A quick defensive lapse by the Penticton Pinnacles mens under-21 team resulted in their first loss in the Pacific Coast Soccer League.
In Reserve Division action Sunday at Kings Park, the Mid Isle Highlanders FC downed the Pinnacles 1-0.
“I felt yesterday we came out flat,” said Pinnacles coach/player Ezra Cremers on Monday. “We played a very emotional, tough game on Saturday and we just didn’t put it together the way we should have.”
Cremers was talking about their 0-0 draw with Victoria United at Kings Park that gave them a 2-0-1 record. Cremers is happy with the team, especially because they have only allowed one goal in four games. The reason for that has been a focus on defensive play. Now Cremers wants a shift to working on their ball possession.
The Pinnacles next play at Hampton Park in Victoria on June 2 to take on Victoria United again and get another shot at the Highlanders on June 3. Cremers said the only area they need to concern themselves with is their discipline, as Stefan Shaw and captain Jeremy Pereira received red cards.
“We need to make sure it’s a very fine line between being passionate and disciplined or letting our emotions get the best of us,” said Cremers. “I think it was our frustration. We didn’t bring our best game to the pitch on Sunday after having a very good game against Victoria. We outchanced the opponents and could have squeaked out a win for sure.”
Women Pinnacles
After three games, the Pinnacles under-21 womens team is in search of their first win (0-2-1). However, coach Ray Hintz isn’t worried about those numbers. The results of the last three games are from “simple mistakes that can be corrected.”
Hintz noticed that there was no flow in his team when they played the North Shore Girls Soccer Club Stars on May 13. It also didn’t help that players were playing out of position. The main reason for that is Hintz has asked players to play out of their position until more players join the mix, which is expected soon.
“I’m happy the way we’re going,” said Hintz. “At the worse we should be .500.”
The Pinnacles open their home schedule Saturday against the Fraser Valley Action at Kings Park at 4 p.m. then host TSS Academy at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The focus for the Pinnacles this week in preparation is to go over systems to get successful results.
“We have to stick with it,” said Hintz. “The girls are doing a good job. We’re not going to give up on it.”