A friendly proposition

With the competitive side of the Gothia Cup behind us now, the team focused on using some of our time left in Sweden to play a friendly game. After meeting a team from Glasgow at the UEFA Cup Game, we organized a game for today. But the relaxed friendly would get a bit more interesting before we kicked off ….

Last night we found out that a scout from Manchester United had been watching our practice and was interested in coming to the game to get a better look at one of our players – keeper Steve Welle. Pretty exciting stuff, and although Steve didn’t know they were there to see him, we all knew the scouts were there. Everyone definitely carried an air of excitement with them into the game.

The game was played in good spirits and was a great experience for the guys. The final score was 2-1 for the Hurricanes. Jim Draginda and Kent Oppelt tallied for the Canadian boys. After the game the guys were able to do some trading with the Scottish team, and make some promises to see them here again next year.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring, but we will at the very least get to see the final for our age category and see what the top teams are all about. Until then ….

Gutted in Gothenburg

Soccer can be a funny sport sometimes, and can often leave you at a loss for words or explanation. The Hurricanes final game of the Gothia Cup today against Afoss FB (NOR) was one that had us all a little stunned.

This afternoon’s game was utterly dominated by the Hurricanes. After five minutes of the first half we had already created three top class scoring chances only to be left wanting. Play continued much the same way, with the excellent play of the Hurricanes ending with nothing to show.

Afoss FB created very few scoring chances, but was able to convert on two of them. The Hurricanes, who created at least fifteen quality chances throughout the game, were unsuccessful on all of them. A 0-2 loss ends the Gothia Cup dreams of the Victoria boys, but we still have lots of excellent memories to bring back with us.

With four days left in Sweden before we head home, we are planning on organizing a couple exhibition games to take advantage of the opportunity to play some of the best youth teams from around the world.

So, the blog will continue to be updated, probably not as frequently, but updated nonetheless. Check back, keep following along, and congratulate the boys, who did both themselves and their country proud.

Goal highlights from Game #3 vs Arbra / Vallstra

Cruising through to the knock out stages

Boosted in spirits by the return of Michael Abbey to the line up, the Hurricanes steped into the knock out rounds in style today with a convincing 3-1 win over Arbra / Vallstra (SWE). Goals were from Kent Oppelt, Shane Keepence, and an own goal helped over the line by both Nils Webber and Pelle Campbell.

The result means we finish second in our group and have another game to play today. We will play again at 5:20 PM Swedish time, against opposition from either Sweden or Norway. The tough stuff lies ahead, so wish the guys luck!

Second game updates will be up later. For know, enjoy the first video clips from Sweden which will be posted soon!

Stepping it up in Sweden

With yesterday’s bitter loss still fresh in the boys’ minds we needed to regroup and refocus for a big test against group leaders TSV Lubeck Siems (GER). With an earlier kick-off than yesterday and a move to a gravel field the boys needed to be at their best from the opening whistle … and they were.

The intensity of the pre-game speech from both Alex and Chris had the boys fired and ready to go, and the Germans had few answers for what we threw at them. The first half was full of energy and hard tackles with neither team giving an inch. Both teams created scoring chances; with man of the match Hide Ozawa making some huge saves for the Hurricanes. At the other end, we came close with a couple of very near misses. However, as the half went on it became clear that this would be our day.

At half time the boys were so pumped that all the German side could do was look on in silence. They should have called it a Canadian win at that point. TSV Lubeck-Siems never troubled again. A well-worked play by Pelle Campbell and Shane Keepence drew a penalty, which was neatly converted by co-captain Jason Burr. Not more than 5 minutes later it was our other captain Derek De Groot’s turn to add his name to the score sheet with a nice turn and a precise finish to the side netting.

The final score stayed at 2-0, a big win that opens the group right up, and gives the Hurricanes an excellent chance of progressing to the knockout round.

Congratulations guys – keep it up!

First Game / Opening Ceremonies

I am sure people back home have been anxious to hear how the first game went. So, to remove the suspense I will break the bad news that the boy’s suffered an opening day loss to Bodens BK (SWE).

How did the game go? To be completely honest, it was not a game that the team deserved to lose. After getting over a few jitters to start the game the Hurricanes dominated play the rest of the way. Ball movement was excellent and we created a number of dangerous scoring chances, but were unable to put away the important first goal.

Play continued much the same way deep into the second half until with 3 minutes to go Bodens BK converted on a corner kick. An unlucky way to begin the Gothia Cup, but a lot of positives came out of the game. Hide Ozawa had an excellent game in net, and made some big saves to keep the scores level early. The play of the outside backs Owain Jones and Declan O’Callaghan was incredibly solid and led a lot of stability to the team play going forward.

After the tough loss we cleaned ourselves up and headed out to the opening ceremonies. A rumor had reached the coaching staff that it costs $500 000 dollars to put on the event, but we were all skeptical. However, after seeing the amazing event that the tournament had organized, no one could doubt it.

The enormous crowd of teams from every corner of the globe made it more than a memorable experience. Fireworks, live music, dance numbers, parades – the opening ceremonies will inevitably be a highlight of the trip for everyone.

More to come tomorrow after our game, so check back!

* a quick side note, we were without Micheal Abbey because he was feeling ill - get well soon Mike, we missed you on the field today!

First Day in Sweden / Understanding the fun effects of jet lag

Our arrival in Sweden went smoothly. The flight from Frankfurt was on time and we were greeted at the Gothenburg Airport by a bus ready to take us to our "hotel." Our sleeping arrangements are a little cramped, as we all share the floor of a Swedish schoolroom, but we make due.

The next morning came very early for us, 5:00 AM Swedish time, as jet lag reared its ugly head. Luckily for the boys Alex and Chris had a plan ready - a 6:00 AM training session! So off we headed to get our first taste of football in Sweden.

Things have been going well, and everyone is getting ready to start playing tomorrow. The team looks good in training and is itching to see what the rest of the world has to offer.

On that note, the Hurricanes have named their captains for the tournament – Derek De Groot and Jason Burr – congratulations guys!