United Performs Well Earning An Unlikely Result

Surrey Guildford keeper, Ryan Venn, makes a diving save on a Surrey Selects free kick. SGU won the game 2-1.

Photo Courtesy of Randy Downes

Going into the last month of the season, United set a goal of earning six points in the standings in the final four games. Having targeted Abbotsford 'B' (last week) and Alouette (final week) as the games to win. This week's game was circled as the toughest of the four with the Surrey Selects sitting second in the league. They are also the only team in the league, other than Abby 'A', to defeat Surrey-Guildford by more than a one goal spread.

SGU have played well in the last three outings despite only winning one of the three. Going into this game, United wanted to continue their good play in hopes of taking one point out of the contest. In their last meeting the Surrey Selects jumped out very quickly to a 2-0 lead; on this day, SGU was quite sharp in the early stages getting well into challenges. Neither team really took control of the game but Surrey-Guildford definitely made their presence felt. As the first half wore on the Selects started to generate the more quality scoring chances but couldn't finish any of them. Score at half, 0-0.

SGU gained confidence from having battled through the first half successfully even though their tactical play wasn't particularly well executed. While Surrey Guildford had difficulty trying to exert themselves as the better team they were more than good enough to generate quality scoring chances to counter the Selects; it was one of those quality chances that broke open the game. SGU were able to get on the end of a ball played deep to the corner and a well delivered cross found a midfielder jumping in just behind the play for the finish and a 1-0 lead (see video). A short time later SGU added to their lead on set piece that was put on goal and the pressure from the rushing strikers caused a rebound and several bounces later the ball ended in the Surrey Selects net for 2-0 lead.

Video courtesy of Lisa Venn

With a firm lead, Surrey Guildford sacrificed style a bit and dropped into a defensive system in order to earn the result. The Surrey Selects pushed hard to bite into the SGU lead but United continued to challenge every fifty fifty ball and make progress very difficult for the Selects. Late in the game the lead was cut in half as a good low strike beat SGU's keeper to draw the Selects one goal closer at 2-1. After the tally Surrey Guildford put in a clinical effort of managing the game clearing balls quickly and holding the ball deep in the Selects end to wear down the final minutes on the clock. Final score 2-1.

With the win Surrey Guildford should climb at least one spot in the standings and if they can earn a result in the final week, SGU could climb as high as fifth. The squad is raising their level of play nicely as they wrap up league play and head into cup. With continued good performances SGU has the potential to make noise in the post-season. United plays their final league game away to Alouette next week.