Cole Kingzett’s header late in the game snapped a three-game skid for the Penticton Tim Hortons Pinnacles Premier team.
The Pinnacles used Kingzett’s late-game heroics to earn a 4-3 win over the FC Tigers Vancouver in Pacific Coast Soccer League action Saturday at Kings park.
“You just got to bust your neck to get in the box. I got fortunate the cross came in and deflected up and it fell perfect,” said Kingzett, who joined the Pinnacles after playing for the UBCO Heat this past season. “I couldn’t miss. It felt amazing. I thought we’re going to tie this game.”
The goal, beating keeper Lukas Strouts, was set up by left back Stefan Shaw not long after the FC Tigers tied the game on a penalty kick.
Pinnacles forward James Fraser said the goal came at the perfect time.
“I knew we could do it because their back line wasn’t strong,” said Fraser. “It was good that we could get the dagger there at the end.”
The FC Tigers opened the scoring at the 23 minute mark then Pinnacles captain Wyatt Seddon-Johnstone tied it about eight minutes later on a penalty kick, the first of two he scored on the night. The first half ended tied at one.
In the second half Mitchell Popadynetz gave the home side a 2-1 lead. Not long after kickoff, the Tigers countered to even the score. Then at the 63rd minute, the Pinnacles were awarded another penalty kick, which Seddon-Johnstone buried. In the final 5 minutes, the Tigers were given their own penalty kick and capitalized to even the score at three.
Kingzett said the Pinnacles could have performed better adding that they didn’t defend well.
“We weren’t physical enough with them,” he said.
Pinnacles coach Paulo Araujo said his group battled hard, but would have liked to see more possession when they had the 3-2 lead.
“We should have killed the game by just keeping the ball,” said Araujo. “There is some work to be done there.”
Araujo credited FC Tigers Vancouver as they have improved their squad since the season opener, which the Pinnacles won.
“They have lots of speed up front,” said Araujo.
The Pinnacles coach said it was an important win after being on a losing streak.
“It’s nice to get this win. Our goal is to always win at home,” said Araujo, whose group had a good crowd supporting them.
“We had a great atmosphere, got fired up,” said Fraser.
The Pinnacles’ next action is May 23 at 7 p.m. at Kings Park when they host the Mid Isle Mariners, who the Pinnacles lost to 6-2 on the road on May 10.