SGU Plays A Gem vs. League Leaders

Will Grayson throws everything he has into getting on the end of a cross to tie the game at one. The onlooking players' reactions gives an idea of the force of the collision with the keeper. The effort on this play is a snapshot of the effort put forth by SGU in the contest.

After coming off a week where a sub-par performance was more than enough to get a result, Surrey Guildford was walking into a game against league leaders, Abbotsford Mariners 'A'. Abbotsford has been averaging more than six goals per game and even a strong effort would likely still saddle SGU with a loss. In their previous contest, the Surrey boys battled well but still surrendered six against the older and much bigger Mariners squad.

Right from the opening kickoff United appeared to be on point; unlike their previous match where Surrey Guildford struggled to just keep Abby at bay, on this day SGU was able to push back and keep much of the play in the midfield. Abbotsford's size and strength inevitably yielded them scoring chances but some very strong defensive play neutralized the opportunities. Offensively, SGU's strikers worked hard to hold up the ball giving the midfield a chance to join the attack and put some pressure onto Abby's back line. Although Surrey Guildford couldn't turn the pressure into scoring chances, just mounting some offense and shots on goal was a superior accomplishment to their last meeting. Midway through the first half Abbotsford were able to notch one on a corner that was headed home for the 1-0 lead which is where the score would stand at half.

Inspired by their play through the first thirty five minutes, Surrey Guildford found another gear in the second half. Early on, through some tireless work in the middle of the park by SGU's central players, United actually took control of the game for a period and mounted a number of scoring chances, only the excellent play of Abbotsford's keeper prevented Surrey-Guildford from earning the tying goal. Late in the game Abby would stretch their lead to 2-0 on another corner that was nodded home. The Mariners iced the win picking up a rebound and smashing home the finish off an excellent first save from SGU's keeper. Final score 3-0.

Despite the scoreline, SGU was extremely proud of their performance playing a team that was entirely a year older and finding a way to compete. The game was, by far, Surrey-Guildford's best of the season and proved the squad has the right balance of talent and heart to be a force moving forward. Next week SGU takes on Coquitlam Metro-Ford Roma in league play.