Carman Valley Leader - June 28th/04 Kickers overcome weather, adversity, for tie and win

By Gene Still

Carman Valley Leader — The Carman Kickers continued their Manitoba Major Soccer League Fourth Division season and overcame some adversity and managed to go unbeaten during their last two games.

Kickers 2 Euro 2
Carman hit the road and headed to Winnipeg for a Saturday afternoon match on June 19 with Euro.
Despite going into a strong headwind during the first half, the Kickers started the scoring just under the ten minute mark. Midfielder Dale DeWit registered his first tally of the season following a throw-in.
It remained 1-0 until Euro tied it about ten minutes later following a defensive mix-up by the Kickers that allowed the ball to get through their defense.
Carman goalie Ryan Bultera made the first save but their Winnipeg hosts cashed in on the rebound to knot things at 1-1 as the clubs headed into the intermission.
“We were playing against the wind and that caused us some trouble,” Kickers’ coach William Hoogerdijk said. “We were fairly lucky to be tied.”
The coach was quick to praise their goalie, Bultera, for a solid opening half, challenging the Euro shooters and forcing them at times, into poor shots on net.
Carman also had a penalty shot during the half, but the strong wind got hold of Mike VanderVelde’s attempt as it sailed harmlessly over the Euro net.
Hoogerdijk said part of their problems in the opening 45 minutes was handling the ball on the defensive side, especially with the strong wind of in excess of 50 kmh that would make it difficult to handle at times.
“I talked about trying to do too much at the first touch,” he said. “We talked about just sticking to the basics when they get the ball and to be patient.”
Making the adjustment along with having the wind at their backs, paid off as the Kickers carried the play when the teams resumed play after the break.
And the increased pressure paid dividends as Joel Bilodeau duplicated fellow midfielder DeWit’s feat and recorded his first of the year to restore Carman’s one goal advantage.
Euro did apply some pressure, albeit in short spurts. And while they didn’t go into a total defensive shell, the Kickers did lay back a little.
“We still had chances to score but also, I put more emphasis on defense to try and protect the one goal lead,” Hoogerdijk explained.
Euro scored with about seven minutes left. Both teams tried to apply some pressure but neither was willing to gamble too much and risk giving the other a high percentage scoring opportunity, as the contest ended in a 2-2 draw.
“It was basically trying to get a quick goal, but both sides couldn’t muster any serious chances,” Hoogerdijk said.
While disappointed that they didn’t get a win, the coach noted it was good to have balanced scoring.
“It’s nice to see all kinds of people contributing in the scoring. If you’ve got 11 players capable of getting some goals, then the other side can’t focus on stopping just a few players.”

Kickers 5 New Youth 4
Despite missing three of their top players, Carman came through with a gritty, inspired effort for a 5-4 win.
Last Wednesday evening the Kickers’ played host to New Youth. However, they went into the match without the services of forwards Richard Vanderveen, Jordan Vanderveen, along with starting goaltender Ryan Bultera.
But instead of using that as an excuse to lose, the Kickers’ came up with an inspired team effort led by Lyle Vanveen who registered a hat trick and goalie Mike VanderVelde, who filled in admirably for Bultera.
Carman led 3-1 at the half, thanks to goals from Kendall Ferris and a pair from Vanveen.
New Youth came out strong in the final half but the Kickers, thanks to goals from Vanveen and Kenton Vanderveen, came away with a well deserved 5-4 victory.
Hoogerdijk said the win was particularly satisfying, because they didn’t really allow their opposition to get back into the game.
“We were up 4-3 close to the end, and instead of giving one up, we scored one to make it 5-3 and basically secure the win,” Hoogerdijk said.
Kicker notes: The Kickers’ next home game is Monday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Carman Collegiate Soccer Field when they host Alliance.