Kunovic stars in league opener

The newly expanded over-35 soccer league started on Saturday with a match between Yukon Brewing and Driving Force. Although both teams struggled with filling a full roster, the players put on a show of skill and endurance. New boy Jonathan Hawkins opened the scoring with a double nutmeg of a goal before Kruno Kunovic scored his first in what turned out to be a memorable game for him. Everything Kunovic touched turned to gold. He was impressive not just with his four goals, but his all-round display of skill. He now sits proudly on top of the golden boot standings and may be a dark horse for that title.

Hector Lang has been on a carrot and spinach diet this summer and looks lean and mean as he opened his scoring account, while last year's MVP Sean Macdonald and Keith Maguire rounded out the Yukon Brewing scoring. Although the 7-2 result was not what Driving Force skipper Keith Welch would of wanted, he would have been proud of the effort his team put in and with other scorer Jesse Kohler in the team there will always be goals. Welch will be back next week as he was unavailable due to his participation in the over-40 Mr Canada beauty pageant.

Chieftain Energy enters the show with a win

New team to the league Chieftain Energy made a winning start to the season with a 5-4 victory over Pepsi. New skipper Miles Hume must have been delighted with the way his team performed, as their energy will be a worry for the other teams this year. Hume seems to have a telepathic soccer relationship with returning favourite Mark Chandler as they were able to move the ball effortlessly around the pitch. Chandler picked up two goals, but it was Will Chetcuti who went home with the match ball with a splendid hat trick, made even more remarkable because he picked up an injury early in the first half, but was able to soldier on.

Pepsi were unlucky not to get anything out of the game as their enthusiasm for goals always made them a threat. Pepsi skipper Ciaran Connolly was like a rampaging bull, urging his team forward as he picked up a goal and worked tirelessly for his team. Another returning favourite, Mark Sebek, picked up two goals and there was one for Michael Zuccarini but it wasn’t quite enough in the final analysis.

Caldwell the puppet master

Air North Rangers had a lot of quality on show in the final game of the morning, but it was Craig Caldwell who created the impression that he was controlling the game. His work rate, physicality, and deft touches were more than a match for Klondike Business Solutions (KBS) as he unselfishly gave everything for his team. Although he didn’t score, he provided countless assists to his team mates. David Strachan was one beneficiary, scoring a goal from a beautifully disguised pass from Caldwell. Captain Iain Breckenridge scored two excellent goals, curling the ball into the corner with both efforts. Another new boy, Roger Hoskins, picked up his first goal in the league and there was a first own goal for Michael Marceau, who did redeem himself with a goal for his own side. Air North were able to wear KBS down by the end, running away with the game 5-2.

For KBS, it was great to see Juergen Korn out terrorizing the opposition in his 25th season in the league. His care worker said he enjoyed the game, but can we get him back earlier as if he doesn’t have his midday nap, he is grumpy in the evening. Sub Justin Carre got the other KBS goal.

– Submitted by Andy Todd