It was billed as the unofficial match up that would prove who was the best team of boys born in 1996 in the province (although teams like Richmond Caledonia, Point Grey and Cliff Avenue would argue that point) as both teams, along with Abbotsford Mariners and Surrey Selects, passed on a chance to play in the Provincial Cup at the U13 age group. All four clubs felt that playing up in the U14 Select 'B' division would be the best step forward developmental wise going into the more important U14 season next year (national year). The teams will not participate in the U14 "A' Provincials and will have to settle for the Select Cup that kicks off in late March.
Bravado and boastfulness threats of who was going to win by both players of the teams were posted on Facebook.
Would Surrey/Guildford United's pressure game stifle Barça's passing game? Would Barça's skill and possession be enough to get them by Surrey/Guildford's aggressive tackling and speed?
Ultimately, it came down to who wanted it most!
Before the game Barça had to deal with a few setbacks:
The Barça coaching staff was told that second year member Anthony McKave had torn his ACL during training in January and would be out for the season. McKave was having a breakout season and the loss of Anthony's size and calm approach to the game has been a bit of a setback.
Rock solid James Lynn was still suffering from the flu and wasn't 100% for the game. Lynn would troop on and play the second half. James has also had a tremendous season and has proved to be one of the best stoppers in the league.
Last weeks player-of-the-week Kyle Jones was also suffering from a fever but played under the weather.
Barça would have to adjust and would turn to one of their assistant captains for help. Giordano Baldonero stepped up and played at the back with Anthony Martin and did phenomenally well. With Matteo Gallaccio and the outstanding Paul Serres, they weren't left wanting in a tackle!
Surrey/Guildford United came out fast and scored first only to have the referee call it back for offside (well played by the Barça defense). This woke Barça up and soon the game turned in Barça's favour as their possession in midfield increased thanks to hard work from Trevor Hallam and Marcello Polisi. Soon chances started to come and forward Ryan Mobilio, having his best game of the year, came close.
In the second half, Barça adjusted again and the under weathered Jones was subbed out and replaced in midfield by Baldonero. Soon chances started to fall more and more to the Barça forwards as the United goalie had to be on his game to keep them in the game. Endless running and pressuring by Krsto Lulic, and Michael Mobilio stretched the United defense opening up holes for Rashaun Rivers who ran at the defense all day.
A neatly threaded ball by Rivers found R Mobilio streaking in behind the United defense forcing the United keeper to come out and challenge him. The ball popped out and Baldonero didn't need an invitation to slot home the opening goal. 1-0 to the good guys!
With the pressure all on the Surrey Guildford end of the park, Barça let up and a mix up at the back led to a half chance that the United forward put away. 1-1!
Barça adjusted again and started to apply more pressure and were soon rewarded when Rivers slotted home the winner with 15 minutes to go. 2-1 for the good guys!
Barça was playing some nice stuff while Surrey/Guildford turned up the physicality. With little protection from the referee Barça had to battle it out - and battle they did! Tackles started flying and composure in possession saw off the game as Barça won comfortably.
Barça finished the regular season with 9 wins, 6 ties and 5 losses - tied for 4th in the league!
Barça now move on to the Select Cup where they will face Surrey Selects at home later in the month. The last two times these teams faced each other the scores were 4-3 and 5-3 for Barça!
COQUITLAM METRO-FORD SC PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
