Jones' Rocket Earns Tie

"Kyle! Just chip it over the wall" bellows the coaching staff as Kyle Jones lines up a free kick from 30 yards out entering the dieing minutes of the match down 1-0.

"Okay, coach."

BOOM!

Top corner!

"Or... exactly like that, Kyle!"

1-1! A much deserved tie as Coquitlam Metro-Ford Barça '96 battled with the much bigger and aggressive Chilliwack Impact team that was sitting 2nd in the league.

Although the Barça boys out-matched their eastern opponents on skill throughout the first half, they found themselves shy in the physicality department and a goal down at halftime. A breakdown at the back allowed the Chilliwack forward in to slot home from close range. Up until that point the Barça defense of Paul Serres, James Lynn, Anthony Martin, and Matteo Gallaccio was comfortable and limiting the Chilliwack attack to little or no chances.

After an animated talk by the coaching staff on how to step up the physical play Barça came out with more steam but come into trouble when Jake Sundar had to make a reactionary save off a deflected cross that struck the outstretched leg of Martin.

Soon things changed as the midfield of Marcello Polisi, Trevor Hallam and Kyle Jones started dictating the play and throwing themselves into every tackle. Barça's chances improved and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty shot when Rashaun Rivers was taken down hard from behind by the Impact keeper.

More fouls followed but Barça found the Chilliwack defense very tough to breakdown.

Now late in the game and with the men's teams that were next to play watching and warming up behind the Chilliwack goal, Jones was facing a task of a freekick from 30 yards out. With the Chilliwack wall set up and the Barça front line of Rivers, Baldonero and the never give up attitude of Michael Mobilio poised on the edge of the 18 yard box ready to pounce, Jones wound up and let fly with the hammer-job that found the top left hand corner of the net that left the goalie with no chance. Game on!

Barça nearly won it when Jones switched the play and found an unmarked Ryan Mobilio sneaking in behind the defense only to find his shot neatly saved by the capable Impact goalie.

Barça was now the more aggressive team as one of the Chilliwack players had to be removed from the game due to a hard tackle from Paul Serres who was excellent in the second half.

Time ran out as Barça had all the momentum and applying all the pressure.

Barça move to a record of 8 wins 6 ties and 5 losses for 5th in the league.