June 7 Game Report: Heat Wave!

It was a blistering day out there on the turf. The action was as hot as the weather! Nothing like a heat wave to launch us into the second half of the season. Altitude took home all the points, but our squads are already regrouping and finding their rhythm in preparation for 3 weeks of away games.

WOMEN’S GAME

Altitude’s speed was next level and they had a magic ability to always have tons of bodies in the box. Their through balls in the finishing third were deadly. At the end of the first half, they found a second gear and went for it. “They were able to capitalize on a couple of set pieces to put them up in the game and we just weren’t able to respond to come back,” said Ava Alexander.

‘We had good momentum and a few set play opportunities in the first half. But the sun definitely got to us in the second half. They had some quick players up front and we struggled to communicate off all their opposite movements,” added Jensa Napier-Ganley. 

Mary Nichols, defender and UBC alumni.

The ladies were tough as usual and had some great chances in the second half. Check out the highlights below! Nanaimo’s back line held strong and was able to catch Altitude offside multiple times. Bronte Fitzsimmons and Ruby Nicholas used their speed and physicality to create chances up front, alongside midfielders Emma Thornton and Alex Paul.

The bench was sparse today due to a series of injuries. Hannah Wagner broke her hand in their recent game against the Rise, and VIU Mariners Rookie of the Year Avery Henderson is recovering from a rolled ankle. The ladies are tough and know how to push - we know these players will be back soon and ready to crush. We can’t wait to see what the rest of their season looks like.

RUN IT BACK - PLAYS OF THE GAME

Crosses for days - check out some of the ladies’ closest chances:

MEN’S GAME

It was an even match - Altitude and Nanaimo went back and forth most of the game. Fan shout-outs go to keeper Marko Ilich and fullback Ashton Bryant. Ashton’s work ethic caught the eye of multiple spectators. They were impressed by his ability to tear up the wing and make chances and plays. Marko is a brick wall - those gloves must be magic! A few members of the crowd commented and felt that he kept the lads in the game. They were impressed by his composure and confident saves.

Late in the second half, Altitude scored and things got feisty. Altitude was then on a mission to hold their last minute lead and Nanaimo increased their intensity to the next level. Everyone was pushing hard, everyone wanted it. The air was buzzing with heat and hard work.

Marko Ilich

RUN IT BACK - PLAYS OF THE GAME

The men had some great chances and connected well up top. Check out their chance and hard work in the 68th minute:

Things got feisty! By the 78th minute, both teams were going full tilt. Nanaimo wanted it!

NEXT UP

And that was that - our one home game of June! The squads have 3 away games back to back to back. Their first opponent in this series of games is Burnaby FC, then they are off to Kamloops for the second leg of the Reid Davidson Charity Shield. Kamloops FC’s media coverage is phenomenal, so be sure to tune in and follow @kamloopsunitedfc that weekend to keep up with the action. It is a total points tournament and Nanaimo is 3 points behind. Can they catch up while in Kamloops and secure the trophy for the second year in a row?

The squads will be back in town July 5 to face off against Rise FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps - you won’t want to miss the action!

Although the teams will be away, our media coverage and updates are going to continue, and do we have some fun content coming your way or what!? We’re going to take this opportunity to get to know the players and get in on some behind the scenes action. Stay tuned!

United!