PCSL

Kamloops, BC — Two of the three unbeaten teams in the Pacific Coast Soccer League ‘s Womens Reserve division tangle this weekend. The Kamloops Heat (which features a number of players from the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s program) visit the Pinnacles in Penticton on Saturday May 30th.

Both teams enter the weekend with identical 3 and 0 records.

“Two teams with identical records. I don’t know much about them but I’m sure that it’ll be a great match.” Said Heat and WolfPack head coach Tom McManus.

Both sides came away with victories last weekend against Chilliwack FC and Richmond SC. The Heat won 4-0 and 4-1. The Pinnacles beat Richmond 2-1 and Chilliwack 5-1.

Sunday’s match will feature the top four scorers in the PCSL. Nicole Fraser of Penticton has six goals with Jana Yates scoring four times thus far. Kamloops has seen Danielle Fauteux (forward, TRU,Kamloops, BC)find the back of the net five times thus far. Kelli Chamberlain (forward, Queens University) is tied with a number of players with three markers.

“I believe our defenders are quick and strong enough to mark them up,” says McManus in reference to containing Fraser and Yates.

Mcmanus has been more than pleased with how Fauteux and Chamberlain have played thus far. “Danielle is a gifted goal scorer and has unfortunately had a rash of injuries,” says McManus about the former Junior National team player who missed most of the 2008 BCCAA season due to injury. “I need her healthy, not injured and tired. That happens a great deal in professional soccer when you have a mature player. You give them a day or two off when necessary.” McManus is quick to point out that when he calls the 25 year old Fauteux mature, he means in quality not age.

As for Chamberlain: “ Kelli has played very well for us and I’m happy with her goal scoring,” he says. “But we have a number of players who can and will score for us. Its nice not to have to rely on jut one or two players.”

With Shannon Kelly (TRU, Kamloops, BC) still away, All-Canadian Shannen Meyer will play her third straight match in the nets. “Shannen is showing she is a team player by doing this. We all know she would rather be out on the field but we don’t have a goalkeeper in just yet. She is stepping up and doing the job.” Meyer is traditionally a defender or midfielder.

Some might read into the fact the two teams are unbeaten could be headlined as a “Clash of the Titans”. McManus says its way too early to read anything into the match. “It’s way too early. But our next three matches are huge. We have Penticton this weekend and then the following weekend we are away to Coquitlam and Richmond. We played Richmond before but I know they will be a stronger squad at home. Coquitlam is traditionally a strong team and will surely be tough.”

PENALTY KICKS: The next home matches for the Heat will be the weekend of June 13 and 14 th when they entertgain the Fraser Valley Action and the CMFSC Xtreme. The Xtreme enter this weekend’s play at 3-1. Fraser Valley is 2-0-1.