Surrey: Surrey United Women’s premier team medalled for the 10th successive year. An amazing accomplishment which in the history of Canadian women’s soccer we are sure will never be bettered. The 15 player squad decimated by injuries prior to the tournament picked up three more critical injuries in the tournament which saw four players on crutches for the final game. United’s women once again never lost a game at the Nationals competition and after tying Alberta 1-1 in the opening game of the tournament it then became a goal difference race which Alberta won by a short head as both teams went on to win their three other games in round robin play. United’s courage and determination was never better displayed when they overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat Ontario 3-2 to clinch the bronze medal on goals from Nicole Stewart, Kate Qually and a last minute spectacular 25 yard strike from Chelsey Hannesson. While the women have numerous medals in the past including a couple of Golds it is hard to recall a more courageous effort than this in those previous years.
In men’s category, the Surrey United Firefighters were missing six starters from the team that won the Provincial Cup back in May. However, they put together some amazing performances to beat last year’s champions Quebec 2-0 and then beat the highly fancied Saskatchewan team in an amazing penalty shoot-out in the semi-final where United goalkeeper Andrew Fink turned aside 5 penalty shots to put the team through to the final. United’s dream of gold received a serious blow in the final game when they lost captain Vince Stewart to a red card in the 18th minute. The remaining 10 ten men held on admirably until midway through the second half when Ontario got the all important breakthrough goal. Surrey pushed in search of an equalizer but it was to no avail and Ontario added two further goals in the late stages to clinch the gold.
