Game Report: First Away Game at Altitude FC

It was a weekend of firsts. Nanaimo played their first away game at Altitude FC and came home with their first point of the season! And let's not forget about Nanaimo United's first ever League1 BC youth viewing party. It was a solid weekend of great soccer, comeraderie and community.

A fierce tackle by Ruby Nicholas in the midfield. Credit: John and Hazel May

MEN'S GAME

Our men’s team fought hard and came away with a clean sheet against Altitude FC.

Men’s coach Kevin Lindo commented on his squad’s game:

It was a very gritty performance that showed a lot of togetherness for a group that is still getting to know each other. Altitude is well coached, disciplined, and hard to break down, but we had some good chances.

Big mentions to our two centre backs - Fergus and Coburn were huge; Gabe putting in a marathon effort on his home turf and a really good debut from striker Ryder. Not to mention Marko with some phenomenal saves rounding off a well-deserved clean sheet.  It was also great to see some young local players across both the men’s and the women’s team representing Nanaimo, the future is bright. I really hope the kids back home at the watch party take inspiration from this. It won’t be long before they’re banging on our door, that’s what we want in the community.

Nanaimo United’ first viewing party was a success. 30 kids between the ages of 9 and 15 came to the Clubhouse on Sunday and took part in the festivities. After an hour of 5-a-side fun, the kids reconvened inside for pizza, snacks, prizes and to watch the games. To win one of the prizes, a kid was able to name 7 of the men’s players - Suka, Charlie Purcell, Charlie Smith Ryder, Brian, Matt, and Johnny! 

RUN IT BACK - PLAYS OF THE GAME

Check out Marko’s ability to defy gravity -  what a save!

Charlie Purcell was a dribbling menace in the midfield -  check out those moves!

WOMEN'S GAME

The women kept it 0-0 the entire first half. The women were looking fierce and had many solid chances. Early in the second half, after changing their playing style, Altitude managed to score 4 goals quickly before our ladies were able to regroup and adjust to their new attack. With the women’s team still waiting for 6 more players to arrive at the end of the month, these early season games are proving to be great learning opportunities for when the teams meet again in a few weeks. 

Women’s coach Bobbie Taylor reflected on the women’s successes in the first half:

I was super pleased with our first half. The players bought in to our game plan and showed a really high compete level. We created some quality opportunities for ourselves and could have been going into the second half with a lead. Ruby and Victoria were dangerous up front and our back line were super connected and brave. Ella Ashfield was a standout in the midfield in possession and out of possession. Her instincts were spot on. 

The second half proved particularly challenging as they changed their system and a 10 minute lapse cost us. Facing some of the top players at this level early in the season allows us to see the standard and what work we need to put into our game. 

League1 Nanaimo United rookie, Ella Ashfield.

STAY TUNED

Next up: home game against Burnaby FC at the Q’unq’uniqwstuxw Stadium! The women play at 1 PM and the men play at 3:30 PM. Get your tickets here. 

See you at the stadium! United!