SGU Solid Against League Leaders

Surrey Guildford United's Eric de Graaf battles with a Surrey Selects player in the Select League Surrey derby

Photo Courtesy of Randy Downes

Surrey Guildford United was a little nervous heading into this contest aginst the Surrey Selects who sit atop the standings having collected full points in their first five games. SGU on the other hand has played no really meaningful games in league play with blowouts against Abbotsford and Langley straddling a complete no show performance by the Surrey boys against Burnaby. Coming off a two-week break, this match against the Surrey Selects was going to be a true test of United's ability to perform on any given match-day.

Both Surrey teams looked quite comfortable and confident in a game that was tighly contested from early on. The bulk of the play was in the midfield with neither team generating dangerous scoring chances. SGU got on the scoreboard first on a well struck free kick the was blocked twice in a scramble before the third United attempt found the back of the net. The Selects countered dangerously a few times in the half but United's back line was clinical in defending each attempt.

With a 1-0 lead going into the second frame SGU continued to play well and the Selects were starting to get frustrated with their inability to penetrate dangerously. Late in the second half the Surrey Selects were awarded a free kick from 25 yeards out near the side line. The attempt on goal traveled right through the morning sun blinding the keeper and falling painfully in behind to tie the game. SGU nearly found the winner very late but failed to convert. Final score 1-1. Despite feeling they put up a good enough effort to win, the tie was reflective of a high quality performance by both teams.

Next week's game is a match-up of the two champions at the 1997 age groups from last year with SGU having won the BCYSSL U-14 Challenge Cup and Richmond United having won the U-13 Provincial Championship. On Sunday, SGU will also make-up their game against the Vancouver Selects.