Richmond Synergy U15 girls soccer team is enjoying another outstanding season in the Lower Mainland's Metro Selects League, entering the holiday break with a sparkling 12-1-2 first place record.
After qualifying for the Provincial Cup Championships last season, Synergy is determined to win the league and make a return trip to battle B.C.'s best.
The girls got off to a very strong start to the season by winning eight consecutive games to open league play. They are currently five points clear of second place with three games to play.
One of Synergy's keys to success is their possession-oriented style of play which is frustrating for opponents, fun for the players and entertaining for their supporters.
All of the players value hard work and togetherness and have shown a tremendous ability to overcome the myriad of challenges that crop up during a season. But above all else, the team believes in the principles of fair play and dignified behaviour both on and off the field. Richmond was recognized by B.C. Soccer at 2012 provincials last July with the Fair Play Award for their age group.
The Synergy players have been fortunate to be the beneficiaries of some additional help this season. Richmond Girls Soccer Association staff coach Martin Bittengl, has brought a refreshing and enthusiastic approach to the team's training sessions. The squad has also been fortunate to be able to work out with the High Performance Training group at the Richmond Olympic Oval. The strength and conditioning program, led by Fran Quintana, has significantly increased the team's ability to compete and perform on the field.
Goalkeepers Nicola Houle and Carmen Milne have shared six clean sheets so far this season and have the league's second-best goals against average (0.80). Synergy's backline of Jessica Folk, Emma James, Jessica Jones, Prabhleen Nagra and Jessica Zawada have been instrumental in both preventing scoring opportunities and initiating attacks.
The team's engine room has been the hardworking and talented midfield of Aria Druker, Karina Jesson, Justine McCaskill, Hannah Partridge and Ellie Reid.
They have been critical to team's ability to both win and keep possession of the ball.
Up front, Natalie Cooke, Riley Elmes, Varsha Gill, Alex Heroux, Claire Reynolds and Claire Siqueira have provided a consistent and constant threat to score at all times.
After a well-deserved holiday break, Synergy will resume their pursuit of the Metro Select League championship in January. The team is also looking forward to competing in the B.C. Coastal Cup in April and hope to be back on home turf for the finals in May.
