Off To A Good Start

Guildford A.C. with KYSA Cup. A.C. went a perfect 4-0 in the tournament to win the Championship

Guildford A.C. began a new era with an emphatic step onto the scene. The new squad played their first games in the KYSA Cup in Kamloops on the May long weekend and didn't disappoint even against teams a year older.

In their opening match A.C. took on the hosts, Kamloops Blaze. Guildford looked like a team unfamiliar with each other but got on the scoreboard quickly and never looked back. Scoring with regularity throughout the game, Guildford was able to pull away and stay strong defensively to keep the Blaze out of the contest. Final score 5-0.

In game two the heat was definitely a factor as the boys looked strong and competitive but tired which led to some poor decisions. Despite some mediocre play A.C. got up 3-0 in the first half. In the second half Guildford looked more structurally sound but so did the opposing Terrace Kermodes squad. Terrace rode the strong play of their goalkeeper to tie the half but lost the game 4-1.

On Sunday morning Guildford needed a win to guarantee top spot in the group and a spot in the final. A.C. came out with their most disciplined and organized performance that slowly dismantled the Squamish Red Devils opposition. Guildford didn't score in bunches but continually added to their lead by forcing Squamish to chase the ball and tire themselves out. Final score 6-0.

In the final A.C. again took on the wily squad from Terrace. Guildford performed far better than their previous contest and stayed organized in posession of the ball. While forcing the Kermodes to work hard just to get possession of the ball, A.C. was able to build a 3-0 lead, staying relatively fresh compared to a Terrace squad that was exhausted after the first half. Despite their fatigue, Terrace refused to give up and came back stronger in the second half. The Kermodes cut lead to 3-1 but A.C. replied less than a minute later to restore the 3 goal lead. Guildford could have added more but were thwarted by the exceptional play of the Kermodes keeper who saved a ball that started a rush and again Terrace scored to get within two. That would be as close as they would come as A.C. would add another for the 5-2 final.

Guildford got stronger with each game as the boys got more comfortable playing with each other. A.C. is planning some exhibitions in Washington in June before taking July off and resuming training in early August.