After a couple of outstanding runs through the B.C. youth soccer ranks that produced plenty of success and outstanding talent, Clive Clarke is at it again, this time with the Richmond All-Stars U13 girls Metro team.
It was last July when the curtains came down on the Richmond Red Hot Selects dominance in girls elite soccer that featured back-to-back provincial A cup titles at the U16 and U18 levels. The majority of that roster has gone on to higher levels, including Clarkes daughter Summer who played for Canada at the recent U17 World Cup and is now participating in a training camp with the womens national team.
Previously, he coached Richmond Madrid, a powerhouse boys team that featured such standouts Jason James, Declan Rodriguez and Clarkes son Caleb, who currently is under contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps first team and a member of the national U20 program.
Now Clarke has teamed up with Chantelle Donaldson to guide the All-Stars who have compiled a sparkling 13-1 league record after a well-earned victory over PoCo LFC on the weekend.
A hard hit free kick from Ebony Clarke was the difference in the game dominated by the All-Stars. Goalkeeper Kasey Wright earned her 10th shutout of the campaign.
All season long, defenders Martha Melaku, Tylere Morin, Klara Marsh Gita Manhas and Casey Hudson have worked hard in front of Wright to limit the chances of the opposing teams.
A very active midfield of Dakota Chan, Kate Schmidt, Kirsten Wilshire and Clarke have controlled most games and created chances for the forward line of Jalen Donaldson and Jennifer Vonas.
Where the All-Stars have been particularly dangerous is on the wings where Emilie Sherritt, Jacqueline Tyrer and Elizabeth Kibblewhite have been very active, stretching the field and and putting many dangerous crosses into the box for the midfielders and forwards to get after.
The coaches have been working hard with the players this season on their individual technique, tactical IQ and competitiveness. They have received many compliments on their creative and fast-paced style of play.
The girls have transferred that learning to the games where they display attractive and mature soccer in their league and in exhibition games against boys and older age girls. said Clarke.
The All-Stars play one more game against a competitive Port Moody team prior to the league break. Over the holidays, the girls will move indoors to take part in tournaments at TSS and the Provincial Futsal Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval where good technical skills are necessary for success.
