For the second time in as many years the Drumheller U18 coed soccer team has brought home the district championship, and are looking at bettering their lot with a second run at provincials.
The U18 were in Acme on Saturday, June 20 for the Big Country Soccer final. Because the Drumheller team won first place in league play, they earned a spot in the final, and had to watch and wait as Crossfield and Bowden battled for a chance to face Drumheller. Bowden beat out Crossfield to go to the final.
Drumheller had a slow start, and found themselves up by only one goal after the first half. In the second half, Drumheller put on the pressure and Aleix Virallonga-Bach scored two more goals to earn his hatrick. Final score 3-nil.
McSween gives Bowden credit. For the Drumheller team, it was a surprise that Bowden beat Acme in the quarterfinals. It was also a surprise to see that Crossfield beat Hanna heading into the semis.
“They fought hard, and caught Acme by surprise, and eliminated them,” said McSween.
This will be the U18s second chance at provincials. Last season the Drumheller team placed ninth. McSween believes they can do better this season.
“I know we can (do better). It is just a matter of having our players focus,” said McSween. “We had a really good team last year, we should have done better. We know that, and some of the same players are going back and know what to expect.”
The U18 will have a modified squad going into the provincial contest. One of their international players will not be able to attend. Joa Markotic will also be playing football in Hawaii at the
