There was no slow start for the Penticton Hyundai Pinnacles under-21 women’s soccer team this time.
The Pinnacles created several scoring chances early in a 2-1 win against TSS Academy Red in Pacific Coast Soccer League action at King’s Park Saturday afternoon. The Pinnacles devoted time on their runs in offensive areas during training which paid off as they forced the TSS goalkeeper to be strong.
“From that perspective I thought we did really well,” said coach Ray Hintz, adding that his players held on to the ball more.
While some fatigue started to creep into the Pinnacles, Hintz liked that his group didn’t panic.
“I’d still like to finish some more of our chances,” said Hintz, whose team improved to 5-2-0, good for second place in the Reserve Division.
Hintz made some changes to his defence, putting some players in unfamiliar positions and they rose to the occasion. The Pinnacles return to the pitch at home Wednesday against Kelowna United (one win in four games) at 7:30 p.m. The Pinnacles planned to hold a light practice on Tuesday evening going over things from Saturday’s win and decided on a starting lineup. Hintz said the Kelowna squad possesses speed and likes to use the middle of the field, so the Pinnacles will try to eliminate that. The Pinnacles then face West Vancouver FC, which Hintz said is a big game with the Lower Mainland club undefeated at 3-0.
On the men’s side, the Tim Hortons Pinnacles defeated Kelowna United 2-1 for a second time after winning in Kelowna on May 31. Ray Hubber scored his league-leading third goal of the season, while Dan Thornton scored the other Pinnacles goal, his second of the season. The Pinnacles next game is June 14 against the Victoria Highlanders at King’s Park at 2 p.m.