The Squamish United soccer team wasn't able to catch a break at this week's game.
After a tough loss last week, effectively taking the U17 team out of the running for the provincial championships this season, some of the players were still sick when they took to the field on Feb. 22.
While the first half of the game was a good start, ending 0-0 against Wesburn Galaxy at half time, Squamish United eventually lost by three points.
"Then the wheels fell off the bus, as one could say, in the second half, unfortunately," coach Dale Venekamp told The Chief. "The opposing team got a quick goal off of the goal kick. Then things sort of unravelled a little bit there, a little undisciplined on our behalf.
"The other team was a strong physical, very technically sound team. They played really nice football. Unfortunately, we were just sort of caught chasing the game and we couldn't get a hold of it."
Venekamp said the energy level of his players was low, but two players playing up front had some good chances on goal and the Squamish goalkeeper made some good saves.
"It truly wasn't one of our better games. There were moments when we would settle the ball down and play good two-touch soccer, and there was some good movement which ended up creating these opportunities," he said.
The coach said Squamish United has a slim — very slim — chance of getting in the provincials. Otherwise, they have two league games left in the season and may play in the Kamloops Slurpee Cup Tournament. The next game will be on Feb. 29 in Queens Park East against NWSC United.
