into the back of the net. Andrew Selles tested Celtic keeper Russ Toet twice after that but Toet made both grabs and John VanSeters ran the same test on Silver keeper Jagersma on the other end when he ran cross-field and cut a shot loose that Jagersma dove to save. JohnVanS got a goal a short while later though, when Ivan Scheper let loose a shot that Jagersma stopped but JohnV got the rebound and drilled it in from a tough angle. Glenn Visscher tried to add to that tally with a free kick, but it went just over the Abby wall and just over the Abby bar. Tim VanderHoek had the same result when he was in the goal area and headed an Anthony Togeretz cross over the bar. Adrian Selles closed out the half with a good drive on Toet that the keeper had to be sharp to grab. Celtic had their patented passing game going well in the first half and led, 2-0 at the 45 minute mark.

Celtic did not keep that style of game going as well in the second half and Abby tried to take advantage but could not find the back of the goal, while Celtic managed to notch 2 more goals. James Bisschop of Silver worked hard but saw his good efforts go for naught especially on two drives early in the second half. And he crossed a ball into the goal area that Kevin VanderBoom had a chance at, but he and Toet tangled up, with Toet coming up with the save. Celtic teamworked the ball back up the field and Glenn Visscher ended the rush with a shot to the side of the goal. Rob Beukema tested Toet with a floater that could have been lost in the lights but Toet saw it and gathered it in. Anita Schouten set up one of Abby's most dangerous chances when she kept a ball in and found Bisschop, but James could not beat Toet.

It took till the last 5 minutes of the game for Celtic to get their last two goals, one on a cross from Ivan Scheper that Anthony Togeretz redirected into the goal. The last goal for Celtic came off a penalty kick that Scheper took for his team and struck it well into the back of the bag.

P.S. - HOPEFULLY SITE GURU REUBEN MOES CAN OVERRIDE THIS PHOTO BECAUSE OF COURSE IT IS WRONG................ sorry! GV

INTER OUSTS ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:35:38 EST

Is FC International the best team in the league this year? Time will tell, but they certainly are a very good team, having strengthened their lineup in several positions. They proved to be too tough for Oranje tonight, who were only 2 points behind them in the standings before this 4-2 loss.

Mark Peters is one of the pieces of the puzzle added to the Inter team this year and they benefitted from his scoring prowess tonight as he got them two goals. The first one came at the 27 minute mark, when he collected the ball at center, ran through Oranje players to the 20 yard mark and unleashed a torpedo low to the corner. That would be the only goal of the first half, with Dan Woelders suffering several misses ("I hope I got all this year's missed goals out of the way tonight," he would quip after the game). Peters also had a very dangerous try from the corner skim off the crossbar and wide. Oranje was not without their chances, one off the head of Tom Vanderhorst, when he directed a corner kick wide. They had some good pressure in the closing minutes of the half and Mark Sikma also had an attempt for Oranje but could not get enough meat on the ball.

The second half opened with a quick rush and chance for Oranje when Rod VanSpronsen got a shot that keeper Werner Engler juggled and grabbed with Steve Koning waiting for the loose ball. Inter rushed right back and got a shot on keeper Ryan Sikma. Sikma kept the ball out, but he ended up on the outside of the post with the ball on the goal line. He crawled back just on time to grab the ball for no goal. The next Inter penetration saw Dan Woelders make a run through several Oranjers but cranked the ball off the upright. In a scrambley play a short while later, in a box full of both colors, Mark Peters got his second goal when he turned and left-footed the ball right where he wanted it, high under the crossbar. Dan Woelders tried to add to his team's tally when he broke in on keeper Sikma but RyanS got a foot on the shot and got a hand on the following shot. But the next rush for Inter got them another goal, this time with Mike Opp finishing the play. Again Oranje was not without chances as they tried to get that first goal but Engler was able to handle shots from both Mark Sikma and Tom VanderHorst. The Woelders/Opp combo tried to score again with DanW coming in point blank on Sikma, with Opp running decoy but Sikma stayed with the shooter and made the save. Oranje got on the scoresheet when Rod vanSpronsen ran hard to cross a great ball in to Tom Sikma who headed the ball past Engler, but the referee had just whistled the play down for a penalty kick, so no goal for TomS. Rick VanderHorst took the PK and stroked it in for a 3-1 score. Inter got their 4th goal when DanW took advantage of a bouncing ball, turned on the afterburners and scored. Oranje got a last successful kick at the can when Tom VanderHorst dribbled the ball in and out of a crowd, found space, and nailed a 25 yard riser up and in to make it 4-2.

Dan Woelders said after the game, "We strikers have confidence in our midfield that they're going to get the ball to one of us, and we can just go for it." And they do!

TOUGH LOSS, LYNDEN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:50:30 EST

"So, Lynden, What's different about your soccer team this year?" "Well, " answered Dirk DeMooy for me, "We've added youth, speed and scoring touch! We're much more offensive minded than last year". And that was clear in the game against Celtic: last year Lynden was great at collapsing into their box and taking away any scoring space for the opposing team. Now they take the ball away and turn it up the field for a scoring drive. An exciting game at Willoughby field, where the outcome was not known till the final whistle.

Lynden Americans opened the scoring at the 17 minute mark when newcomer Erick Estrada got the ball out of a crowd and kicked a hard rising shot into the Celtic goal. Lynden were the stronger team in the first half, and had several more dangerous opportunities, especially when Ben Faber ran stride for stride with Celtic's Steve vanDelft and just got the shot away, but keeper Russ Toet made the save. Harvey Pelleboer got a long, strong shot away and Loren VanCorbach spun and shot for Lynden as well, but both shooters were denied. Celtic got on the scoresheet when Lynden took a player down in the area, and Celtic were awarded a penalty kick. Burke VanderHorst stroked a good shot past the keeper for goal. Laura Faber had a strong game for Lynden and had a good shot late in the half, but no goal. Celtic got a second penalty kick shortly before the end of the half for another agressive takedown in the box. This time it was Ivan Scheper's turn to take the shot, and he was rewarded with Celtic's goal #2. Ivey blasted a shot off the crossbar just before the half time whistle and the rebound was driven back in but Dirk DeMooy saved the American day, and the score was 2-1 at half time.

In the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Lynden had some pretty steady pressure going, and the ball ping-ponged in the Celtic goal area. Finally Erick Estrada got his chance and drove the ball through many bodies and into the goal to tie the game. Russ Toet made saves off of Loren VanCorbach and Harvey Pelleboer who had great scoring chances, but later got beaten by Brent Ahrens when Ahrens beat him to the ball, and scored into the open goal. Lynden had the lead, but would not keep it. Celtic had a corner kick and Ivan Scheper squibbed the ball along the ground, and it got through to Steve VanDelft who made no mistake and drilled the ball into the Lynden goal. Tie game! Celtic took the lead at the 37 minute mark of the second half when Anthony Togeretz charged for a loose ball together with keeper Mark Hicks and though Hicks had won these races earlier in the game, A-Tog beat him this time, and got the 4th goal for Celtic. Now it was Celtic's turn to collapse into the goal area and protect the lead. It worked for them, and they preserved the win and a hard fought 4-3 victory over a tenacious Lynden Americans.

Yellow cards were given to Harvey Pelleboer of Lynden and Russell Toet of Celtic during the course of the intense match.

IS REAL PACIFIC FOR REAL??

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 11 May 2008 08:47:41 EST

Yes, they are! And they proved it tonight when they put together a decisive 3-0 win over Oranje. This game dealt Oranje their first loss of the season, while Real Pacific has not lost a game yet.

"We made them play our game, and that gained us the victory" was heard in the RP huddle after the game, and coach Henk VanderHorst of Oranje would agree that RP earned the win tonight. They forced the play all night long, getting in the way of Oranje passes, and using their quick transition game to their own advantage. At the 11 minute mark of the first half, league leading scorer Craig Kobes and Oranje keeper Ryan Sikma were both challenging for the same ball, but Kobes won the challenge and eased the ball into the Oranje goal. Mark Sikma of Oranje had a hard shot go over the Pacific bar, and Sean Bredenhof of RP had a good crack go wide, but the best scoring chance of rest of the half was taken by Jeremy Meyer when he took a Craig Kobes pass and drilled a point blank shot at Sikma, who made a big-time save.

Oranje kept Real Pacific to that one goal for a long time, but eventually they added to their tally when Jason VanderHorst forced Ryan Sikma to clear a ball coming in, but the clearance was snagged by RP and Jeremy Meyer shot the ball into the unguarded Oranje goal. Oranje were close on a chance a little later when Dan VanSpronsen stroked a high ball that looked like a goal, but Jayden Kuik tipped the ball just over. Kuik was not tested that often by Oranje but was there when he needed to be, especially on a sliding challenge by Steve Koning that he snatched out of danger. Jason Togeretz and Alan Boeve both had chances for Pacific but no success and Shelley Sikma could not finish on a good Oranje drive either. Mark Sikma had a dangerous crack on Kuik but keeper Jayden gathered that one in for no goal. Real Pacific got their 3rd goal off a corner kick: Sikma juggled and lost the ball, and several players from both teams swiped at it but it was April (heads-up) Hendricks who put the ball in. "Man, that felt good" she quipped after the game! Oranje had one more golden opportunity to score when Mark Sikma careened a hard shot off the goal posted and Shauna Stam put the rebound just wide. Full marks for Real Pacific for their victory tonight!

LCRC SUFFERS ORANJE LOSS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:50:59 EST

LCRC were just as surprised as Oranje was when the Orange tide came back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to score 3 unanswered goals and steal the victory from LCRC.

LCRC captain Jeff Bontkes said, "We've added some young blood to our team this year: we should be okay." And their young guns combined well with the older players in this match and won more of the ball battles in the first half, and had more of the luck of the bounce as well. It took about 25 mintues into the first half before either team had any real quality chances but Brian DeWit and David Wildeboer had chances for LCRC that Oranje keeper Ryan Sikma had to be sharp to take away. At the 34 minute mark, LCRC took advantage of some scrambley play in the Oranje area due to LCRC pressure and Kevin VanderGaag found the loose ball and drilled it into the far corner of the goal. Daryl Hofsink tried to add to that tally when he launched a hard shot that went over the crossbar, but not over by much. Just before the half time whistle, LCRC's Oscar Fuentes scored on a similar play as their first goal when he was allowed to shoot in the midst of an unsettled looking Oranje, and got the second goal for LCRC.

Oranje definately had to generate more offence in the second half, but how to do that. LCRC kept up their strong play, and finally gained a penalty kick when keeper Sikma was deemed to have interfered with an LCRC rival when both players were struggling for a loose ball. Kevin VanderGaag struck a very strong PK but Sikma made a very sharp and timely save for his team. This seemed to energize Oranje and this, combined with a lineup adjustment reaped rewards. At the 22 minute mark of the second half, Paul Sikma blasted a free kick along the ground from 30 yards out, and the ball squirted through the team and past a surprised LCRC keeper Justin Bontkes. Off the following kickoff, Oranje rushed in again, and Tom VanderHorst passed to Steve Koning who bulleted the ball right through the LCRC net. The tied score certainly injected new excitement into the game. Greg Hamelin dished the ball this way and that way, and LCRC had their chances from Darren Leffers, and Kevin VanderGaag, but it would be Oranje who would score again. They teamworked it up the field and Tyler VanVliet had a clean lane open up to shoot through, and shoot he did, as his shot went up and dropped right under the crossbar. No chance for Bontkes. The last 15 minutes were tense, with LCRC pushing to even the score and Oranje pushing to keep them from scoring. Oranje were relieved to hear the final whistle and stay ahead of LCRC in the standings with this victory. Good game!

South Aldergrove Field

Bored Assistant — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:45:14 EST

Wondering where the South Aldergrove field is?

Below is a link with a map for S. Aldergrove Park.

The field the FVCSL has is the field marked East Soccer. (bottom center/left)

http://www.tol.bc.ca/files/web_files/recreation/SouthAldergrovePark.pdf

CELTIC TAKES THE VALLEY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:03:32 EST

Celtic and Valley United played this evening at McLeod field and while it took well into the second half of the second half for a team to notch a goal, it was Celtic who would achieve that and gain the victory. It was a well deserved win for Celtic who clearly outchanced Valley, but the defensive line of Valley and the good work of their goalie Geoff VanLaar made it difficult for Celtic to get that goal. Many of Celtic's shots came from too far out, but that's because Valley took away the opportunities, or filled up the box to take way the space.

Russ Toet was not without a workload in the Celtic goal especially from the feet of VanderLinde duo Calvin and Maurice but was not as busy as Valley keeper VanLaar who had great shots from John VanSeters, Glenn Visscher, Anthony Togeretz, Stu VanderHorst and Burke Vanderhorst to deal with. Valley would certainly have liked to have Matt Schouten for his scoring touch, but he was out of the lineup tonight, as was Tim Schouten, one of Valley's key playmakers.

Celtic owned much of the second half, but Valley kept up their hustle and their try. Max VanLaar got a dangerous shot off for Valley in the second half when he sent a looper in from the sideline that could have been lost in the lights but keeper-Toet found it and grabbed it for the save. Max later got another shot on goal when Toet threw the ball into the middle and VanLaar drove it right back at him. Celtic kept pressure on the Valley goal, most notably from Tim VanderHoek with a nifty header that went just over, a long dribble through lots of green bodies from Ivan Scheper that he sent just wide, and a free kick from Scheper that keeper Geoff juggled to save. Celtic finally got what would be the game winning goal when Burke VanderHorst had a hard drive come back off a green defender and Anthony Togeretz cranked that ball back through the Valley d-wall and past the sprawling Geoff VanLaar. Celtic had to protect their lead for ten long minutes, and after a corner kick scramble did not result in a Valley goal, they could play out the game and enjoy another win.

SILVER STILL WINLESS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:37:12 EST

"Our success is low, but our optimism is high". That's how Abbotsford's keeper Hilmer Jagersma described the Silver Bullets season to date. Hey, the season is young, but every team likes to get that first win (and follow it up by more wins), but it was not to be tonight as Oranje beat Silver 2-1.

The teams met on Mouat field, a turf field that allows a lot of running, and the ball a lot of rolling: the opinion of referee Chris Vanderhorst was that there was a lot of running and rolling happening tonight. Both teams had chances in the first half, with Silver's Stan deHaan starting it with a shot to the near post that Ryan Sikma was there to handle. Later in the half, Sikma drop kicked a ball out to Tyler VanVliet lurking on the center stripe: VanVliet chased the ball down and got a very good shot on goal which Jagersma had to dive for to push wide. Stan deHaan challenged again when bro Tim chipped a ball to him, but Ryan got the touch on that one to send wide. On the following corner kick, veteran player Ron Smouter cleared a dangerous bouncing ball away from the goal mouth to keep the game scoreless. Oranje got on the scoresheet a short while later when Tom Sikma sent in a free kick that Tom (the other Tom) VanderHorst redirected with a nice header into the Silver goal. Abby had several good shots, notably from Andrew Thalen and Andrew (the other Andrew) Selles but Ryan Sikma was up to the task and snagged those shots. A fairly even half of play.

Oranje had a great chance in the second half when awarded a free kick, but Rick VanderHorst's shot curled around the wall but just skimmed over the crossbar. Abby's Kevin VanderBoom (newly acquired from LCRC) floated a surprisingly dangerous shot from the 25 that cleared the bar, but not by much. Oranje's second goal came off the foot of Rod VanSpronsen when he cranked a cross field pass high into the goal. Abby tried to get that back when Stan deHaan came breaking in with Andrew Selles running decoy, but keeper Ryan came out to challenge and stole the ball off the feet of deHaan. Abby's only goal of the game came off a penalty kick for a handball in the box and Andrew Selles calmly drove a shot low to the corner. Victory to Oranje. Abbotsford, maybe next time!

CLOVERDALE CONQUERED

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:14:41 EST

Cloverdale and Celtic were both looking for their first win of the season, with Celtic getting the conveted result, with a 2-1 victory in nasty, nasty weather conditions. (will spring ever spring??) The game started out with a pelting rain, that changed into a driving rain as the game progressed, the weather being no fun for players, fans and referee. But, on, on, the game must go on!!

The game started out with some back and forth play, with both teams testing out the other, till the 12 minute mark, when Celtic's Burke VanderHorst, just inside the Cloverdale half, popped a ball through to a breaking Tim VanderHoek and he got the ball over the challenging Clover-keeper Josh VanderPloeg, for the opening goal. Cloverdale had the chance to even the score when they were awarded a penalty kick but Celtic keeper Russ Toet punched the shot away. The half would end with that 1-0 Celtic lead.

Glen Visscher had a good Celtic try early in the second half but his crank went wide, but not too wide. Celtic newcomer Tim Plantinga was given a yellow card when he overran, or ran over a Cloverdale player but the ensuing free kick was sent over the Celtic goal. Celtic got their second goal of the game when Anthony Togeretz got shot on goal, which came back to Glenn Visscher who directed it to Richard Welfing (another newcomer to Celtic) and Welfing got the goal, his second of the season. Cloverdale got their best shot on goal off a corner ball that came out to Jessica VanderPloeg and she slashed a shot across the 18 yard box and Toet had to dive to redirect the ball just wide. Julian VanDyke missed on another Clover-chance when he had a near breakaway but sent his shot over the bar. On the other end, Josh VanderPloeg misjudged a ball coming on goal and Tim VanderHoek did not have enough time to settle the loose ball, and shot just wide of the yawning goal. Cloverdale's Matt Wendt was given a yellow card for a collision with the Celtic keeper just before Cloverdale finally got on the scoresheet. With minutes left in the game, Kyle Mosterd took advantage of a scramble and a loose ball, and drove a long low sweet shot into the far corner of the Celtic goal. Mosterd challenged again minutes later, but when he went up to head the ball, together with a Celtic player, both players went down, Mosterd with a possibly broken nose. Let's hope that's not the case. The game ended with that 2-1 score, and everyone headed to the warm, warm showers!!

ABBY GOES K.O. IN LAST FIVE

The Reporter Reporting — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:03:42 EST

On a nice Tuesday night LFC was host to Abbotsford at Willoughby. Both teams met in the exhibition rounds already, with LFC taking that one back home to Langley.

It was a very open first half with lots of plays up and down the field, some spectators might have thought they were at a tennis match; midfield sure had their hands full. Danger was happening on both ends of the field, although not a lot of scoring chances. Abbotsford had a couple of dangerous plays at the start, Stan Dehaan and Andrew Selles were very affective running the sides and then crossing it in the box, someone just had to run into the ball and we would have seen some early goals. LFC would have the next few, starting with a free kick from Henk Timmerman that Hilmer Jagersma had to stretch for and make a great save. Next was a run along the wing from Timmerman that went in for a low cross, through Jagersma’s legs and then being kicked into row Z by one of Abbotsford’s D-man before Kevin Woelders could tap it in. Abbotsford would come back with shots from Andrew Selles and James Bisschop, who was having a frustrating night with Mike Timmerman all over him and preventing him from using his speed. Jeff Vandergaag would have the next great chance, trying to get through 3-4 players, which he did, before fumbling the ball and just not being able to get a good shot on net. The first half would end in a 0-0 tie.

The second half slowed down dramatically and it seemed that the speed of the first half did both teams in. It was very messy and not a lot of passes were going where they were supposed to. Abbotsford again would have the first opportunity with a shot from Charis Siebenga that went wide of the net. Finally we would get our first goal of the game, Henk Timmerman send Jeff Vandergaag away and he put the ball through Jagersma’s legs in the net for the all important first goal. Abbotsford started to push a bit more, but it didn’t result in to many dangerous chances. The game seemed to die down until the 85^th minute when a corner from Derek Hoogerdijk was headed in the net by Vandergaag again to give LFC a 2-0 lead. Abbotsford was lost and seemed confused when a potential handball resulted in a breakaway by Henk Timmerman who managed to score on Jagersma who initially made the first save on Timmerman. LFC connected again seconds later when a scramble in the box resulted in Ryan getting a clear shot to put the ball in the net for the fourth goal of the game. Again seconds later LFC came on strong and Timmerman was short about one inch to get his toe on the ball and slide it into the net after Vandergaag created a scoring chance.

A very even game with Abbotsford losing it’s composure in the last five, which got LFC a big win. A bit too much for this game. Great game by both teams and this game could have gone either way.

For FVCSL.com, this is the reporter reporting.

Important Information about...

Bored Assistant — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:45:56 EST

Important Information About Turf fields

We do not have a permit for the fields until game time. This means that you cannot set up earlier. If there is absolutely no one on the field you can start your set up early, that includes warm-up.

Spectators are not allowed on the field, just players, coaches and referees. This means that spectators cannot have their lawn chairs or dogs on the field.

There are signs at the field, but these tend to be ignored.

Lets keep the Abbotsford, Surrey and Langley Parks and Recreation happy:)

Thanks for you co-operation.

photo by philipyk

LCRC NOTCHES SECOND WIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:53:05 EST

It was bitter weather at Neil Mcleod for both teams, but a bitter loss for Celtic as they were defeated 2-1 by LCRC. The formerly light blue-clad 2007 league champions are sporting new uniforms, vertical black and white stripes. Now the Celtic fans cannot yell, "Go Stripes" anymore, as there are more striped teams in the league than just these two.

A strong, cold wind from the north east wreaked havoc with the flow of the game and the flight of the ball many times during the game, but this affected both teams, and did not affect the outcome of the match. Kevin Leyenhorst of LCRC had the first decent chance to score, and had the ball settled and lined up, but his shot went through the goal area and past the far post. Dave Wildeboer, new aquisition for LCRC (the new unies must have attracted him) scored the first goal for LCRC at about the 30 minute mark when he turned and stroked a good shot into the Celtic net. Not long after that, Wildeboer set up a second LCRC goal when he sprung Brian (Dad of Beckham) DeWit past the Celtic D-line and DeWit was free to score. Rob VanSeters, playing forward for Celtic in the first half had an awesome crack at an almost goal when he shot from the 6 yard box but Justin Bontkes made a very brave steal off VanSeters' feet.

Celtic seemed to sag in the first half of the second half, and while they came back strongly they couldn't reel LCRC back in. Stu VanderHorst cranked a nice shot from 25 yards out that Justin-B gathered in safely. Greg Hamelin had a couple of tries on the Celtic goal, but had one shot go wide, and the next one go over. Richard Welfing, new this year to Celtic lineup, got a decent shot for his team but Bontkes rolled to make the grab. Anthony Togeretz sent in a long pass from the corner that Tim VanderHoek tried to head in but LCRC's Hamelin headed it out of danger instead. Finally, at the 30 minute mark of the half, Celtic pressure resulted in a crowded goal area and Richard Welfing was the one that connected with the ball and scored. Several more attacks by Celtic could not finish with a goal, while on the other end, Oscar Fuentes drove a free kick over the Celtic wall but Russ Toet was alert enough to punch the ball over the crossbar, and the game ended 2-1 LCRC.

Many frozen fans were happy to go home, though some brave souls stayed to watch Vitessa meet Real Pacific in the 9:00 game. This reporter wimped out and went home!

photo by Justin Meyer

"That didn't solve anything"

The Reporter Reporting — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:41:27 EST

I got inspired by Tom Vanderhorst’s forum post to write this. Even though he was at the game and could have written it, Tim Hortons got the better of him though I think.

With the two division system installed last year you can always expect a big game right at the start of the season, this year is no different with LFC hosting Aldergrove at Willoughby. Both teams were ready to play, neither wanted to give up that first goal though and that resulted in a balanced first half.

Some great scoring changed did come starting with a couple for LFC. Ryan Hanawalt send a great ball through on Henk Timmerman who shot the ball in the run, but Brian Meerstra was equal to the task and made a great save. Again LFC came on strong and this time it was Jolone Scheper who was all open on the side to receive a ball and give a nice pass to Hanawalt, who tried to chip it over Meerstra, but he brought his A-game tonight and would have none of it, great stop!! On the other end Aldergrove had a few good chances, the best coming from Colin Dewit who saw his shot hit the crossbar. This ended the first half with both teams happy to have not given up that all important first goal.

The second half was lot different, both teams knew a goal was needed to get those important 3 points. Aldergrove was pushing forward and that put LFC on their heels. Tyler “I’m still injured, I shouldn’t be playing “ Vandergaag was the first to open the scoring. With a great placed shot he beat John Noort who did manage to get a hand on the ball, but not enough. Even though Aldergrove players weren’t to impressed with Tyler playing, they did like that goal. Good to see teammates being worried about each other. This goal opened up the game, LFC had to score now and started to get of their heels and attack more. LFC’s goal would come soon when Timmerman saw Meerstra commit to much and was able to slide the ball past him in the net. LFC got some jump after that and a few minutes later Kevin Woelders would give Timmerman a great pass who once again was able to beat Meerstra, this time top corner. LFC would continue and had some great chance, but they could not get the insurance goal they needed. Aldergrove weathered the storm and started to push Kevin Hendricks up from defense, who was playing a great game against Jeff Vandergaag. Hendricks created some dangerous plays for Aldergrove and finally from a corner kick did Justin Meyer get the tying goal, a scramble in the box ended up on Meyers foot who made no mistake.

This game would end in a tie and Colin Dewit got the quote of the night by concluding that “nothing was solved”. A big thank you to the referee, Mr. Newcomb, who had the game well under control. Thanks Aldergrove and LFC for a good and clean game.

For FVCSL.com, this is the reporter reporting.

CELTIC VS ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:51:31 EST

Celtic and Oranje met for their season openers at a cold and windy Aldergrove field. Though the spectators shivered, the players warmed up to the task and came up with an entertaining game, with Oranje coming up with a 2-1 victory. Both teams played with short lineups, each having only 2 spares, and Oranje's Shelley Sikma and Shauna Stam put in whole, strong games as the only Oranje girls.

Celtic were the first to tally a goal at the 11 minute mark. Ivan Scheper took a free kick from about 25 yards out that he sent along the grass right to Rob VanSeters and VanSeters kept the ball low and drove it into the net. Oranje nearly equalized when Morris Klos booted a nice pass to Rod VanSpronsen who headed the ball off the post. At the 20 minute mark, Celtic's Ivan Scheper drove a long shot off the Oranje crossbar, unlucky to not add to his team's lead. At the 25 minute mark, when Celtic were called for a hand ball in the box, shifty Rod VanSpronsen stroked the ensuing penalty kick low to the corner; no chance for keeper Russ Toet. Morris Klos had several quality scoring chances during the game but could not buy a goal, shanking a bouncing ball wide, and later ringing another shot off the post. Wil Wildeboer almost got Celtic's second goal just before the half when he got a good shot from inside the 10, but Ryan Sikma got an Oranje toe on it to keep the ball out.

The second half opened with an early second goal for Oranje. Steve Koning was putting good pressure on the ball in the Celtic end, and the ball came back to Tom Sikma who drove a hard shot low to the corner. Oranje got the better scoring chances in the second half but did not see any more of them turn into goals. Mark Sikma headed a corner kick back at the goal ,but Mary-Anne VanderHorst cleared it off the post, and later she hampered Morris Klos and later again Shelley Sikma from finishing scoring chances. Oranje protected their lead well and were rewarded with the win. Both teams will enjoy having their missing players back for next game, but both teams put in a good effort tonight.

Forum is Back

Reuben Moes — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:10:34 EST

The forum has been upgraded and some anti-spam measures have been taken. Hopefully the spammers don't find us for a while. You can report any spam to webmasters[AT]fvcsl.com .

Thank-you everyone who lets me know when someone posted a link to a sweet porn site (funny?).

Because of the upgrade, I have to re-integrate it with the site. I haven't done that yet, but I am sure that won't be a problem for you all.

A little HELP?

Reuben Moes — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:58:09 EST

Hi FVCSLers. I am sure most of you are aware of the spam problem on the forum. We have the occasional user from Paraguay, or Cape Verde, or somewhere else in the world who thinks that our forum is a good place to drop a bunch of nasty links and pictures.

Since I don't visit fvcsl.com every day, I usually don't see these questionable posts until somebody sends me an email and tells me it's there.

It would be helpful if there were a few people (fvcsl.com regulars) who were willing help moderate the forum. If you are interested, send me an email (reubenmoesATgmail.com) and give me your forum username.

From: Reuben, the guy behind the computer.

2008 PRE-SEASON KICKS OFF

Morris Klos — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:07:02 EST

Willoughby - The Fraser Valley Christian Soccer League kicked off its preason schedule with a double header at Willoughby Community Park in Langley. The 7:00 game saw Langley FC humbled by Celtic with a final score of 6-4. Several noteable plays were Henk Timmerman's wheeling spin and perfect top-corner goal from just outside the 18; and Alicia Oger's 2nd half goal-keeping for Langley.

The second game kicked off at 9:00 between First Division rivals Oranje and LCRC. Led by Jeff Bontkes' coaching, LCRC held out for a 2-1 victory over Oranje with tight passing and good communication. Late evening both teams were greeted by a brisk rainfall, reminding everyone that it is still March, and a little less than 4 weeks until the '08 Season officially begins.

SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:25:28 EST

The annual Canadian Reformed Churches Soccer Tournament took place this August long weekend at Townsend Park in Chilliwack, and everyone would agree that it was a very successful and very well run tournament. The facility was suburb, the fields were great, the competition was exciting and the concesssion stand (run by Aldergrove church) was outstanding! Compliments to the organizing committee for a job super-well done!

After stiff competition on Saturday and Monday, the out of town teams of Coaldale, Edmonton, Barrhead, St. Albert, Houston, Smithers,and Vernon were eliminated, as well as the local teams of Cloverdale. Langley FC and Valley United. This left Oranje, to battle Abbotsford and Celtic to take on Aldergrove for the honour to play in the final game of the tournament. The two combatants left standing were Aldergrove and Oranje, Aldergrove playing their third game of the day, and Oranje their fourth!

The final match would turn out to be anybody's game as both teams had to battle fatigue, the jitters, the heat and the wind. Aldergrove came out on top when they scored with some five minutes left in the match. Oranje certainly had their chances to score, and owned the first twenty minutes of the game with two shots from Nathan Moes that both went over the bar and Mark Sikma heading one wide off a corner kick. Aldergrove slowly regained the half and Kevin Hendricks had a first good chance for Aldergrove when he dribbled in from center but he miskicked the ball and it became an easy save for Oranje keeper Ron Doorten.

An early second half rush by Aldergrove stayed out when playmaker Kevin Hendricks set up Justin Meyer but his shot went wide. A short while later keeper Doorten gambled and charged a loose ball, but lost the gamble: Justin Meyer got the loose ball over to Mark Meerstra and he had the open goal to shoot at but shot wide. Justin Meyer followed that up with a hard shot of his own, but Doorten brazenly batted that away. Oranje had lots of push and pressure of their own in the second half, twice on hard fought shots by Rod VanSpronsen that went wide, and one on a free kick from Paul Sikma that curled around the Alder-wall but keeper Brian Meerstra dove to push it wide. Danny DeHaas lifted a shot over the bar and Leroy VanSpronsen got a pass to Kevin VanderBoom who was forced to shoot wide on another missed opportunity for Oranje. With some five minutes to go, Kevin Hendricks and Mark Meerstra were in on the Oranje goal and it would be Meerstra that would put the ball in for Aldergrove. Oranje tried hard to get the equalizer and had their best chance just before the whistle when Morris Klos fought the ball out of the corner to Paul Sikma, whose hard left-footed shot resulted in a goal mouth scramble, but keeper Brian Meerstra made the grab and the save and that was the game!

MVP's for the tournament as selected by committee were Lindsay Wildeboer of Celtic for the girls and Kevin Hendricks of Aldergrove for the guys. The trophy and hoodies went to Aldergrove while Oranje got second place finisher t-shirts. The referees of the tournament, Mike Wagner and cohorts were thanked for their fine job of officiating, and they in turn thanked the players for their sportsmanlike quality of play and of character. The weekend was closed with thanks to our heavenly God and Father for his goodness, grace, and safekeeping over this tournament.

See you next year, the Lord willing, in Smithers, when they will host the next tournament!

FVCSL 2007 AWARDS

The Reporter Reporting — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:28:10 EST

Most Sportsmanlike Team:         Valley United

Female MVP of the Season:         Mel Dewit

Male MVP of the Season:         Henk Timmerman

Regular Season Second Division Champion:         Abbotsford

Regular Season First Division Champion:         Langley FC

2007 FVCSL Playoff Champion:         LCRC United

LCRC UNITED TRIUMPHANT

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:55:27 EST

A crowd estiimated to be about 300 came out to watch the championship game of the season, an exciting game pitting LCRC United against last year's champs, Aldergrove FC. LCRC played with confidence, "a team that was on a roll and kept on rolling" to quote Henk VanderHorst, and came out with a decisive 5-2 victory.

LCRC took the first half as they played a strong game while Aldergrove looked somewhat tentative and shaky. The Blues opened the scoring at the 11 minute mark when Saul Fuentes took a free kick for LCRC just outside the 18 yard box, and expertly curled the ball into the top outer corner of the goal; no chance for keeper Brian Meerstra. Aldergrove tried to get a goal off a corner kick opportunity but Emily VanderGaag helped out her keeper, Justin Bontkes with a cool clearance. Jason Togeretz, top scorer for LCRC would be kept off the scoresheet tonight, but had two chances in the first half, one that he miskicked and went wide, and the other that he struck much better but Meerstra made the grab. Keri Versluis had a crack at a goal when she shot the ball out of a crowd but it went just wide of LCRC's goal. At the 35 minute mark, Greg Hamelin won a battle for the ball 20 yards out and pushed the ball forward to Kevin VanderGaag who turned and found the far corner of the Alder-goal . LCRC followed that up some 2 minutes later on a rush that saw Brian DeWit get a shot from just inside the corner of the 18 yard box, and Meerstra got a piece of it but not enough to keep it out. LCRC didn't allow Aldergrove to establish any buildup in most of the first half, and led the game 3-0 after 45 minutes.

Aldergrove regrouped during the break and were prepared to take the second half by storm, but an early goal by a sprinting Kevin VanderGaag was not in their game plan. The Alder-whites were energized though (What DID they drink at half time?) and were a different team, and were rewarded with a goal at the 8 minute mark. Kevin Hendricks got the ball at center, and sent a diagonal pass to a calling Justin Meyer, who scored on a crisp header. And the Whites showed that they were going to make a game of it when they scored their second goal when Kevin Hendricks to Colin DeWit resulted in Colin driving that shot in. Now LCRC were scrambling! Aldergrove kept coming but Justin Bontkes protected his team's lead when he made a brilliant save on a shot from Meyer after he was fed a sweet pass by Keri Versluis, and another dangerous shot from Kevin Hendricks that he stole away. Bryan Grim tried to add to the LCRC lead but was unlucky to see his drive bounce off the high post. Oscar Fuentes tried to add to to their lead as well, but Michelle DeHaas stopped him in his tracks. Oscar got another chance but Meerstra made the save. Persistence paid off for LCRC when a determined buildup and nice pass from Emily VanderGaag went to Kevin VanderBoom who slashed a low shot under Meerstra. "When is the last time that any team has scored 5 goals on Aldergrove?" was the question voiced on the sideline. Long ago! That would be the final score, 5-2, and throw in a yellow card to a player on each team, as the game had lots of intensity.

The fans were appreciative of the fine game put in by both teams. A new champ for the FVCSL! And everyone looking forward to a break, and then a new season of Fraser Valley Christian Soccer League action!

NO LANGLEY FC IN FINAL

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:16:46 EST

For the first time in how many years (?) Langley FC is not in the championship game of the FVCSL and that is due in no small part to the tenacity and skill of LCRC United.

Langley's general Henk Timmerman got them the first goal of the game in the first 10-minute block when he had several tries on a ball that was scooting around in the Blues area and finally got a solid strike to score. LCRC started marking the Timmermeister closer after that and Chris VanderHorst became his very effective shadow. Kevin Woelders had a breakaway for Yellow but his shot hit the side of the net and Brian DeWit saw his shot for the Blues do the same thing. LCRC leveled the score when Kevin VanderBoom carried the ball up the wing, sent it in to Oscar Fuentes and it then went to Greg Hamelin who had come in to the goal area and scored from there. On the other end of the field, Yellow had earned three corner kicks in a row, and on the last one Joni Bredenhof bashed a cleared ball right back in but just a little high and wide.

In the second half, Lisa Bontkes had a scoring chance when she was tight against keeper Noort and headed the ball but it went straight down and stayed out. Jason Togeretz and Saul Fuentes added some danger-danger rushes and shots but no scoring. Langley had a good chance yet again when Dave Doornbos cracked a pass to Jeff VanderGaag who found Henk T, but he had a Blue blanket on him ,and could not score.

The game would end in a 1-1 tie and went straight to penalty kicks to determine the outcome. LCRC United came out the winner when they outscored Langley FC 4-2 in the shootout Langley FC takes the unfamiliar positon of spectators at the final game while LCRC United will meet Aldergrove for all the marbles on Tuesday evening,

INTER OUSTED

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:54:38 EST

Aldergrove and FC International met in a semi-final matchup and though these teams were very similar in the regular season, a big difference in them tonight was that Aldergrove had fresh legs on the sidelines while Inter's only legs were on the field, attached to only 10 players. Playing a player down all night took it's toll on Inter who battled hard and gamely but went down to defeat 2-0. The Blacks kept up to the Whites quite well in the first half, and that's when they had their best scoring chances. In fact, Nathan Moes' shot was a warmup shot for keeper Brian Meersta along with a curl-in shot from Dan Woelders. Keri Versluis had a quality shot on Inter keeper Mike Woelders from the penalty spot that Woelders had to deflect over the bar, and Dave Rolleman received a corner kick that he launched over the bar as well. Dan Woelders made a right side rush for Inter and sent in a dangerous shot that was punched out by Meerstra. Nathan Moes pounced on that loose ball and blasted it back on Meerstra but he deflected it wide. Aldergrove took the last 20 minutes of that half over and a Colin DeWit/Mel DeWit combo could not get the ball over the Inter goal line. More pressure: Mel DeWit to Kevin Hendricks to Harold Louwerse went wide. Justin Meyer and Mark Meerstra had pressure on the Inter keeper as well, but no results and the game was deadllocked at 0-0 at the half.

Aldergrove broke that nil-nil tie early in the second half when they worked the ball up close to the Inter goal, and Keri Versluis got in close for a shot that didn't go in, but Mark Meerstra did get it in, barely. After that Black was just hanging on and trying to keep up to the energetic Aldergrovers. It would take till almost the 30 minute mark before Inter could muster a shot on goal, with James Moes trying to beat Meerstra but it didn't happen. Aldergrove got their insurance marker after that when a play from Matt VanderGaag went to Kevin Hendricks, went to Jusitn Meyer went to Mark Meerstra who got the goal for his mates. Shortly after that Mark Meerstra got his name in another column of the scoresheet when he and Black's keeper had a collision which they followed up with a shoving match. Both received a yellow card from referee Rod VanSpronsen but Woelders received a second yellow and was ousted for the "discussion" that followed. With inter down to nine players now, it wasa case of finish the game.

Inter ran till the final whistle but ran out of gas. Aldergrove goes to the final for the second year in a row.

INTER MOVES ON,CELTIC BOWS OUT

Calvin Vanderlinde — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:40:52 EST

The FVCSL playoffs tightened up a little more Thursday night when FC International took on Celtic in their quarter-final match to determine who would join Aldergrove and Langley FC as the third team to make it to the final four.

It was an ideal night for a soccer game. The sun had set but the lights were bright at the Willoughby turf field. The Celts were in their familiar green-and-white stripes while Inter doned their usual black uni's. The stage was set for a great game between two formidable teams and for one of them it was to mark the end of their 2007 season.

The game got off to an up-tempo start. Both teams worked the ball around well, holding on to possession as long as they could and trying to construct good attacks.

It was Celtic with the first real chance when Jon VanSeters sent a scorching ball only a foot wide of the far top corner of Inter's goal.

However it was 10-man Inter who managed to tally the first (and only) goal approximately 10 minutes into the game when Dan Woelders cut across the top of the Celtic 18-yard box and let go of a rocket, which deflected off a Celtic defender in front and left keeper Rob Gelderman with no chance of stopping the route of that ball which proceeded to test of the elasticity of the netting. 1-0 Inter.

Celtic was very aware that they were up against tough opposition in FC Inter, who had swept the season series between the two teams. Celtic did begin to take the edge in play and built up some attacks. However, early on Celtic squandered a number of their chances by sending a number shots way off target.

Celtic soon got their game together and came very close to equalizing after Burke Vanderhorst crossed a ball into the Inter-18-yard box and Jon VanSeter's diving headed connected with it but only found the crossbar and riccocheted out of play.

The two teams traded chances as Peter VanBrederode, off a Glen Visscher through-ball, couldn't beat Mike Woelders, Inter's keeper, with his low shot. Then on the counter attack a clever cutting pass by Dan Woelders found James Moes loose on the wing and he tested Rob Gelderman with a shot reminiscent of VanBrederode's chance a minute earlier. Both goalies showed that they had brought all they had to the table this night.

The Celts continued to press building up to Burke Vanderhorst testing Inter's keeper from long range but Woelders was up to the task. Soon after, on a Celtic free kick, Ivan Scheper found Glen Visscher who connected with a marvellous volley but sent the ball wide of goal again. Inter dodged another bullet when a tricky ball found its way into the box but the keepers hands found the ball before a leaping Peter VanBrederode.

The final good chance of the first half was a dashing rush by Inter's Dan Woelders down the wing but was tracked down by an even-more-dashing Rob VanSeters who made a textbook sliding tackle which succinctly removed that threat.

The second half carried on where the first half had left off (Yes it often does). On a Celtic turn-over in their own half Nathan Moes scooped up the loose ball found Hadassah Moes open on the far side and she lofted in a ball which led to Dan Woelders' header which beat Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman but could not beat the crossbar.

Celtic continued to try wear down their opponents by carrying most of the play and earning the bulk of the genuine scoring chances however that elusive goal would not come.

The panic began to set in and the fingernails were beginning to disappear but Celtic could not crack the goose-egg. Ivan Scheper had two good chances. The first was off a cheeky chip by Rob VanSeters which Ivan redirected via a header but keeper Woelders was up to the task. A few minutes later Ivan got a step on his defender and sent a powerful shot from the 18-yard line which Woelders could only get his fingers on and deflect over the crossbar. On the ensuing corner kick a wandering ball skirtted by the far post but no-one was there to hit it home.

On the counter-attack Jon VanPopta for Inter looked to have a lane-way for a shot but was closed down suddenly by Rob VanSeters, indeed so suddenly that the two went flying and landed in a heap and Rob was penalized with a yellow card.

At this point Celtic was putting the pedal to the floor and trying desperately for that goal to send the game to extra time. In the final minute Celtic had a free-kick as well as a corner-kick but alas there was no reward for their efforts. Much to the relief of FC International came the sound of the final whistle which marked the end of the road for Celtic.

It was surely an intense game to be at. A real treat.

FOUR TOP TEAMS ADVANCE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:07:43 EST

The four top finishing teams in the FVCSL Division One regular season advance to the top rounds of the playoffs, as LCRC United knocked out Oranje.

It was a game that looked like no one would ever score. Darcy Langelaar was playing in goal for LCRC and made it clear early in the game that the 18 yard box was his when he made a solid challenge on Daryl Driegen, took him down and robbed him of a shot at the edge of the box. Oranje took control of the greater part of the first half, and had some crisp passing going, along with shots to match. Steve Koning managed to connect on a John Zietsma pass from out of the corner that Langelaar had to handle and he had to do the same on a Morris Klos strike. Koning did well at the 35 minute mark to shake a ball loose and got it over to Tom VanderHorst but Tom was forced to take the quick shot and he launched it over the bar. In the last five mintues of the first half, Mark Sikma sent Rod VanSpronsen in with a leading pass and Rod had stepped around some LCRC defenders but not all, as Chris VanderHorst came out of nowhere to clear that shot away.

As much as Oranje had chances in the first half, the tables would turn and it would be mostly Blue in the second. Jason Togeretz got off an early shot off a Blue buildup that keeper Don Sikma had to sprawl to save. And a LCRC corner kick was headed nicely by Lisa Bontkes but went over the bar. Blue's Jason VanderHorst was unlucky when his hard blast went off a diving Daryl Driegen and off the crossbar. Later in the half, Oranje regrouped and finally regained some time in the Blues end of the field again and Steve Koning got a header with his back to the goal, but it went over. Oranje action continued when Paul Sikma got a good pass up to Morris Klos who got a bullet on the challenging Langelaar, but not past him. Leroy VanSpronsen got a shot too, but not the shot he wanted and it went wide. Daryl Hofsink had a couple of chances for goals as he twice received a corner kick but drove his shots wide, LCRC had worked Kevin VanderBoom, and Jason Togeretz rushes all night, built up by the play making of Greg Hamelin and his midfield cohorts, and it finally worked within 3 minutes of the end of regulation time. Oranje could not keep enough pressure on the ball to keep it up the field and LCRC caught Oranje on a slick counter attack: VdBoom fed a ball in to a racing Jason Togeretz and JayTog's shot went in at the far post.

I guess it's golf for Oranje and maybe glory for LCRC! They meet Langley FC in semi-final play tomorrow evening. Be There or Be Square!

Abbotsford Battles Aldergrove

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:03:57 EST

(written by Tom VanderHorst)

The picture and title show it all here folks. This game was a hard fought, playoff battle. Not to say that this was a dirty game, just a tough game with two teams who came out to play hard. Tyler Vandergaag won his first career game as a soccer coach with Aldergrove, or, as they like to be known - Mr. T and the "A-Team".

Abbotsford got the first good chance of this game, as Stan DeHaan shot a nice lefty, but this was tipped wide by Aldergrove keeper Brian Meerstra, as was the ensuing corner kick. Aldergrove followed up with a chance of their own, as Colin Dewit found a streaking Justin "It's My Birthday Today" Meyer, but no goal. Kevin Hendricks took a nice low shot that was deflected over the Abby net by Ron "I Can Kick it That Far in My Sleep" Thalen. Aldergrove then had a header chance and a shooting chance, from the head of Justin Meyer and the feet of Aubrey "Retirement is Not an Option" Vandergaag. James Bisschop almost opened up scoring minutes later, but Meerstra again came up with the save. In the last minute of the half, Meyer got the best birthday present yet from the feet of Dewit. The cross came in and landed exactly at his head. Meyer put the ball in, with no chance for Hilmer "He Could Play for the Whitecaps If He Wanted To" Jagersma. 1-0 Aldergrove at the end of the first half.

Abbotsford came out even stronger than in the first half, and earned a free kick early on just on the side of the Aldergrove eighteen. Aldergrove cleared the initial chance, but Abby kept up the pressure. Rob Beukema found Bisschop coming in and fed him a beauty pass, and Bisschop would make no mistake. The score was now 1-1. Aldergrove, however, responded, first with a nice chance by Matt "I Know My Cleats Don't Match" Vandergaag, but Hilmer made a very nice save on this. Minutes later, Harold "I Lost My Shaver" Louwerse flicked a ball up to Meyer, who head-flicked it on to Mark Meerstra, who ran through to get the game's third and last goal. Abbotsford kept up their pressure and earned a number of corner kicks, but coudn't find the equalizer.

The Abbotsford back line was kept well all game long by the Thalen brothers and Kevin Deboer, however, Aldergrove's defence did a superb job to keep Andrew "Golden Boot" Selles off the score sheet. Aldergrove FC goes on to play FC International, while Abbotsford "Welcome to Div. 1" FC look forward to the upcoming tournament for revenge. Great season Abbotsford!

SAINTS KNOCKED OUT BY LANGLEY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:03:59 EST

Saints FC were pumped to meet Langley FC in post season play after their solid playoff win over Lynden Americans, but their season would end at the hands (or feet) of Langley Yellow with a 3-1 loss. Saints had it tough with only one spare while Langley had depth on their bench, even seeing the return of Ron Scheper, who was potentially out for the season. The Saints' Brenden Lockhead tested John Noort early when he floated a high shot in on Langley's goal, but Noort was equal to the task. Henk Timmerman sped in on the Saints goal and nailed a shot past keeper Jordan Dykman, but trusty defender Dustin Jonkman blasted ithe ball right back out. The Saints got one of their best shots of the night from Ben Schoeber who launched a great, great shot on goal, but keeper Noort touched the shot over the bar. Yellow were the first team on the scoresheet when defender Dave Doornbos broke up a Saints rush, turned the ball up the field with a pass to teammate Henk-T, who made a heady pass to Kevin Woelders and Kevin finished the play with an on-the-carpet shot past Dykman. Clifton VanderHorst of the Saints tried to get his team back, but his hard shot went off a Yellow defender, but soon after that his team got a goal to pull them even with Langley. A corner kick went into a crowded area and the Saints crashed the goal with David Tolkamp getting a shot in for his team. Comments on the first half by the sideline "experts": "even score, even half"

Seven minutes into the second half, Langley would get their second goal and what would prove to be the game winning goal on a carbon copy of the Saints' goal: corner kick, crowded area, crash the net, with Alicia Oger getting her team the go-ahead goal. Jordan Dykman took two scoring chances away from Henk Timmermnan, one on a shot that bounced over his defenders and one that he grabbed off the head of the T-meiseter. Saints' Clifton VanderHorst as well as Matt Philipchalk and Dustin Jonkman did an effective job of keeping Henk off the scoresheet on the night, but he did have an assist on a goal by Derek Hoogerdijk who got that very, very ellusive goal when he worked in from the corner and got a left footed shot on Dykman that was just too hot for the keeper to handle. After that, Yellow dropped a lot of players back to a defensive role, and the Saints could not draw closer.

Saints, their first year in the league, made it into the second round of the playoffs. Who knows how far they will advance in 2008? Tune in next year!

ORANJE ADVANCES

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:35:08 EST

-written by Shelley Sikma

Well, they did write themselves that a Crossway win comes only once a year, but undoubtedly Crossway was hoping for different results than what they got on Tuesday night against Oranje. The scoring was opened five minutes in when Oranje got a free kick off a Crossway handball. Rod VanSpronsen moved the ball in quickly and Tom VanderHorst got a foot on the ball that ricochet in. With sun directly in his eyes Crossway keeper Andrew Driscoll made a number of tough saves to keep Oranje at bay. Midway in the half a corner kick from Oranje came dangerously into the box where it was volleyball spiked out of the air. Unfortunately it was by a red jersey and not their keeper, resulting in a card matching his jersey. Rod VanSpronsen buried the penalty kick in the back of the net. 2-0 Oranje.

Playing down a man for the remainder of the match proved tough for Crossway as Oranje would put two more in the net before the half. A scrambly play resulted in a goal from Steve Koning and Rod found Su Vegter wide open who put in a hard shot right into the side of the goal for a brilliant goal. Crossway got off a few great shots from Crossway's #10 but Don Sikma jumped to nab them out of the air.

After the half Oranje Daryl Driegen put one into the Crossway net and shortly after Paul Sikma drilled a hard rising shot that just snuck through Driscoll’s hands. Crossway was rewarded with a goal when Joe Doyle sped past the Oranje D to collect a through ball and bury into the Oranje net.

Thomas VanderHorst would net another one yet and Steve Koning another couple before the whistle would go. A tough loss for Crossway and a rare offensive showing for Oranje!

Final score was 9-1.

VICTORY (& PHEW) FOR CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:33:16 EST

Celtic and Cloverdale met in playoff action and it took till the final minutes of overtime to determiine a winner. Cloverdale started the game looking more settled than Celtic who played nervous and jittery for the first part of the match. Cloverdale's game plan was to win the defensive battles and hope for a quick counter rush and goal, and were very effective at working out the defensive game plan. Celtic forwards could not crack through Cloverdale's sturdy back wall; however, Celtic's defence also handled Cloverdale's gunners. Jason Heidi of Clover-blues had the first good try, but his hard shot glanced off teammate Mike Schouten and went wide, And Mark Bysterveld's sharp angle shot was grabbed at the post by Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman. Glenn Visscher countered with a 30-yarder that Clover-keeper Marc Schouten punched over. Dave VandeBurgt forced RobGee to make a high grab when he spun and shot from the 18. Towards the end of the half, John VanSeters sliced a cross in from the corner but Schouten made the grab. Cloverdale had one more good chance when Shelley Schoen put a nice boot on the ball from just over centre but Mark Bysterveld couldn't quite connect on that juicy pass and the game was scoreless at the half.

The story of the second half was tough, physical play from both teams, both determined to get that victory. It took till the 25 minute mark before Celtic had what looked to be a sure goal, when the ball skittered around in the Cloverdale goal mouth and no matter how many Celtic tried to get that finishing foot on it, Cloverdale finally managed to clear it out of danger. Truly, the fans on both sides of the field went wild! Celtic started to get the better build up and chances and a lunging Anthony Togeretz barely beat the goalie to the ball but drove the shot just wide. Celtic had trouble springing John VanSeters loose all night because of the blanket that Cloverdale threw over him, but finally he broke in, flanked by two defenders but he rang the shot off the base of the post. Mark Bysterveld pressured a ball loose and got another Cloverdale shot but Gelderman grabbed that at the near post.

The game went to overtime, two 7 1/2 minute halfs. It looked like Celtic was bound to score sometime and in the second OT half, they almost did when they had everyone up for a free kick which no one could bury, till Stu VanderHorst got the ball through with Schouten there to get the shot. Mark Bysterveld countered again with a nice crack on goal but Gelderman got the nice save. Another Celtic free kick in the Cloverdale end of the field finally broke the deadlock when Stu VanderHorst got on the ball, turned and cranked the shot in. The last minutes had frantic teams and frantic fans on both sides of the field, but a determined Cloverdale squad could not come up with the equalizer. Playoff action: ya gotta love it!

ABBY IN, VALLEY OUT

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 08:33:56 EST

(sorry for the lousy photo, but one shot and the camera batteries were empty......what a rookie!)

Valley United had a tough challenge ahead of them as they met Division leading Abbotsford in sudden death playoff action. While they matched the Silver Bullets with hustle, and energy, Valley could not match Abby's goal scoring finish and got beaten 7-2. The first half did not look like a 3-0 game, as both teams had lots of ball possession, but Abby made the most of their chances. Andrew Selles, the Silver's Golden Boot player, scored the first goal on a penalty kick that Valley goalie Jason Breukelman had no chance on. The same fate for Breukelman on Abby's second goal when a long clearance by Ron Thalen went to Selles, who found James Bisschop on the penalty spot, and Bisschop one-touched it in. Valley was not without their chances and Maurice Vanderlinde, Kent Ostermeier and Tim VanderLinde were all noteworthy on their tries that did not result in goals. A late-minute scrum had Andrew Selles get his foot on a crowded ball and bang the low shot under the Valley keeper to end the half.

Valley had a mountain to climb and were game, but an early goal on a Rob Beukema corner kick was put in by Selles (with Charis Siebenga making sure it went in) and a little oomph went out of Valley. Yet, Breukelman made some key saves off of James Bisschop and Rob Beukema to keep his team in it, and Tim Schouten was unlucky to strike a good shot wide. Valley had a threat put together when a blazing Maurice VanderLinde broke up the sideline and crossed the ball in to a blanketed Jeremy Meyer and he got a good shot on Hilmer Jagersma who was sharp to make the save. Katie Ostermeier had a glorious scoring chance and Jagersma had to reach to make that save as well. (If it wasn't for bad luck, Valley would have no luck at all!) Jay-Breuk made two key saves again, one off James Bisschop followed seconds later when he dove to get a hand on a Rob Beukema shot. But James Bisschop would not be denied again, and got goal #5 for Abby. Valley dug just a little deeper, and ran just a little harder, and the hard working combo of Mo VdL to brother Calvin to Tim Schouten finally resulted in a goal when Schouten slashed a shot under Jagersma. Energized, Valley quickly got a second goal from Tim Schouten when he turned and headed the ball in. Jeremy Meyer tried to add to that when a Mo VdL cross from the corner went through (how many?) players in the Abby area but Meyer whaled it over. Silver took the jump out of Valley when Rob Beukema scored with a long lob. and got a second goal on a header off a corner kick.

Dorothy VanLaar said of her Valley team after the game, "We might not always win, but we always have fun!" Good for you Valley, and see ya next year! And Abby's next opponent, BEWARE! Abby's hot-hot-hot!!

RED SURGE

The Reporter Reporting — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 08:08:14 EST

Written by Peter Ladefoged.

What comes around once a year? Christmas, your birthday, and a crossway win. The wet weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of both Crossway and Vitessa. Both clubs came out hustling and had early chances. Vitessa nearly opened the scoring, but failed to convert on a loose ball in the box. Dave Vanderlure. got a foot on a shot and sent it inches wide. Crossway also had it chances. What looked like a sure goal was cleared of the line by the Vitessa defender. In the second half Vitessa hit a shot off the crossbar. The rebound was lobbed at an open net, but Crossway defender Jody Cnoseen headed the ball over the cross bar to keep the score level. Halfway through the second half Crossway was awarded a free kick at the top Vitessa's box. Allan Devlin sent a hard shot at the goal. Striker Joe Doyle deposited the rebound to the back of the net. A few minuets later the scene was repeated when Joe Doyle scored of a corner to make it 2-0.Vitessa pulled a goal back when Matt Schouten scored in the 80th minuet. While Vitessa put on the pressure, they were not able to crack the Crossway defense, lead by outstanding contributions from Ben Schultz and Jody Cnossen

This had begun to look like a lost season for Crossway. After an optimistic start to the season the wheels feel of the Crossway wagon. While the results were not yet there, aside from two early season ties, Crossway was an improved team. At the midway point of the season Crossway had its lowest goal differential ever. The second half of the season quickly turned into a nightmare as the injury bug hit Crossway with a vengeance. In one week star players, Dave Hickey, Tim Vissher, and AJ Lissamore were lost with ankle injuries. As the weeks and losses pilled up so did the injuries. Defenders Trevor Bodill and Andrew Wirtz also suffered season ending injuries. In total eight players were lost for the season. As the season wound down there were several games where it was impossible to field a complete team. Despite the injuries and the mounting losses Crossway palyed hard and competed in every game. This victory was a huge boost to the team.

LCRC SINGS THE BLUES

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:56:15 EST

Celtic finished the regular season on an upswing as they won their second game in a row, beating Aldregrove, and now winning 3-0 against LCRC United. The Blues were missing several players and had limited spares but did not make it an easy victory for Celtic. LCRC had several early chances, most notably from Jason Togeretz, but defender Rob VanSeters shut down that try. Kevin VanderGaag also had potential when he was allowed to twist, turn and take near the Celtic 18, but shot wide. When LCRC committed a hard take down in their area, Celtic was awarded a penalty kick. Burke VanderHorst struck it well, just inside the post; no chance for keeper Justin Bontkes. Minutes later, there was a Blues&Stripes scramble happening in the LCRC area, and Stu VanderHorst curled a hard shot around the scramble but Bontkes was very sharp to parry the shot away. In the last minutes of the half, Greg Hamelin got a shot away that was marked for the far corner, but Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman dove to clear the rolling ball just wide.

Celtic took control of the game in the second half and were rewarded with their second goal at the 25 minute mark when Anthony Togeretz dealt a hard shot from the side of the 18, and there was not much space, but the shot went in on the short side. LCRC had chances of their own but no results as Greg Hamelin had his hard shot go right on goalie and Jason VanderHorst had a shot go high and wide. Their best chance came off a corner kick to Kevin VanderGaag right in front of the goal mouth, but his header went over instead of under the crossbar. Peter VanBrederode seemed to have another Celtic goal when he fought to get a loose ball into the LCRC goal but the play was called offside. Another Celtic rush saw Tim VanderHoek finally get a goal after two earlier attempts of his went high, and on the keeper. VdHoek got a good cross from Stu VanderHorst and this time put the shot cleanly into the goal. LCRC tried to spoil the shutout and seemed to have it done on a free kick in the Celtic area but Kevin VanderGaag drove that shot over the wall but off the cross bar. (It's just oneof those nights!!)

Braydon Kobes (see photo) was given a Yellow Card in this game for the worst jersey/shorts combination in the history of the FVCSL! Just kidding!

Celtic's victory over LCRC ensures Langley FC of first place in Division One

PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:48:58 EST

Lynden Americans and the Saints had their last game of the regular season against each other and will also be pitted against each other in their first playoff matchup. Both teams suffered from a lack of bench strength and will hope to have a full compliment of players for their next tilt.

Saints opened the scoring in the first five minutes, as they started the game strongly and Lynden started the game scrambly. Both Lynden and the Saints had a couple of stabs at a loose ball in the Lynden end before David Tolkamp put the ball where it belonged, in the goal. The rest of the half had lots of back and forth play, with no real golden opportunities and the goal keepers were not asked to make any stellar saves.

The second half saw better scoring threats, and Laura Faber had a good try for Lynden that went through the Saints area and out the other side. David Tolkamp challenged for a loose ball together with Lynden keeper Ethan Neff, but no goal came of that either, and an unmarked Caszie Shoeber suffered the same fate on a shot she took on Lynden's goal. Lynden got their first goal on a long Harvey Pelleboer throw-in that went into a crowd, and teammate Loren VanCorbach got his foot on it and kicked it in. On the ensuing kickoff, Lynden mounted a rush again, and before anyone knew it, VanCorbach had scored again. The Saints mounted a dangerous rush of their own after that, but John "Orange Sox" slashed a hard shot wide. A late scramble around the Lynden goal resulted in a Ben Shoeber shot that went wide, and that was it for both teams.

Final score, Lynden 2, Saints 1

ORANJE OVER INTER

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:33:56 EST

FC International and Oranje met for the third and final time in the regular season, and with each team having won one game, they both would have liked to win this one, but the game on the night went to Oranje, 3-1. Final standings in Division One won't be known till Celtic and LCRC have their final meeting of the regular season.

FC Inter had no spares and played the whole match with 11 players, and Werner Engler played out while Mike Woelders took his place between the pipes.Wil Folstad and Engler both tested Oranje's Don Sikma early, but Don played "hop, slip and jump" to keep the ball out. At the 11 minute mark, Oranje got on the scoresheet when a Phil Sikma free kick was bobbled by the goalie, and Leroy VanSpronsen onion bagged the loose ball. Inter got that one back quite quickly when Hadassah Moes got a nice pass to Folstad who headed the ball over the Oranje defenders to an open Dan Woelders and DanW got a nice goal to pull his team even. Oranje threatened again when Tom Sikma saw his shot batted away by keeper Woelders with Su Vegter waiting for the loose ball that didn't come. Mark Sikma also got a good shot on the Inter-goalie off a rebounding Rod VanSpronsen shot and Folsted missed Oranje's goal on the wide side.

The second half was only 5 minutes old when Tom Vanderhorst worked the ball in from the sidelines and passed to Shauna Stam inside the 6-yard box: right time, right place, right shot, and Oranje had 2 goals. Phil Sikma alertly jumped on a loose ball and made the perfect pass to the open Rod VanSpronsen but his sure-goal blast went just over the bar. Don Sikma had to make a game-saving save when Wil Folstad sent Nathan Moes in and Sikma had to dive to direct the Moes shot wide. Oranje got their 3rd goal of the game when Inter was called for a hand ball in the box, and Rick VanderHorst buried the penalty kick in the corner. After Steve Koning got a shot on Woelders while on his butt, Dan Woelders made another break into the Oranje end and headed the ball over keeper-Don. Both players scrambled to catch up to the ball and Sikma's arms were just long enough to somehow batt the ball away from the yawning goal, and away from Woelders. Another game-saver for Sikma!

A couple of days rest, and playoffs! (...and don't ask me what I did to that photo, or how I took it......I have NO idea................)

ALDERGROVE - COSTLY LOSS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:33:01 EST

Could the race in Division One get any tighter? Yup! With Aldergrove losing an important game against Celtic, they who were in first place yesterday could still end the year in fourth place, and LCRC, with a win this week could end up with as many points as first place Langley FC! Ya gotta love the FVCSL!

Aldergrove seemed to have got the opening goal of the game at abut the 15 minute mark when a Justin Meyer shot was fumbled by Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman and he had to make a diving grab behind him to keep the ball out. Was the ball just over the line, or just not over the line? It was deemed to be no goal, and Celtic heaved a sigh of relief. Ten minutes later, Celtic scored a goal that needed no discussion when Anthony Togeretz leaped to connect with the ball and kicked it in for Celtic's first tally. A Celtic corner kick later in the half had danger written all over it, but Aldergrove worked together to keep that ball out, especially Michelle DeHaas who cleared the ball way away. Celtic got a second goal when Burke VanderHorst took a free kick for Celtic and it drove through a crowd, deflected a bit and went into the goal, Though both teams mounted attacks and counter attacks, no more scoring occured in the half.

Aldergrove came out strongly in the second half again, and Justin Meyer generated pressure and Aldergrove's first goal when he controlled the ball at the sideline and crossed it in to Mark Meerstra who headed the ball sideways into the Celtic goal. The action came more fast and furious as both teams worked to get that win. Anthony Togeretz had another nice strong shot on Alder's goal, but keeper Brain Meerstra made just as strong a deflecton over the crossbar. Burke VanderHorst had a dangerous shot go just wide after brother Stu sent him a nice cross from the sidelines. Kevin Hendricks of the Alder-whites broke through and around several Stripes and got the shot away but Rob Gelderman was in position to make the save. A charging Justin Meyer tried out his luck as well, but "no way" said Gelderman! Celtic returned to the Alder-end again and kept Meerstra busy, with Tim VanderHoek unlucky to just miss a loose, bouncing ball.. But Celtic got control back, and Burke VanderHorst did not miss as he got, ball, shot, score. Aldergrove drew closer again when they were awarded a penalty kick for a hand ball in the Celtic box, and Kevin Hendricks slashed that shot into the low corner. Celtic had one more good chance when Ivan Scheper launched a nice shot that curled just wide. And Aldergrove tried and tried to get that equalizer but could not beat the final whistle.

"Good, Spirited Gme!" were the words of referee Morris Klos.

SCORING SHOW!

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:18:51 EST

Surely a game that sees 12 goals scored (yes TWELVE) by the two teams deserves a little more press! Langley FC and FC International did just that as they threw an offensive onslaught on each other. Seeing as my husband and I had come to watch Lynden and LCRC and my intention was to feature those two teams on the website for once, and seeing as we decided to stay for only the first half of this game, and seeing as 6 goals were already scored in the first half, I can only flesh out the report of the first half a little. (Yes, yes, it would have been nice to see the second half, but who would have thought it would go like it did?!) As to the photo, (questonable quality) I took it of the sunset, which was beautiful!!

Inter did indeed start very strongly, grabbing two quick but slick goals on Langley FC, even without the presence of two of their high scorers, Mike Opp and Eric Atsma. A corner kick by Dan Woelders in the first ten minutes was just missed by Michelle Mans in the Langley goal area, but Adam Woelders made the short tip-in to score. Dan Woelders followed that up a short while later when he looped a shot over Yellow's keeper John Noort but stalwart Dave Doornbos cleared that off the line, only to see Wil Folstad deposit that loose ball in the goal instead. Langley FC were slightly rattled by those goings-on, but there's nothing like an answering goal to get a team back in the game. Jeff VanderGaag took his patented run up the flank with Henk Timmerman running as decoy, and Jeff sliced the shot under keeper Werner Engler. Yellow evened the score when Henk T-man made a perfect cross in from the corner out to Jeff VdG at the far edge of the 6 yard box, and Jeff made the diving header to score. By the 30 minute mark Langley teamworked the ball up the field and Henk T got his first goal with his familiar low, hard drive in. That would be one of four on the night for Henk (and seven in his last two games). Nathan Moes drew his never-quit Inter Blacks even again when he jumped up from his defense position and got a nice equalizer.

.................that's it for me! Half time! Went home! Too bad that there are no more writers for the FVCSL website, so that I could read about the second half too. Step up, scribes.........it''s fun being a reporter!

Have these teams saved any goals for in the playoffs? Other teams hope not, but I'm sure that Langley FC and FC International are honing their skills and tweaking their games for the matches that lie ahead!

CRAZY NIGHT AT WILLOUGHBY

The Reporter Reporting — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:08:13 EST

Langley FC played host to Inter tonight at Willoughby Park. It seemed that both teams decided to throw whatever strategy they had out the window and see who could score the most goals. In the end LFC was most efficient by winning the game 8-4.

This might even be the most goals ever scored in a game in the FVCSL. I thought it was worth a write-up. Being that I am a LFC member, I do not want this write-up to be disrespecting toward FC Inter. This game could have gone either way, it was very open. I have a lot of respect for Inter, just to make that clear. Also I was playing so a lot of details will be left out, I just don't remember. Mrs. Vanderhorst might have some, because she did start writing, but then realized there were no kids of hers involved in this game, so she left.......just kidding. Maybe you can supply a picture, i did see you take some.

Both teams had a very thin midfield to chose from and that Inter lost James Moes midway through the game with a pretty bad head wount didn't help either. This lead to a game where midfield was not very involved. LFC started of sleeping and before 20 minutes were even played Inter had a 2-0 lead by goals from Adam Woelders and Nathan Moes. LFC’s new manager Ron ScheperJ decided to make some changes and that turned the game around and LFC managed to score two fast goals by Jeff Vandergaag, Henk Timmerman added one about 10 minutes to half as well. Inter battled hard and scored a deserving goal just before half by Will Folstad. It seemed fare that both teams went for a “tea break”, as they call it in Europe, tied.

I know LFC was shocked at the goals scored in the first half and maybe Inter as well, because both teams started the second half feeling each other out, although Jeff Vandergaag had a huge chance about 2 feet in front of the net, but managed to shoot it over, you can ask him how he did that. Finally LFC broke the tie by a goal from Henk Timmerman, but right after that Inter came back with a goal from Josh DeJong. This game seemed like it was never going to have a winner. Both teams had huge changes during the later half of the second half but LFC was just putting it all in the net and that made the difference in this game. Jeff Vandergaag got his hat trick and Henk Timmerman also added two more goals to get four on the night. Finally Aren VanDijk finished it in the dying minutes with a solo run and a goal.

All credit to Inter, they were through the whole game as good as LFC, but even I have never seen this between two top teams. Great game guys, must have been fun to watch as well.

LYNDEN ADDS TO "W" COLUMN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:45:36 EST

Lynden Americans have only lost two games in their last twelve as they added a victory to the win column, beating LCRC United 3-1. That's an impressive stat, and the Red and Blues looked impressive in their match at Willoughby Field. The first half of the game had a lot of back and forth play with strong passing and ball movement from both teams. LCRC notched the first goal when a penalty kick was awarded for a Lynden hit in their area, and sharp shooter Kevin VanderGaag scored for his team. Lynden evened the score on "one of our nicest passing plays all season" when Harvey Pelleboer played give-and-go with Loren VanCorbach who gave it back to Pelleboer, and Harvey got the goal.

At the 11 minute mark of the second half, Loren VanCorbach put his team ahead when he took a very smart chip shot from outside the corner of the 18 yard box, and the ball floated high over the watching keeper Justin Bontkes and into the top corner. Scant minutes later, Lynden built up the play again, and VanCorbach got his second goal of the game, and Lynden's third on a shot straight in the goal from just outside the 18. LCRC tried to get back into the game, but Lynden's keeper Ethan Neff made several good saves, one off a hard drive from Kevin VanderGaag that the keeper batted away. Jason Togeretz came close for LCRC when he tipped in a Fuentes free kick, but Jay-Tog's shot went off the crossbar. Neff grabbed another dangerous shot off a corner kick that slid through the crowd and could have gone in at the near post. Lynden then set up their very effective Red Wall in their own end, and took away any other shot or rush that LCRC could muster. Full marks to Lynden for a team win.

LANGLEY FC TAKES GROVE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 08:47:49 EST

Langley FC scored a decisive win over Aldergrove, winning 4-1, a game which saw Henk Timmerman break a six game scoring drought and get a hat trick for his team. Aldergrove started out strongly with a nice long cross from Kevin Hendricks to Justin Meyer, and Meyer's toes were not quite long enough to direct the ball into the goal. However, ten minutes later, a free kick taken by Colin DeWit was struck into the corner of the net by Meyer and Aldergrove had the early lead. Henk Timmerman showed glimmers of what was to come as he had two dangerous chances in the Alder end, one shot that squirted loose from Brian Meerstra and Timmerman was ready to eat that juicy loosey ball but Matt VanderGaag cleared the ball away. Mark Meerstra looked to have a certain goal for Aldergrove when he nimbly deked out Langley goalie John Noort and had the open goal to shoot at, but hit the side of the goal instead. At the 35 minute mark, Henk Timmerman got his first goal of the game when Ian Moes headed a nice pass forward to Henk and he drove a low shot into the goal, no chance Meerstra. Later a Henk T free kick for Yellow just outside the 18 was driven through the Alder wall, but Br-Meerstra parried that shot away well. After an Aldergrove rush went for naught, Timmerman got his second goal of the game when he launched a torpedo at the Alder-goal and in it went.

Langley FC played a solid game on the evening, and so did their keeper John Noort as he made confident saves off the likes of Mark Meerstra, Kevin Leffers, Colin DeWit and Kevin Hendricks. Langley FC picked up another goal early in the second half when they were awarded a free kick just ouside the 18 again, Matt VanderGaag being given a yellow card for a hard tackle from behind. Henk T-man's shot was carbon copy of the free kick in the first half, only this one went IN. Aldergrove almost got a catch up goal after this when a scramble in front of the Yellow goal saw Mike Timmerman and John Noort get their assignments crossed and Aldergrove had several "almost goals" before Langley got that ball out of there. Langley FC got their 4th goal when Ryan Hanawalt sprung Jeff VanderGaag who was just back from a one month injury layoff, and Jeffie showed that he has not forgotten how to run and how to score, and did just that . That would end the scoring though Aldergrove had several more attempts. The Alder-whites clearly miss defenders Tyler VanderGaag and James deHaas (out with injuries) but are making adjustments and will be a strong force in the playoffs, as will Langley FC.

TOURNAMENT POULES ARE SET

The Reporter Reporting — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:36:07 EST

The poules and schedule for the 2007 tournament are finalized. Poul three and four only have 3 teams and will cross against one team from the other poul of three. Look below for the poules and schedule.

Poul A
1	Edmonton
2	Oranje
3	Cloverdale
4	Barrhead

Poul B
5	Celtic
6	Houston
7	Valley United
8	Vernon

Poul C
9	Coaldale
10	Smithers
11	St Albert

Poul D
12	Langley FC
13	Aldergrove
14	Abbotsford

Field A
	8:00	Edmonton	Oranje
	9:15	Cloverdale	Barrhead
	10:30	Valley United	Vernon
	11:45	Edmonton	Barrhead
	13:00	Oranje	Cloverdale
	14:15	Langley FC	Abbotsford
	15:30	Cloverdale	Edmonton
	16:45	Barrhead	Oranje
	18:00	Aldergrove	Abbotsford

Field B
	8:00
	9:15	Celtic	Houston
	10:30
	11:45	Smithers	Aldergrove
	13:00	Celtic	Vernon
	14:15	Houston	Valley United
	15:30
	16:45	Valley United	Celtic
	18:00	Vernon	Houston

Field C
	8:00	Coaldale	Smithers
	9:15	Langley FC	Aldergrove
	10:30	St Albert	Abbotsford
	11:45
	13:00	Coaldale	St Albert
	14:15
	15:30	Smithers	St Albert
	16:45	Coaldale	Langley FC
	18:00

TOUGH TIE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:03:58 EST

Why should a team be disappointed with a tie against Langley FC but Celtic was just that as they let a two-goal lead slip away in their Tuesday evening match up. Credit to Langley FC who never quit and gained a hard fought tie.

Yellow notched the first goal of the game in the opening minutes when Ian Moes, in the first game of the year for him and his wife Jolene (just back from Europe) deftly nodded a Derek Hoogerdijk corner kick into the Celtic goal. Welcome back Ian! Henk Timmerman tried to add to that lead when he broke into the Celtic area but keeper Rob Gelderman stole the ball off Henk's feet. Celtic turned the ball back up the field and when Glenn Visscher forced the ball loose, Stu VanderHorst cranked that loose ball into the high corner of the Yellow goal for Celtic's first marker. John VanSeters almost broke that first half tie when he received a long pass and his shot got past keeper John Noort but Mike Timmerman cleared the shot off the goal line.

Celtic got the first goal of the second half on a nice team finish off a corner kick that went through the Langley FC area and John VanSeters passed it back in to Anthony Togeretz who tapped the ball into the goal. Henk T-Man had a good scoring chance again when he was twisting and turning in the Celtic area, trying to get a shot, which he finally did, but Gelderman was all over it and made the save. At the 25 minute mark, Celtic was awarded a free kick just ouside the Yellow 18 yard box. Glenn Visscher drove the shot in on John Noort, and Ivan Scheper anticipated the ball coming loose which it did, and Ivan was right there to drive in the rebound,. Celtic did not sit on their lead, but Langley FC was determined to reel them back in. They persisted and were buzzing around in front of the Celtic goal, and Aren VanDyke finally stung Celtic when his shot went in under keeper RobGee. With 10 minutes to go, Yellow mounted another determined rush. Celtic worked desperately to stop them but Yellow was just as desperate to score and Aren VanDyke did just that with his second goal, and the game tying goal. Ryan Hanawalt threatened to get a winning goal late in the game, but Gelderman made the grab and the teams settled for a tie.

TOP DIVISION TIGHTENS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 08:14:02 EST

The standings got just a little bit tighter as LCRC beat league leading FC International 3-2. Combine that with the 0-0 tie between Aldergrove and Oranje and things are staying interesting in this division. LCRC United Blues were ready to "run and gun" and did just that with Kevin VanderBoom and Kevin VanderGaag combining on a rush that FC keeper Werner Engeler had to make a sharp save on. But the Kevin&Kevin combo would work the second time around when at the 20 minute mark when Kevin VcB passed to Kevin VdG who scored for LCRC. FC Inter had a good rush and dangerous chance but would not capitalize before LCRC added to their tally when a team effort from Kevin VdG, to Saul Fuentes, to Greg Hamelin was finished when Kevin Vander - Boomed it into the goal. Steve Funk of FC Inter was kept busy helping out his keeper when he cleared away another attempt by Kevin VdG and ran shouolder to shoulder with the cruising Greg Hamelin to prevent him from getting a shot as well. FC Inter would get their first goal of the game when Dan Woelders finished a play that Mike Opp started and Inter was on the scoresheet. Later in the game, opportunist Greg Hameliin would jump onto a loose ball at about the 25 yard mark and blow the shot under Engeler. Dan Woelders and Josh DeJong tried to work the ball through the Blue team and keeper but their teamwork could not get the job done. Inter would get a second goal off a free kick that Dan Woelders struck well, and Wil Folstad flicked in off of his head.

That would be it for both teams and LCRC would take the 3-2 victory home.

ALDER/ORANJE TIE 0-0

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 08:51:22 EST

"Good movement guys!" was the opinion voice by Mikiah Zietsma, (age 2 1/ 2 years) of the game played between Aldergrove and Oranje. And this was the kind of matchup played by these two teams, with lots of ball control and action that ended up in a scoreless draw. Both teams had chances to score in the first half, and Oranje substitute goalie Daryl Driegen was tested early when Mark Meerstra skidded a shot at him, with Mel DeWit waiting for a loose ball that Driegen did not give up. Justin Meyer tried to combine with Mel DeW later but John Zietsma took that away. Oranje pressure at the 20 minute mark had Alder-keeper Brian Meerstra stretching tall to save a long high shot from Tm VanderHorst. After Mark Meerstra snuck in behind the Oranje D to shoot wide, Mark Sikma of Oranje made Brian Meerstra dive for a wide shot. Justin Meyer shanked another shot wide for his Alder-side before the half and the teams went into the break scoreless.

Both teams came up with more scoring chances in the second half , but none that would find the back of the net. Ron Smouter of Oranje cranked a left-footer past the far corner and Kevin Hendricks and Harold Louwerse did the same for their White team. Morris Klos of Oranje had the best scoring chance when he connected with the ball, but the ball connected with the cross bar and stayed out. Aldergrove upped the tempo in the last couple of blocks of the game and Driegen had to be sharp to keep the game even, stopping the likes of Hendricks and pushing a Matt VanderGaag shot over the bar. He followed that up by stealing a sure goal away from Justin Meyer and was there for the followup shot from Mark Meerstra as well. Aldrgrove thought they finally had a goal in the dying minutes but a bump on the keeper had play whistled dead and the shot after the whistle did not count.

Mikiah was right, "Good Movement Guys!" and kudos to both teams!

Aldergrove Over LCRC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:11:56 EST

By Tom VanderHorst (first story of the year)
Aldergrove and LCRC met at Willoughby field on a beautiful Wednesday night. Aldergrove has been doing well all season long, and LCRC has had a great season as well, especially as of late, winning their last seven in a row.

The game started with a mad scramble in the LCRC end. Some on the sidelines thought a brou-ha-ha would ensue, but cooler heads would prevail. (And a note to all you young journalists out there, any time you have the oppurtunity to use the word brou-ha-ha, you take it). Kevin Hendricks, picking up where he left off, ended up putting the ball in for the early lead of the game. Welcome back to the league and the Fraser Valley. LCRC with Kevin on Matt, forward on defence, Vandergaag on Vandergaag. Matt cleared the ball away however, to keep the Aldergrove lead. Mona Sytsma had a great left-footed shot, but this just missed the top corner. Kevin Vanderboom then streaked in and shot a nice low bullet on net, which was met by a "scintillating save" by keeper Brian Meerstra. Harold Louwerse then connected a nice pass to Colin Dewit, who crossed the ball in to Mark Meerstra. Mark couldn't connect with the header however. Greg Hammelin came up with a money pass to Jason VanderHorst and Jay let go a ripper, but it hit the side of the net. Kevin Vandergaag had another good shot, but this one snuck wide. Aldergrove ended the half with a number of nice chances but were met by good saves by substitute keeper Darcy Langelaar.

In the 2nd half, LCRC came out well, with two nice chances for Jason, but both were stopped by Brian. Justin Meyer responded then, with a good crack after several nice moves with the ball. One minute later, Justin almost showed us a replay of that goal, with the same number of nice moves and another nice shot. Darcy, however, would not be fooled again, and tipped it past the post. Kevin Hendricks then made a nice run up the left side and made a slick cross to Justin (again). Bryan Grim met him on the goal line and made the clearance to keep it 2-0. Greg Hammelin, who lurked dangerously in the midfield all game, had another nice shot, but this went just wide. This didn't slow Aldergrove down however. Justin seemed unstoppable, and volleyed a cross from Kevin but that skimmed past the post. On another rush, Darcy had to come out to stop Mark on a run, but the ball landed right at Harold, who made no mistake and put it home before Darcy had a chance to stop it.
Darryl Hofsink then made a good defensive play for LCRC as he stymied a rush for White. This went on to set up a chance for Kevin Vandergaag (again). But, with no respect for his own body, Brian Meerstra dove in to the danger to stop the play. Saul Fuentes killed the shutout minutes later however when he curled in a nice shot. No chance for the keeper on a beautiful shot. Darcy then made two more saves to keep his team in the game; one, a very good save on Mark, and the other, a very very good save that got some "Ooohh!"s and "Aaaah!"s from the crowd. These were not enough however, as the game went to Aldergrove.

INTER BEATS HEAT & CELTIC

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:36:27 EST

FC International and Celtic met at Willoughby field with limited lineups, Celtic having only 11 players and FC Inter having 13. However that would change when Inter's Eric Atsma went down with a painful knee injury in the first half. and would not return Subbing breaks became water breaks, as both teams had to work hard to beat the heat and survive the match. Teamwork and sportsmanship became the name of the game as both teams communicated together well, and helped their fellow teammates out. Referee Dick Scheper agreed that while there were some tough challenges, for much of the game he could have put his whistle in his pocket - a credit to both teams. Both teams had equal ball possession in the first half with Celtic's Glenn Visscher driving a Peter VanBrederode pass just wide, and Burke VanderHorst chipping a shot off the crossbar. Wil Folstad had a good chance for Black, but Rob Gelderman stopped it, had it slip loose and stopped it again. Tim Vanderhoek got a late shot for Celtic, but could not get enough mustard on it and Werner Engler made the save.

Momentum shifted somewhat to Black in the second half as they tried to wear Celtic down with the efforts of speedsters of Wil Folstad, Mike Opp and Dan Woelders. Dan "Dubya " drove a hard shot at the Celtic goal that Gelderman punched back into play and Lizzie Titley kicked the rebound just wide. Celtic couldn't contain Wil Folstad forever, and he broke through the team and got the ball under Gelderman for FC's first goal. Peter vanBrederode, Tim VanderHoek and Glenn Visscher had their chances on Inter's goal as did Rob VanSeters but they could not find the back of the net. Jon VanPopta of Inter was unlucky to hit the side of the Celtic goal for no-goal but the Blacks would get their second goal on a similar play as their first goal when Mike Opp took advantage of a Celtic turnover and he got the ball through the team and past the goalie just before the final whistle for a 2-0 win for Black.

TOUGH LOSS FOR VALLEY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:04:14 EST

It's too bad when one team has to lose a close game, but that's what happened as Valley lost an exciting game to Celtic. Both teams were raring for a win and the first half was played to a scoreless draw. Celtic carried more of the play in the opening half, with a couple of potential rushes and combinations for both teams.

The second half would produce many more scoring opportunities and both keepers had to be sharp to keep their team in the game. Valley's super-brave goalie Geoff VanLaar. made some super-saves for his team, and Rob Gelderman at the other end was tested as well, especially on an early try by Kent Ostermeier. The rushes started to come thick and fast, with Glenn Visscher seeing his left-footed shot saved by VanLaar followed by Anthony Togeretz heading a ball past VanLaar and past the open goal. Maurice VanderLinde cranked a shot off the Celtic post and Katie Ostermeier followed that up a while later when she got good foot on the ball but put the shot wide. Valley had their best chance go for naught when a streaking Mo VdL unselfishly crossed the ball to a charging Tim Schouten, and his shot ricochetted off the keeper's best friend. Lucky Celtic! Unlucky Valley! John VanSeters came charging back for Celtic but Geoff VL fearlessly grabbed the ball off of VanSeters' feet. A breaking Anthony (ATog) Togeretz had what looked to be a sure goal for Celtic when he headed a ball over Geoff VL but defender Devon Boes desperately stopped that ball on the goal line. ATog got another chance and this time got that hard-to-get goal when Burke VanderHorst launched a pass from Celtic's half and ATog managed to win the race for the ball and drive it into the Valley goal. That would be the only goal of the game dispite the best efforts of both teams. Good, intense game for both teams!

PLUMS VS ORANGES

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:49:16 EST

Vitessa and Oranje had a match against each other at Cloverdale field. According to Vitessa coach Casey VanVliet ,it was "a battle between the coaching seniors!" (him and Henk VanderHorst) Or did he say "the senior coaches"....? Which ever, it was a good game, Oranje coming up the winner. The first half had both teams displaying lots of ball control, but few good shots on goal. Oranje capitalized on one of their chances at the 17 minute mark when Paul Sikma jumped up to a loose ball and directed it towards the Vitessa's goal. Keeper Jayden Kuik had that shot lined up, but Phil Sikma got his foot on the shot and redirected it past the keeper with Kuik helpless to reposition himself.

Vitessa vowed to crank up their game in the second half, and Byron and Lucas Vanderbeek ran non-stop for their team up front, as did Jordan VanSpronsen, but Oranje would get the next goal. Ron Smouter did the work to get a pass to his choice of Steve Koning and Phil Sikma, but the pass went to Sikma who patiently picked his spot with a shot past the diving Kuik, Second goal of the game for Phil and for his team. More shots came from both teams after this and Lucas Vanderbeek had a nice run past the Oranje defence and put a long shot on keeper Don Sikma. Tom VanderHorst tested Kuik before Lynette DeHaas came back and snuck a short shot on Sikma which he saved and he did the same on a glancing shot from Darryl Rolleman. In the last five-minute block Rick VanderHorst made a long run for his Oranje team but he slashed his shot across the goal area. Vitessa returned with a nice build-up and were rewarded when Jordan VanSpronsen directed a sweet pass to Sean Bredenhof who got a good, low shot into the corner of Oranje's goal. Vitessa could not come up with the equalizer and the game went to Oranje 2-1

'FUN, CLEAN GAME!"

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:19:25 EST

"Nice Game! Fun Game! Clean Game!" Those were the observations of players on both Oranje and Celtic as well as referee Dave Doornbos. The win would go to Oranje in this second meeting of the season between these two teams. Celtic were the first ones to score at the 13th minute when Anthony Togeretz steamed through the Oranje back line and popped a shot over Don Sikma. Oranje took only 5 minutes to even the score when a good pass from Leroy VanSpronsen went to brother Rod who cracked a short shot through keeper Rob Gelderman. Later, Tom Vanderhorst got a low shot on Gelderman who made the save and while Oranje would have several chances they had no more decent cracks in the half (according to them). Celtic however, threatened several more times, most notably when John VanSeters shot a ball through Oranje's goal area and out the other side. Also, Glenn Visscher who got a shot; hard, low and on goal, but not in.

Both teams added more intensity in the second half, and Ivan Scheper had the first threat for Celtic as he snuck a shot at the near post, but Sikma was there for the save. Steve Koning lined up a shot on the other end but Celtic defender Neil Dykstra took that dangerous shot away. Eighteen minutes into the half, Morris Klos made a long run for Oranje but was taken down in the box, and a penalty kick was awarded to his team. Rick VanderHorst struck a smooth shot low to the corner and in for the go-ahead goal: no chance for Gelderman. Celtic came close to evening the score again when Anthony Togeretz got a shot past the pressuring Don Sikma and John VanSeters put the loose ball just outside the post instead of just inside the post. Oranje followed this up with several minutes of pressure in the Celtic end, and Steve Koning put a nice pass back to Mark Sikma who drilled a long curling shot at RobGee: he had a good look at the shot and made the grab. Mary-Anne VanderHorst tested DonEss with a nice high shot, but the save mde by Don. While Celtic worked together, passed well and challenged hard, it was Oranje who got the last good chances, when Ron Smouter ran onto a shot that came off of Gelderman and drove the shot back in: Gelderman made the diving save. Steve Koning tried to ice the cake for Oranje but his hard shot from inside the 18 went just wide. Even game, but a win for Oranje: 2-1.

STARS & STRIPES TIE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 08:54:43 EST

It was a windy, blusteryy evening at Lynden's Bender Field, and players and fans alike were relieved that the rain showers stayed away till the end of the game. Celtic's first rush of the game came from Stuart VanderHorst who had a dangerous shot stopped by keeper Ethan Neff, who threw out his leg to make the save. Rob Gelderman, goalie for Celtic was tested in the first ten minutes as well, when Nathan Chase sent a nice cross to Darryn Kleyn but Gelderman jumped just in front of Kleyn to snatch the ball away. At the middle mark of the opening half, Loren VanCorbach lobbed the ball over the Celtic defenders to a breaking Kleyn and this time Kleyn got a nice shot across the goal area, and in the back of the goal. Later in the half, Kleyn went down hard, grabbing his ankle. He would have to leave the field and the game with an undetermined ankle injury.

In the second half it was obvious that Lynden threw up their defensive shell, and were determined to keep Celtic off the scoresheet. The Americans had few rushes into Celtic's end of the field, but did not give Celtic any room to get their passing game going. And any time Celtic tried to penetrate inside Lynden's 18 yard box, the Lyndenites collapsed and filled up the area with most of their team, effectively giving no room for shots to get through. This resulted in some frustration, much "chirping" and many "refs" on the field. In the last five minute block of the game, Lynden was penalized for a take down in their area, and Celltic was awarded a penalty kick. Ivan Scheper took it well, and scored with a shot just under the crossbar: no chance for Neff. A couple more rushes for both teams, and the game ended with a tie, Lynden 1, Celtic 1.

SELLES STRIKES AGAIN

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 08:09:49 EST

Andrew Selles, one of the league's top goal getters got two more for his Abbotsford Silver Bullets as his team tied Oranje 2-2. Both teams started off with good passing, and solid attacks with Tom VanderHorst of Oranje, and James Bisschop, Ben Beukema and Tim deHaan of Silver all getting quality chances. Bisschop would come the closest as he ran full-steam ahead and got a hard shot on Oranje keeper Don Sikma who had to be alert to steer the low shot away. Oranje followed that up with a corner kick that resulted in two good chances but Silver keeper Hilmer Jagersma and his team mates prevented that. Andrew Selles closed out the half with a long run and a long shot over the goal.

The second half started with Oranje's Tom VanderHorst taking a very hard shot that was blocked with his body by a brave Mike Broersma. Andrew Selles would get the first goal of the game when he chipped an innocent looking shot at the Oranje goal, but the spinning ball squeeked through the hands of keeper Sikma and over the goal line. Oranje got that back quite quickly when they were awarded a penalty kick for a take down in the box. Rick VanderHorst struck the ball well and a diving Hilmer Jagersma got a hand on the hard shot but could not keep it out. Selles had several more runs and shots for Silver as did Stan deHaan, but no goal. Steve Koning set up Tom VanderHorst for a nice shot, but no reward to them either. Koning was given a yellow card (first one of the season for Oranje) a short while later on a collision with the Silver goalie. Mark Sikma and Leroy VanSpronsen both had good shots for Oranje go wide or over, but their team would finally get the go-ahead goal when Phil Sikma sent a very unselfish heads-up pass to Morris Klos on the side, and Klos got a nice shot and a nice goal. Abby evened that up again when Rob Beukema crossed the ball to a waiting Andrew Selles in a crowded Oranje area, and Selles got his, and his team's second goal of the game. Entertaining game; 2-2 tie.

CELTIC/SAINTS TIE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:50:45 EST

Celtic and Saints. Two teams both coming off of two losses. Two teams both looking for a victory. Two teams settling for a confidence boosting tie. Celtic got an early goal at the 8 minute mark when persistence by David Wildeboer got the ball in close to the Saints goal and Burke VanderHorst connected with the loose ball and scored. Both teams had chances in back and forth action but it would be Saints who scored next. A defensive mix-up/crash-up by Celtic allowed Saints' Matt Philipchalk to get through and put the ball in the back of the goal. Celtic took the lead again when Stuart VanderHorst avoided a Saints challenge and drove a hard, rising shot that Saints keeper Jordan Dykman had squeeze through his hands and across the goal line.

Saints had the first chance for goal in the second half when they sent a long dangerous shot over the bar. Ben Shoeber also had a mean shot that was not too far off the mark. Josh JansenVanDoorn was lurking a lot up front, but had no goal success on the night. At the other end, Conrad Dykman played some solid cleanup for keeper-brother Jordan to keep the game close. The Saints tied the game up half way through the second half when they worked the ball close to the 18yard line and Brenden (don't know his last name cuz he's not listed on the Saints roster) drilled a shot high in to the Celtic goal. The Saints went on to take the lead a short while later on another sweet shot through lots of Celtic players by the afore-mentioned Brenden ____. Celtic evened the score again when Burke VanderHorst cranked a hi-lite reel free kick that bent around and above the wall and the Saints goalie, and into the net. Saints had one more chance when a loose ball in the Celtic area scrambled around, off players and off the post and was cleared away. Celtic and Saints a solid 3-3 tie.

DIV. "A" TIGHTENS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:17:57 EST

Langley FC suffered a loss to Aldergrove and may have suffered the loss of Ron Scheper as well, as he went down in the second half with what looked like a serious and painful ankle injury. The Yellows were already playing with a depleted lineup due to injuries to Wes Driegen (knee), Jeff VanderGaag (foot), Aren VanDyke (groin), Henk Timmerman out of the country and Brent Fennema moving away. That left them with only one spare and their girls played like troopers but Aldergrove wore them down and pulled off a victory, though Langley FC left it all on the field. Aldergrove opened the game strongly and Matt VanderGaag had 3 good chances for goals, but with no finish. Yet it was Langley FC who got the first goal at the 18 minute mark when Ron Scheper connected on a perfect free kick that grazed the tips of Brian Meerstra's fingers and the bottom of the crossbar. Matt VdGaag had another shot go through the goal mouth cleared away by the Yellow defence, and also headed a nice cross from Colin DeWit over the crossbar to round out the half.

The second half had both teams start with lots of energy, trading chances by Justin Meyer, Ron Scheper, and Colin DeWit. Aldergrove kept the pressure up and the defence of Joni Bredenhof, Mike Timmerman, and Greg Scholtens were kept busy helping out their keeper John Noort. Kevin Woelders would add to Yellow's lead when he twisted and turned with the ball and was allowed to unleash a shot outside the 18 yard box that no one could have stopped. Aldergrove tightened the game up a short while later when Colin DeWit cracked a free kick that grazed the head of a defender and went in. Both keepers owe a thank you to their d-line when Kevin Woelders got a shot past Brian Meerstra that James Dehaas cleared away and on the other end, Mike Timmerman rescued John Noort in a similar situation. Tyler VanderGaag tested Noort again with a sharp blast, but Noort got his hand out to just deflect the ball. The clearance went to Matt VdGaag but his shot was cleared away by Joni Bredenhof. In the last 5 minutes Aldergrove poured it on and a Kevin Hendricks shot went off the post and off Mike T-man and off several players on both sides before Tyler VanderGaag put it in the goal. Derek Hoogerdijk had a good try for the win, but Aldergrove got the victory in injury time when Justin Meyer got the winning goal after his team put lots of pressure on Langley FC. Final score: Aldergrove 3, Langley FC 2

INTER SHUTS OUT ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 08:12:05 EST

Oranje and FC International came into tonight's matchup, both with 6 wins under their belt, one of Oranje's wins being over FC Inter. Evenly matched teams, who played an even match, but FC Inter came up on top this time, moving them up in the Division A standings. The game was played in a misty drizzle, and that may have affected some of the quality of passing and shooting, which was tentative for much of the opening half. Rod VanSpronsen got the first try on goal for Oranje when fiesty Renee Zietsma moved the ball out of the corner to Rod but his good shot went just wide. Later, Don Sikma had to come out far to challenge Dam Woelders for a loose ball which drew a corner kick (see photo). The kick to Adam Woelders was headed wide. Eric Atsma had a nice shot on Sikma a while later but Sikma could make the save. There were a couple minutes of steady pressure by Oranje in the Black area off of 2 corner kick opportunities, but while the ball got moved around a lot, no score resulted. Morris Klos of Oranje and Dan Woelders of Black traded tries on goal , Dan dribbling from center to the 18 before shooting, followed by Rod VanSpronsen who's shot was steered wide by a diving Black goalie.

Oranje had an early chance in the second half with a corner kick but the Paul Sikma header went just wide. FC Inter had a shot that had goal written all over it til Jess DeHaas of Oranje cleared it away from the open goal. Wil Folstad had his hard shot from in close pushed away by a quick keeper Sikma, but would come back to get Black on the scoresheet. A free kick from 30 yards out was taken by Dan Woelders and he alertly found the unmarked Folstad who drove a smart kick into the goal. Oranje had a good chance to get that back when Mark Sikma, Shauna Stam and Paul Sikma all had cracks at the ball in the Black area, but it finally went over the bar and out of play. Another dangerous drive for Oranje was generated by Rick VanderHorst when he drove through Black and pushed a pass to the breaking Morris Klos, but the shot went just wide. FC Inter had lots of pressure in the Oranje area in the closing minutes of the game but a desperate Oranje finally got the ball out of danger. A last minute drive by Oranje's Daryl Driegen with a slick cross to Leroy VanSpronsen ended when Leroy's header went barely wide. Black closed out the game with a late shot by Eric Atsma and the game ended FC Inter 1, Oranje 0.

TOUGH GOAL KEEPERS!

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 08:13:17 EST

LCRC United and Celtic met for their second match of the season in a game that would be remembered (at least by the goalies) as a game where the goalies suffered some collisions. LCRC's Justin Bontkes was downed once, while Celtic's keeper Rob Gelderman took three hard crashes, but shook them all off to complete the game. The first half had good action at both ends, exciting rushes and lots of nice mid field passing, but also had two crashes when LCRC players and Rob Gelderman attacked the ball: neither incident resulted in goals. Celtic scored at the 25 minute mark when Tim Vanderhoek found Wil Wildeboer wide, and Wildeboer lined up the perfect cross back in to Glen Visscher who bent to head the ball into the goal. Before the half was over, Greg Hamelin of LCRC intercepeted a weak Celtic pass in ther end, and sent a hard shot to the low corner to even the score.

Early in the second half, Kevin VanderGaag left-footed a long shot through the Celtic area but Gelderman followed the shot and grabbed the ball. At the 28 minute mark Justin Bontkes suffered a collision with an attacking Wil Wildeboer: Wildeboer got untangled first, and put the loose ball into the goal to get the lead for Celtic again. Tim VanderHoek tried to add to that when he picked up a corner kick out of a crowd, but sent the hard shot over the bar. LCRC put pressure on Celtic and Kevin VanderGaag jumped on a loose ball just outside the six-yard box and scored for the go-ahead goal. Chris VanderHorst of LCRC took a nice back pass from his forward but drove the ball over the bar on another good chance for Blue. Anthony Togeretz had a good chance for Celtic on the other end when he was sprung loose by Burke VanderHorst but Bontkes made the fine save. A scramble off of an LCRC corner kick resulted in the Blues' 3rd goal when Oscar Fuentes sent a guided missile into the topmost corner of the top corner: what a shot! Gelderman was downed again in the waning minutes of the game, but the LCRC player had tried hard to avoid the collision. In the last 5 minutes, LCRC got their 4th goal when a corner kick ping-ponged off several heads before it went off of Jason Togeretz' head and in. Final score: LCRC 4, Celtic 2. Yellow card - Time Bontkes of LCRC

No More Credo

The Reporter Reporting — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:47:44 EST

All games that were scheduled on Credo have been moved to either Willoughby or McLeod except for the July 12^th game. Some times have also been changed because of this. Take a look at the website for your changes, it has been updated already.

ABBY TOP OF "B"

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:57:34 EST

Abbotsford and Celtic were both unbeaten in their last four games, but Abbotsford changed that with a victory over Celtic on a wet evening in Aldergrove. With this victory, Abbotsford takes over top spot in the B Division, while Celtic struggles at the bottom of A division. Celtic had the edge in the first half of the first half, and started strongly when Wil Wildeboer crossed a ball into the Abby area that Anthony Togeretz nodded at but could not nod in. Another Wil Wildeboer cross went to Burke VanderHorst but his shot went just wide. Stan deHaan tested early for Abby but his shot went wide. Stu VanderHorst came back with a well-struck ball for the Stripes, but it was well-saved by keeper Hilmer Jagersma. Ivan Scheper shot a ball out of a crowd that Jagersma had to make the sharp save on as well. James Bisschop brought the Silvers up the field again, but his drive went over the goal. Neither team could get a fluid passing game going (perhaps because of the fluid on the field?) and the half closed out tied at 0-0.

Abbotsford's game came together better than Celtic's game in the second half, especially when Rob Beukema set Stan deHaan up with a nice pass, but deHaan's left-footed shot was punched away by Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman. Abby kept the pressure up and got one of those "sloppy wet field, slippery ball" type of goals when Andrew Selles skittered a loosey-goosey ball through some Celtic defenders and past Gelderman. Abby Silvers followed that up with a very skillful goal when Stan deHaan sent a high cross into the Celtic 18 yard area where 2 team mates were running in, and Ben Beukema was the one who got his head on it and scored. Andrew Selles tried to bag another goal on a nice shot, but keeper Rob grabbed that one. With only 15 minutes left, Celtic tried hard to reel the game back in and Braeden Kobes got a nice shot on goal for his team, and Jagersma had to be sharp to make the save at close range. A couple more Celtic rushes were to no avail. It looked like Abby would add to their goal total when Celtic was called for a hand ball in ther area, but the penalty shot went over, and the score stayed Abbotsford 2, Celtic 0.

ORANJE SHUTS OUT CLOVERDALE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:37:25 EST

Oranje brought a total team effort to Cloverdale's home field and took a convincing 4-0 victory back with them. Cloverdale's Mike Schouten is among the top scorers in the FVCSL this year, but he and his teammates could not generate any scoring in the match against Oranje. The first half ended with neither team scoring, but Oranje certainly got the better chances, having some 5 shots go wide. Marc Schouten also played a very solid half in goal for Cloverdale, especially when he saw an unmarked Phil Sikma drive a shot on goal but Schouten sprawled to make the save. Schouten followed that up with good saves off of a hard shot by Morris Klos and a corner kick that was headed on goal by Rick VanderHorst. Steve Koning was lurking dangerously in the Blue area through much of the game but was not rewarded with a goal. Cloverdale had a couple of chances in the first half, on a nice shot from Mark Bysterveld and an attempt from out wide by Chris Schouten, but keeper Don Sikma made the grabs.

Oranje took the second half with 4 unanswered goals. Tom VanderHorst had a hard shot steered wide by Schouten and headed the following corner kick off the cross bar. But a corner kick several minutes later had a better result for Tom-Vee when he headed that one in, for goal. Cloverdale tried to mount some return pressure and Mark Bysterveld sliced a shot through the Oranje area that went wide. Oranje was very effective on the night with their corner kicks while Cloverdale was frustrated that most of their corner kick attempts were squandered when they ended up against the side of the net. Tom-Vee got his second goal of the game for Oranje when he dribbled through several Blue players and was almost stopped by George Gunnink, but he cut around him and got the shot in low under Schouten. Minutes later, a ball was bouncing around in the Blue area and hard working Tom Sikma (the senior Tom) got to the ball and put it in under Schouten. Not to be outdone, brother Mark Sikma got a hard shot on goal and though Marc Schouten almost had it, it got through him and in for goal #4 for Oranje. In the dying minutes of the game, Mark Bysterveld took advantage of an Oranje lapse, and got a clear shot on keeper Don Sikma, but the save was made for the shutout. A nice cleanly played game, and full marks to both teams for that! By the way - two of the original three teams of the FVCSL were in this match.

Langley Recovers Over Crossway

Morris Klos — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 08:14:39 EST

LANGLEY - In Crossway's second game in two days, Langley FC managed to squeeze one more goal than Crossway by full-time for a 2-1 victory, in spite of starting the game one player short. Henk Timmerman scored first for Langley FC. Joe Doyle's goal for Crossway stood for most of the game as Langley could not strike goal on their other offensive opportunities.

Patrick Peewee had a strong first game in the league, showing good ball control, and he finally scored the game winning goal for Langley FC in the last 20 minutes of play. Crossway could not find an equalizer because their defensive clears repeatedly came directly to Langley FC defenders at mid-field, and their offensive rushes broke down just outside of Langley's 18-yard box, with passes that were placed to quickly, and intercepted.

It was a strong showing for Crossway however, as they played one of their best games of the season against one of the league's finest.

Abby FC Muscles Past Crossway

Morris Klos — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 08:59:47 EST

Abbotsford FC stormed past Crossway for a 6-2 win at Willoughby, with goals from Ben Beukema (pictured above), Rob Beukema, Tim DeHaan, Stan DeHaan, Jason Devries and Andrew Selles. See the article "Silver Shines over Crossway" for more details.

Silver Shines Over Crossway

Morris Klos — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 08:52:08 EST

LANGLEY - Abbotsford FC produced six goals from different players to gain a win over Crossway FC at the new Willoughby field Thursday night. Crossway's defender's missed several opportunities to jump on loose balls in their own 18 yard box giving Abbotsford the chance to finish them off. Crossway got two goals on the match from Scott Humphries and Allan Devlin who were able to finally break through Abbotsford's defensive clearing tactics.

Both teams played a physical match through both halves and in the last ten minutes of the game, referee Rod VanSpronsen had to settle both teams with cards to Crossway's Scott Humphries, and Abbotsford's Mike Broersma and Andrew Thalen.

SNOW IN WILLOUGHBY

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 30 May 2007 08:25:26 EST

"Snowy conditions met the LCRC United and Oranje teams as they came to the new Willoughby field for their soccer match. The teams managed to overcome the white conditons and play a hard game. The kids on the sidelines played just as hard, trying to make "snowballs"!

SPEED KILLS

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 30 May 2007 08:18:54 EST

"They spread out the field and beat us with speed"' quipped Oranje's Rod VanSpronsen after his team suffered a 3-1 loss to LCRC Blues. Oranje and LCRC played the first FVCSL game on the new Willoughby field, and though it was covered with tree fluff (allergy suffers, beware!). it was declared a good field (maybe not quite as fast as McLeod). LCRC had the first good scoring chance generated by Greg Hamelin when he drove 2 close-in shots in on keeper Ryan Sikma, but Sikma batted them away. Justin Bontkes, goalie for the Blues was tested early on a curving shot off the foot of Rick VanderHorst but he ably snagged that one. At the 11 minute mark, Hamelin got a goal when LCRC took advantage of some Oranje defensive confusion . A short whiile later, Rod VanSpronsen tried to set up Tom VanderHorst with a crafty cross, but Tom's header dipped just low enough for Bontkes to get his fingers on and push over the bar. The following corner kick was headed by Mark Sikma, but Justin caught that one. Rod VanSpronsen had an incredible shot of his own that careened off the cross bar, and still no goal for Oranje. Blue's Kevin VanderGaag closed out the half with a nice shot that Sikma saved.

In the second half, Oranje struggled to find their form as Blue kept pouring it on. Shauna Stam had a potential chance for a goal but Jeff Bontkes came to the aid of kid brother Justin, and stole the ball away. LCRC got their second goal when Kevin VanderGaag ran onto a ball from 25 yards out, and snuck a hard shot under Sikma. On the next rush, Hamelin got his second goal and the third one for LCRC with Sikma helpless to stop him. Oranje regrouped and Rick VanderHorst set up Morris Klos but his fine shot was pushed just wide by Bontkes. Renee Zietsma sent a sideways pass to Rod VanSpronsen but his shot went wide as well. Mandy DeWit and Darren Leffers of LCRC also had good shots that went wide. Oranje finally got on the scoresheet when Phil Sikma took a free kick from 20 yards out and cranked it in to the far corner. That's all that Oranje could muster tonight, and the win goes to LCRC.

With Celtic tying Aldergrove 2-2 in their game tonight, the division just got a little bit tighter.

Battle for Langley

Morris Klos — Sun, 27 May 2007 08:36:58 EST

LANGLEY - The second game in Saturday night's FVCSL double header at McLeod Park saw a clash of titan teams Langley FC and FC International. FC Inter played with a short line-up and only one substitute. Langley pressed Inter back for most of the first half, but Inter's experience came through and they managed to create multiple scoring opportunities. Daniel Woelders scored first by following up hard on the ball and muscling it past Langley's keeper to give Inter a one goal lead.

The first half saw Dave Doornbos get a shot on goal for Langley, and both Henk Timmerman (pictured above in yellow) and Aaron VanDyke had great headers on Inter's goal; but Henk's ricochetted off the cross-bar, and Inter's keeper lunged in time to snag Aaron's header. Aaron and Henk almost combined again for a goal, but Henk's near perfect shot just grazed the top of the cross-bar at 1 minute before the half as Inter held on to the lead at half-time.

FC Inter brought a stronger second half to Langley FC but could not break through to score. Henk sent a perfect through-ball to Ron Scheper who sprung Kevin Woelders for a break-away on goal. Kevin sent a solid shot in to tie the game 1-1. Later in the half, Langley's Kieth Broersma jumped on a loose ball that came to him off the post, and drove it home to give Langley a 2-1 lead.

FC Inter came close to tying the game when Adam Woelders rocked a header down in front of Langley's net, but it rang off the cross-bar, and at full-time the final score remained 2-1 for Langley FC.

Saints Fair Game For Abby

Morris Klos — Sun, 27 May 2007 08:46:12 EST

It was fair...really; both teams played hard to give a point to the other team by full-time, ending it in a 1-1 draw...truly sporting! :) check out Ginny VanderHorst's article for details...

Saints and Silver Bullets Tie

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 27 May 2007 08:46:19 EST

The blue-clad Saints, who lead their division up to this point, played Abbotsford Silvers to a 1-1 tie at Neil McLeod field on Saturday. The opening half had both teams trying to get the first goal but neither team could accomplish that feat. Peter Coesel had a couple of good chances for the Saints, with one rush cleared away by silver keeper Hilmer Jagersma and another shot of his going wide. Andrew Selles had a ball brashly stolen right off his feet by goalie Jordan Dykman on the other end of the field,and James Bisschop had his shot go wide of the blue goal. Selles had another quality chance when he was sprung loose by Rob Beukema and he snuck the ball through the legs of keeper Dykman, but his subsequent shot went just wide. David Tolkamp had one of the best chances for the Saints side when he drove up the left side and sent a shot low to the corner but Jagersma made the sprawling save.

About half way through the second half the Saints scored off the result of an indirect free kick: the ball scooted around in the Abby area, with players and goalie scrambling around, and Nico Noordham got to the ball and put it in the back of the goal. Abby Silver Bullets evened the score when they worked it up through the blue team and Stan deHaan finished the play for his team when he got around the Saints goalie and scored. The rest of the half could be described as a lot of long balls and long clearances as both teams wanted to score but also wanted to preserve the tie. The defence of Andrew Thalen, Mike Broersma, and Rob Bisschop of Abbotsford and the back line of Justin Jonkman and Conrad Dykman of the Saints gave their goalies plenty of support and help to keep the score at 1-1.

WILLOUGHBY IS OPEN

The Reporter Reporting — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:00:01 EST

As of next week all games that were scheduled at Ron Ralph have been moved to Willoughby. They finally got the field done. You can look at the "fields" tab for directions.

Address of the field: 7755 202a St (behind R.E. Mountain Secondary School)

SCHEDULE IS UPDATED

The Reporter Reporting — Thu, 24 May 2007 08:44:42 EST

The schedule has been updated. Both players and referees can use this now and be sure it is correct. If you do see anything incorrect please contact your team manager so the issue can be resolved.

RED AND ORANGE CLASH

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:14:07 EST

No, no, this isn't a fashion statement! This is just what happened as Crossway Red and Oranje Oranges met for a soccer match. Oranje picked up the solid victory with a 5-2 score, but Red's keeper Andrew Driscoll should pick up a Hero badge for several spectacular saves for his team. Both teams had some early chances but Oranje had the first serious threat when they were awarded a penalty kick for a Red handball in the box. Rick VanderHorst took a nice shot that was heading low to the corner, but Driscoll made one of his key saves to direct the ball away. He deflected another ball wide when Mark Sikma drove in a long hard shot. Red came close to scoring when the Oranje defenders missed a ball but Joe Doyle missed the goal. John Zietsma cleared Doyle's next attempt away. Oranje got their teamwork going and got a goal when Morris Klos found Rod VanSpronsen open and Rod sliced the ball in for goal #1. Before the ink was dry on the scoresheet, AJ Lissemore got that one back on a nice run and shot off of the ensuing kickoff. Late in the half, Tom VanderHorst found Rod VanSpronsen open again: same spot, same shot, same result for goal #2.

In the second half, AJ Lissemore got a dangerous shot away but keeper Ryan Sikma followed the shot and blocked it wide. Oranje notched another goal when the ball, in a crowd, came to Morris Klos, who settled it, turned and shot. Oranje seemed to have a sure goal when Mark Sikma drove a hard volley at the Red goal, but Driscoll sacrificed his body (big welt on the chest, Andrew?) to make the spectacular save. He threw himself in front of several more shots, but could not prevent Steve Koning's shot from going in. Red had a good chance at another goal off a corner kick, but Jess Dehaas was hugging the post and cleared that shot away. Tim Visscher attacked as well, but could not get the mustard on the ball that he wanted to: no Red goal. Ben Schulz took advantage of another Oranje defensive miscue and shot from the left side into the right side of the goal for hs team's second marker. Oranje added their last tally when Tom VanderHorst dished a sideways pass to Leroy VanSpronsen and Leroy finished the play. Dave Hickey seemed to have a goal to draw his team closer when he covered a lot of ground, and beat the goalie, but his shot went off the inside of the post and Rod VanSpronsen cleared that ball away, and the score stayed 5-2 Oranje

Mans Duo Call It Quits

Reuben Moes — Fri, 18 May 2007 08:29:29 EST

Bruce and Lydia Mans, both players for FC International have hung up their cleats for the season. Well at least their FVCSL cleats. Does that even make sense?

Well, today they boarded an airplane headed for Seatle where they went on another plane that went to Korea. Well there was probably another stop or two in there. They plan to teach english there for a year or so.

This isn't good news for FC International. They are losing their top scorer (kind of, because Bruce and Dan share the lead at 6 goals currently). Though Lydia has yet to score a goal, she is still a significant loss for the team.

I know, I should never write again.

Celtic and Langley FC Tie

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 17 May 2007 08:32:19 EST

Celtic and Langley FC played a "hard fought, exciting, fast paced, lots of running" match at Neil McLeod, and ended up with a tie game. Neither goalie had to make a ton of saves, but that's a credit to both defences who had to put in a very good effort to break up the other team's attacks, of which there were lots! Celtic got the first goal when Anthony Togeretz worked the ball through several Yellow players and scored with a nice shot to the corner. Kevin Woelders of Langley threatened when he came in stride for stride with Celtic's Keith Wildeboer and just got the shot away but keeper Rob Gelderman was there to snatch the ball out of the air. The Celtic defenders put the squeeze on speedster Jeff VanderGaag when he attacked, and too much squeeze resulted in a Yellow penalty kick. Wes Driegen absolutely cranked a hard "top shelf in the corner" penalty shot and Gelderman made a SUPERSAVE. Yellow attacked the rebound but RobGee saved that too.

The second half had lots of back and forth action as both teams wanted a goal: Celtic that insurance marker, and Langley FC that tying goal, and the Yellow-clad would be rewarded with a goal about 7 minutes before the final whistle. Over and over, Yellow had tried to break Jeff VanderGaag loose for a goal, but Celtic frustrated those efforts time and again. But the plan finally worked when Jeff got a shot in close that was too hot for Gelderman to handle, and it squirted into the goal. In the last minutes of the game, Henk Timmerman of Yellow moved up from his defensive position to try and notch that winning goal, but Celtic would have none of that and both teams had to be satisfied with a tie.

Aldergrove Whites-Out Oranje

Ginny Vanderhorst — Wed, 16 May 2007 08:07:23 EST

Aldergrove and Oranje, two teams with 4 wins each under their belt looked to add a game to their win column, but Aldergrove got the win, and a decisive one at that. Any team loves an early goal, and Aldergrove got just that when sloppy defensive play by Oranje in their area resulted in a Kevn Hendricks cross to Colin DeWit whose shot on goal was stopped by keeper Don Sikma, but the resulting rebound was shot in by Mark Meerstra. Oranje tried to get that right back when Shauna Stam fed a nice cross to Rod VanSpronsen but his shot went wide. Don Sikma came up with two hi-lite reel saves, one on a breakaway Justin Meyer but Sikma threw out his legs and got his toes on Meyer's shot. A second sprawling reflex toe save by Sikma off of Aubrey VanderGaag had the Alder-whites shaking their heads. James Dehaas picked up Aldergrove's second goal when he snuck the ball through the legs of an Oranje defender and squeezed a shot between the post and the keeper. The Whites added to their goals when Kevin Hendricks found an open Aubrey VanderGaag and Aubrey found the back of the goal with a long hard shot. All this in the first half! Oranje finished the half with a good cross by Rick VanderHorst that Rod VanSpronsen ran under and headed but Alder-keeper Harold Louwerse grabbed the ball. Tough half FOR Oranje! Tough half BY Aldergrove!

The second half had Oranje putting in much better pressure, but they could not overcome the big Aldergrove lead. Colin DeWit had a good strike for Aldergrove but it went just off the outside of the post. Rick VanderHorst (who had several scoring chances) had a good shot from the outside that Louwerse grabbed. Colin DeWit had two more chances for goal, but Sikma was there to keep it out, together with his defence who cleared the ball out of danger. Kari Versluis of White had a good try as well, but no success. Leroy VanSpronsen had a hard shot on goal that keeper Hal misplayed and Steve Koning almost forced the ball in, but just not. With Oranje applying lots of pressure, they were finally rewarded with a goal when Renee Zietsma stripped a White defender of the ball and Leroy VanSpronsen blasted the ball into the net. Later, a cross into a crowded White area found Rod VanSpronsen, but his attempt was caught by Louwerse again. Steve Koning tried a diving header for Oranje, but that went just wide, and Justin Meyer ran step by step with 2 Oranje defenders and saw his shot go wide as well. John Zietsma had one last crack for Oranje when he worked through the Aldergrove team, but a nice save by Louwerse.

Final score: 3-1 Aldergrove

Saints Suffer First Loss

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 13 May 2007 08:02:10 EST

The Saints FC suffered their first loss of the season at the hands (well, the feet) of Oranje, who climbed to 4 wins and 2 losses. Both goalies were tested early in the game with an easy save for Saints Jordan Dykman off of Rod VanSpronsen, and Oranje's Don Sikma stopping a low shot from David Tolkamp. Morris Klos gave Dykman a harder test, when he got a lot on his shot, but Dykman handled that one as well. Thomas Vanderhorst got a goal for the Oranje side when he dribbled through lots of players in the Saints area, and drove a left-footer across the goal mouth and into the corner. Play continued through the half with both teams exchanging rushes, but neither team finished them off. Sasha Genge (in photo)had a couple of shots for her Saints-side but no reward.

The second half had Chad Dykman threatening early for the equalizer but keeper Sikma would have none of that and made the save. Then Oranje turned the tide, and Rod Vanspronsen set up Tom VanderHorst for a hard shot that Dykman had to be sharp on. Leroy VanSpronsen then set up Rick VanderHorst for a good shot, but his hard drive went over the bar. The Saints gained the Oranje end of the pitch again, and Josh JansenVanDoorn connected on a ball that had gone off of several heads and feet, and got his team's first goal. The teams both had chances with Steve Koning of Oranje shooting wide, Nico Noordham of the Saints spinning and shooting wide as well, and Ben Schoeber missing the mark too. Oranje's Ron Smouter missed his first chance at a goal when he missed in close, but got a goal off of a Phil Sikma corner kick that Mark Sikma headed low to Smouter, and he scored: no chance for keeper Dykman. Chad Dykman got another shot on the Oranje goal later in the half, but keeper Sikma punched that one out of danger. Oranje got an insurance goal when they "teamworked" the ball up the field and Tom Sikma fed the ball to brother Mark who got Oranje's third goal of the game. David Tolkamp had one more good chance for the blue Saints, but it was not to be.

Saints coach was interviewed after the game and said, "If we had to lose our first game, it may as well have been to Oranje". Final score 3 -1 Oranje.

NEW TURF FIELD FOR LANGLEY

Morris Klos — Sat, 12 May 2007 08:39:26 EST

WILLOUGHBY - Finishing touches are being made to the new synthetic turf field in North Langley behind R.E. Mountain Secondary School on 202A Street. The project is part of a new Events and Recreation Centre that is being developed in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range, The Township of Langley, and the Langley Development Group.

Construction of the field, from start to finish, will take close to twenty 'good-weather' days to complete. The turf is initially glued to its foundation with each line separately cut and glued into place. Then more than two inches of a sand and rubber pellet mixture, is brushed into the two and a half inch tall artificial turf. This process raises the turf strands upright, and settles the sand and rubber pellets - over eight lbs. per square foot - to the base of the turf, creating an exceptionally durable and consistent playing surface for all weather conditions.

Senior Installer Jaques Zara (pictured above), Guillaume Goupil and two other co-workers with Quebec based Defargo Sports Surfacing, are working with local crews to finish the project over the next several weeks. The FVCSL has already booked the field for use upon its completion. This first phase of a world-class facility is another developing success story of public-private partnership in "The Birthplace of British Columbia".

Lynden Loss

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:22:33 EST

"Our team was happy with the game we played, but would have rather come away with the victory" said Darryn Kleyn of Lynden Americans game against Oranje. Lynden has a young side, some new players and lots of speed, and energy but they could not get past the experience of Oranje, who have also added several new faces. Lynden squandered an early chance when a penalty kick they were awarded was shot just wide of the Oranje goal. A second threat off a Lynden corner kick was desperately cleared away by Oranje defenders. Tom VanderHorst had an early drive get directed just wide by Lynden but was not to be denied a second time. Hard work by Rod VanSpronsen found Tom in a congested goal area (with Renee Zietsma flattened to the ground), and this time his shot found the back of the net. A couple of minutes later, Mark Sikma started a play which midfielder Rick VanderHorst drove strongly in from 25 yards out, and Oranje had a 2-0 lead.

Lynden got going hard in the second half but Reece Lodder (in photo) was unlucky to watch his shot go just wide. Ben Faber had his long shot tipped off the crossbar by keeper Don Sikma to keep Lynden off the scoresheet. Oranje's team work and hard work could break up many of the rushes of Lynden and the Americans could not get that elusive goal. Late in the game, Rod VanSpronsen had a shot go hard off the base of the Lynden goal post, and the score stayed 2 - 0 Oranje.

Cloverdale Conquered

Ginny Vanderhorst — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:59:53 EST

Coverdale met Celtic on Credo field with a shortened lineup, playing most of the game with their four female players on the field, and they put in a gutsy performance. But victory was not to be theirs as Celtic picked up their second win of the season. Celtic picked up their first goal of the game when an energetic run by Rob VanSeters allowed him to feed the ball to Glenn Visscher and Glenn shot the ball low into the corner. Celtic got their second gaol a short while later when Anthony Togeretz set up Ivan Scheper on a similar type of play. This time the goalie, Dave VandeBurgt had the ball, but but it snuck through his hands. Jason Heida, newcomer to the Cloverdale side kept his team in the game when he tried a long high shot at the Celtic goal, and it went in above the outstretched hand of keeper Rob Gelderman. Heida had another chance for a goal when he and Alan Li of Cloverdale were chipping away at a loose ball in the Celtic area but the shot went over. Mark Bysterveld suffered the same fate when his shot went high and Anthony Togeretz shot just wide for Celtic. Mike Vandergugten of Cloverdale got yellow carded just before the half.

In the second half, John VanSeters tried to set up Tim VanderHoek for a Celtic goal, but stalwart defender Marc Schouten took that away. Veteran (very) player Arnie Versluis missed on an equalizer on a feed from Alan Li, but Anthony Togeretz did not miss when he ran onto a breakaway feed from Wil Wildeboer and A-Tog got his Celtic team up 3 - 1. Shelley Schoen had a very dangerous shot for Cloverdale but Gelderman was there to make the save, and Alan Li had another chance as did Mark Bysterveld, and but no goals resulted for Cloverdale. Same result for Burke VancderHorst as his shot went over the Clover-net.

The strangest play most of the crowd had ever seen was on a penalty kick awarded to Cloverdale. Mark Bysterveld took the shot, it was deflected away by keeper Rob, Alan Li pounced on the rebound and deflected the ball into the Celtic goal off of the referee! Goal? No Goal? Own Goal? It was determined to be a goal, and was awarded to Alan Li. And that finished the game. Final score, Celtic 3, Cloverdale 2.

Vitessa Brings 'A' Game

Morris Klos — Tue, 08 May 2007 08:53:25 EST

CLOVERDALE - Matt Schouten scored three times for Vitessa tonight to push back Valley United's repeated come-back attempts. The first goal of the game belonged to Ben Vandeburgt who drove hard into the penalty area, past several Valley defenders, and finished with a perfect shot to the upper right corner out of keeper Geoff Vanlaar's reach.

Vitessa continued to dominate the middle of the field, with several offensive bursts of brilliant ball movement, balanced by heads-up defensive plays from all their girls led by Yvonne Onderwater and Lorainne Bredenhof. Momentum stayed with Vitessa as their bench was as energized as their players on the field!

Early in the second half, Valley keeper Vanlaar's clearing attempt was caught by a rushing Henk Colyn; the rebound went straight up 30 feet and after a solid bounce at the top of the six yard box, was headed into the goal by Vitessa's Matt Schouten. Soon after, keeping up the pressure, Henk drove down the right side again, crossed the ball into Daryl Rolleman who rang a shot of the post; Vitessa's Michelle Struik couldn't get over the ball, and put the rebound just over the goal. Then Jeremy Meyer responded for Valley after he got behind Tyler Vanvliet, and just managed to touch the ball past a rushing Tim Erickson (pictured above) to notch another goal for Valley.

Perhaps the most impressive play of the evening was a hard drive by Matt Schouten, shoulder to shoulder around Valley's Matt Bredenhof, finishing with a solid rising shot, that struck the inside back post for his second goal of the evening.

Tim Schouten converted a direct kick at the top of Vitessa's penalty area to bring the score within one goal, however at the kick-off, Matt Schouten followed up hard on the Valley keeper and in the tangle, managed to squeeze the ball through for his third goal, bringing the score to 4-2 Vitessa.

Henk Colyn finished up a strong game with another trademark offensive follow-up into the penalty area and managed to head in Vitessa's 5th goal of the night to cap a solid win in a fast-paced and exciting match.

Title

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 06 May 2007 08:59:38 EST

Celtic and FC International Blacks played a game at Neil McLeod that saw both teams dominate at different times in the game, but FC Black came out on top with a 3-1 victory. Celtic dominated the first 15 minutes and saw their passing game rewarded with a goal. Their team effort had lots of players in the Black area, but Anthony Togeretz got to the loose ball and scored a nice goal for his team. Black started to assert themselves as the half progressed and were rewarded with their own goal at the 1/2 hour mark when Eric Atsma put a shot through some scramble and found the mark. Later in the half, Bruce Mans headed a corner kick over the reach of Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman for Black goal #2..

In the early part of the second half, Jon VanSeters of Celtic was given a Yellow card for a tackle from behind. Celtic looked to have a sure goal from Burke VanderHorst when he coaxed a ball toward the gaping Black goal but defender Nathan Moes cleared the ball away inches from the goal line. Bruce Mans tried to set up BJ Woelders for another Inter goal, but Gelderman dove to direct Woelder's shot just wide. But Inter pressed on and got that next goal when Dan Woelders ran onto a long breakaway ball that Gelderman also ran on to but Dan lofted the ball over the keeper for Inter's 3rd goal. Celtic worked hard to mount a comeback and after Tim VanderHoek sent one long, high shot just wide, he notched a goal when he finished on a free kick with a nice shot to the low corner. Later, Stu VanderHorst drove what looked to be the game equalizer with a 30 yarder, but it pounded off the crossbar. Black tried to add to their score when they had lots of pressure and touches in the Celtic area, but Celtic players got in the way of their efforts and kept the ball out. Celtic also had good scoring efforts by Wil Wildeboer and Rob VanSeters miss the mark and the game ended Inter -3, Celtic - 2.

Cloverdale Earns 3 Big Points

Calvin Vanderlinde — Sat, 05 May 2007 08:51:11 EST

Abbotsford and Cloverdale, two teams with identical records, faced each other head to head on Friday night. The skies were clear, there was a chill in the air and the field (Townline).... it was a swamp - complete with mudpits and puddles.

But the players came to play soccer and that they did. The first half consisted of both teams trading chances but never producing any chances of great value. With some clever footwork Abbotsford striker James Bisschop weaved his way through the Cloverdale defense but slipped the ball just wide. Soon after on the opposite end Cloverdale worked some good passing but Mark Bysterveld's lob towards the goal managed to find its way just over the net.

The flow of the game continued to teeter-totter between the sides with both teams playing a "dump and chase" attacking style.

This style of play continued into the second half. Then midway through the half Cloverdale managed to break the scoreless deadlock with a free kick from just beyond the corner of the 18-yard box. The kick was sent in and found the head of Mike Schouten who made no mistake and potted his league-leading 5th goal. (That's an average of 1.25 goals per game for this goalscoring machine)

Abbotsford really began to rally for the equalizer and worked hard to earn some quality chances. Tim de Haan had three good cracks at the net but couldn't get the ball past Cloverdale's keeper Marc Schouten who "stood on his head" (not literally).

With Abbotsford pressing up the field on the attack Cloverdale was able to launch quick counter-attacks. On one such play Joni Versluis outraced the Abbotsford defender to the ball and after some twisting and turning slotted the ball into the far corner of the net to double the lead for Cloverdale.

In the dying minutes both teams traded more good chances but none were coverted into goals. It was a hard-fought battle (on a what could've easily been mistaken for a real battlefield) and the game was always close. But at the final whistle the score line read Cloverdale 2 Abbotsford 0.

Yellow steals from Oranje

Ginny Vanderhorst — Fri, 04 May 2007 08:11:25 EST

Yellow grabbed a victory from Oranje in a game that either team could have won. "Our team would have been disappointed to lose this game", declared Yellow's teram captain, Henk Timmerman, but Oranje WAS disappointed to lose in the last five minutes of the game.

If truth be told, Don Sikma, the keeper for Oranje was the real thief in this game, as he made several game-saving grabs. Langley Yellow's first good chance came when Jeff Vandergaag drove a shot past the diving fingertips of Sikma, but off the base of the post. Rod VanSpronsen bent to head a Ron Smouter cross at the Yellow goal, but keeper Brent Fennema, smothered that one out. Oranje's corner kick scooted around in the Yellow area, and Shauna Stam had the first Oranje foot to the ball, and the first Oranje goal. Ron Scheper tried to get that one back for Yellow when he loaded up a shot and drilled it to the far top corner but Don Sikma made a Luongo-like save to deflect that sure goal away.

The first ten minutes of the second half saw Yellow apply the pressure with Ron Scheper and Jeff Vandergaag testing keeper Don, but he was up to the challenge and made good saves. Morris Klos of Oranje had three cracks at a ball that was skitteriing around in the Yellow area, and was unlucky not to notch a goal. And a Tom VanderHorst, Paul Sikma combo with Rod VanSpronsen adding the finishing header was well saved by Fennema of Langley Yellow.

The last five minutes of the game saw Yellow finally rewarded with two goals. The first one came off hard work by their forwards, and a ball kicked just in by an Oranje defender, instead of just wide. They followed this up scant minutes later when a crisp cross by Aren VanDyke was put in on a well-timed header by Jeff Vandergaag. Good game!

Celtic Stripes vs Crossway Red

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 08:40:17 EST

Celtic and Crossway played through a driving rain and soggy field conditions to put in a good game, with Celtic coming up the winner 3 - 0. Crossway certainly put in a good game and "the team has been in every game this year", according to team leader Peter Ladefoged. Glenn Visscher of Celtic opened the scoring early in the game with a lob over the Red goalie. Joe Doyle continued his fine play of last year with several good chances; the same can be said of AJ Lissemore, but neither were rewarded for their hard work. Rob VanSeters of Celtic had a nice shot deflected away by Red's keeper Andrew Driscoll, but Burke VanderHorst of Celtic got his team's second goal with his low shot to the corner from out of a scrum. Lissemore ended the first half with another fine shot.

Crossway started the second half strongly when Joe Doyle had Celtic keeper Rob Gelderman beaten, but defender Neil Dykstra cleared that shot away. Diane Snider and Ben Schultz had good chances for Red, while Andrew Driscoll had to make a couple of good saves the Crossway team, together with help from Dave Hickey and the rest of his defensive corp. John VanSeters of Celtic drilled a shot that Driscoll snagged, but Driscoll could not stop Stuart VanderHorst when he threaded his way through a crowd and lifed a shot high into the top corner for Celtic's 3rd goal. Other good shots came from Celtic's Ivan Scheper and Anthony Togeretz.

Celtic picked up their first win, and their first shutout for keeper Rob Gelderman, but Crossway put in a good game!

Where are the linesmen?

The Reporter Reporting — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:18:10 EST

The board would like to remind every team and every player in the league that during a game a team is expected to be on each of the field.

This allows that team to supply a linesmen for that side of the field. Each team is therefore responsible for their side of the field. If a team does not comply with this during a game, the referee will take action as he sees fit.

There is no home side or away side of the field, if you arrive later at the field then the other team, you proceed to the other side of the field.

There has been to much miscommunication about this, and referees do not have to remind multiple times during a game that the responsibility to line the field lies with the two playing teams.

CELTIC VS. ORANJE

Ginny Vanderhorst — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:20:10 EST

"Two teams with no stand-out players but both teams giving a total team effort." That's how referee Mike Wagner described the game played at Neil McLeod. Oranje dealt Celtic their second loss of the season, while picking up their own second win of the season in a hard fought game by both teams.

Both teams had chances early in the game, with Rod VanSpronsen threatening for Oranje, and Anthony Togeretz challenging Oranje keeper Don Sikma with a hard-fought shot that Don leaped up to grab. Ivan Scheper of Celtic had a clear lane to run in and take a dangerous low shot, but Sikma dove to save this one as well. Oranje got the first goal of the game from a hard drive off the left foot of Tom VanderHorst, after he got a nice feed from Mark Sikma: keeper Rob Gelderman had no chance on the shot. Glenn Visscher of Celtic was unlucky to see a close in shot of his go just wide, and Daryl Driegen had a shot go wide on the other end.

Oranje had more quality chances in the start of the second half, but keeper Gelderman stole a loose ball from the charging Thomas VanderHorst, and stopped a shot from Morris Klos to keep the score 1-0. Rod VanSpronsen and Rob Gelderman both charged at a loose ball, with ROD winning the race from ROB, but ROD clipped the ball over ROB and just wide of the goal. Later, an Oranje free kick squirted through the Celtic keeper's hands and Steve Koning was there to put the loose ball into the goal. Celtic had a chance to get a goal back when they were awarded a penalty kick for Oranje's take-down of Glen Visscher in the box. Burke VanderHorst sent the penalty kick low to the corner but keeper Don Sikma managed to make the diving deflection. Oranje notched their third and final goal of the game when a corner kick, well taken by Phil Sikma, was converted by Steve Koning. Celtic's Tim VanderHoek was denied a sure goal; he was just up to drive the ball into the Oranje goal when a sliding Phil Sikma came out of nowhere to drive the ball out of harm's way, and the game ended Oranje 3, Celtic 0.

Oranje Puts Squeeze on FCInter

Morris Klos — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:26:36 EST

LANGLEY – Division One rivals Oranje and FC International met on the Ron Ralph field at Mcleod Park for what promised to be an exciting match. The teams did not disappoint and brought exciting chances at both ends of the small field. Bruce Mans (pictured above in white) narrowly missed an opportunity at Oranje keeper Don Sikma’s feet as FC Inter repeatedly pressed their attack. However, it was Paul Sikma who struck first with a powerful shot for Oranje, converting an indirect kick past the FC Inter keeper who unfortunately also had to battle the low-setting sun.

Early into the second half, Mike Opp answered for FC Inter and tied the game at 1-1. Shortly afterwards, Morris Klos was taken down just outside the FC Inter penalty area. Rick VanderHorst placed the resulting free kick at the top of FC's six-yard box and Steve Koning finished it for his first goal of the season. With 20 minutes left in the game, FC’s keeper mishandled an Oranje bullet of a shot, and Rod Van Spronsen pressed hard, driving the ball home to advance his team's tally to 3-1.

Both teams continued to mark each other closely and leaned into the other with their shoulders, making for a clean but quite physical game; unfortunately FC Inter’s only goal scorer for the night buckled under the pressure, and was ejected for a verbal exchange with referee D. Scheper, and will also miss the next two games as a result. FC Inter still generated scoring opportunities despite being short one player but could not convert, in large part due to a solid Oranje defensive effort led by John Zietsma. Both teams will meet again in the beginning of June.

Meerstra Gets Win For Grove

Morris Klos — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 08:45:22 EST

LANGLEY - Mark Meerstra sent home a solid shot to net a victory for Aldergrove FC over Langley FC at McLeod last night. It was a cold evening but the action was fast with fairly even possession throughout the game.

The second half opened up several opportunities for Langley however they failed to find their 'first-game' finish. Mark's goal came mid-way the second half when Langley allowed last season's Championship winners to collapse their attack into the penalty area. It was a thoroughly entertaining match that set the tone for the first year of divisional play in the FVCSL.

Field Change: Ron Ralph Field

The Reporter Reporting — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:35:27 EST

We will NOT be using the new Willoughby Artificial field just yet. There is still work to be done, this means that all games at Willoughby will be moved to the RON RALPH NORTH FIELD, this is the field beside the McLeod Parking lot and unless you here back from the league it will remain that way for now.

Welcome to Pensylvania

Reuben Moes — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:45:38 EST

Hey all you hooligans who check the website every 5 minutes. We're back in business for the time being.

The website has been moved to pensylvania, and hopefully our spam problem has been solved. By the time the season starts, the website will start having more features which I hope you all will enjoy. FUN!

Also, if you're interested, or just a plain old nerd, you can see where we've moved to here: maps.google.com/maps

And if you're really up for it, here's some directions: maps.google.com/maps

Yellow Gaps Are Filled

Bruce Mans — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:45:26 EST

After losing longtime LFCer Rick VanderHorst to Oranje and veteren defender Vince VanBeelen during the offseason, Langley FC got to work quickly to fill in those gaps. Aren van Dyke has decided to sign a contract with Yellow after fulfilling his one year contract with Cloverdale last year. 2006 saw van Dyke return to action after a lengthy hiatus due to a serious knee injury. His return was marked by a healthy six goals from midfield and Langley will hope he can continue his current form. LFC have also signed defender Mike Timmerman who will rejoin his brother Henk after spending a few terms abroad playing for Valley United. The sturdy defender will have big shoes to fill, but his form in the FVCSL and during the off-season with Brand's Welding in the ASAMSL suggest the task is quite manageable. Unconfirmed rumours have also been circulated that forward Lindsay Bisschop has left the Yellow squad for Crossway FC. A possible replacement could be Sheila Bos, who played with LFC during the Edmonton tournament last term. Got a transfer tip fpr FVCSL.com? Email them to brucemans(at)gmail.com!

Oranje Makes Big Signings

Bruce Mans — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:33:06 EST

FVCSL.com has learned that Oranje has made four high-profile signings during the off-season transfer window. Oranje has spent a massive amount of money, signing Morris Klos, Thomas and Stuart VanderHorst, and Sue Vector.

Morris Klos, former captain and forward for Abbotsford FC has been picked up by Oranje for an undisclosed transfer fee. A recent move to the Langley area had led Klos to search for a team for some time now, and Oranje management jumped on the chance to sign the speedy veteren striker. Klos scored 8 goals for Abbotsford last season, and hopes to increase that tally this year.

Even more shocking was the recent signings of brothers Stuart and Thomas VanderHorst. Thomas VanderHorst, who led Aldergrove FC to two seperate Championships in 2006 (Edmonton and FVCSL Playoffs) has left Aldergrove for the chance to play alongside brother-in-law Paul Sikma, among others. The former Langley FCer settled in quite well at Aldergrove, and took an important leadership role in the team and scoring an impressive 7 goals from midfield. Leaving was no doubt a hard choice, however, the chance to play with his family members was too good to give up. Oranje has also signed Edmonton starlet Sue Vector, a move which also swayed Tom VanderHorst to move. Not much is known about her football career, however, playing alongside Tom, Morris and Stu will help!

Stuart VanderHorst, a young future talent, has blossomed impressively at Celtic FC, however, his contract was nearing an end and the 'Hoops' failed to lock up the midfielder, allowing Oranje to swoop in and sign him without a hefty tranfer fee. Stu Vanderhorst hopes the move will prove to be the perfect transition in his young career. He scored 5 goals for Celtic FC last season.

Got a tranfer tip for FVCSL.com? E-mail them to brucemans[at]gmail.com.

FC Inter Makes Moves

Bruce Mans — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:05:27 EST

It was a busy offseason for FC International, particularly when the news that Harold Louwerse decided to request a transfer to Playoff Champions Aldergrove FC. The departure of right-back Frank Reinick left an unopenned position which needed to be filled as well. Steve Funk has signed a multi-year deal with the black squad, and will probably fill in his role as a left-back defender. Funk was slated to join the team last term, however, medical reasons prevented that from happening. FC International have also signed veteren defender Will Folstad who will play on the right-back. Although Folstad is new to the League, he is no rookie to the sport. The defender has played for several years and looks to improve the back line for FC Inter even more. Got a transfer tip for FVCSL.com? Email them to brucemans(at)gmail.com.

Oranje Signs Another Vanderhor

Bruce Mans — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 08:53:04 EST

After failing to sign young Stuart VanderHorst from Celtic FC, Oranje have spent their cash elsewhere, signing veteren and former MVP Rick VanderHorst from Langley FC. Longtime speculation surrounded the defencemen, and many sources had him linked with a move to Aldergrove FC. The recent move of Thomas VanderHorst to Oranje almost certainly played a key role in the move.

"It was a tough decision to make," said VanderHorst at a press conference. "I spent a lot of time with Langley, and accomplished a lot there." Rick won back-to-back-to-back Championships with a legacy Yellow squad from 2002 to 2004, which has since been slightly disassembled.

The chance to play with family was definetly attractive, but my real motivation is to win the Championship again, and I can see this happening on Oranje."

With so many VanderHorst's making moves, FVCSL.com caught up with Burke VanderHorst to see if a move was on the horizon for him and his wife, Mary-Anne Vanderhorst.

"No, we're happy here. It has been a very rewarding experience so far and we both hope to bring back the Celts of 06."

Got a tip for FVCSL.com? Email me at brucemans{at}gmail.com.