Men's Soccer
A nice way to finish
March 23, 2005
Phil Vallely scored four goals while Rhett Jewett added a pair as the men's soccer team completed their season with a convincing 6-1 win over the SFC Stars.
Surrey grabbed the first goal on a long throw in that was headed past keeper Elliot Westergaard. The 'Cats took the lead before the half on goals from Vallely and Jewett and built a lead that they would not relinquish.
The Bearcats continued to dominate the second half and scored four more goals. Vallely scored on two free kicks that he wired to the top corner and added another before the half was complete. Jewett notched his second of the game after weaving through the entire Surrey defence.
The 'Cats finish the season with a respectable 8-5-3 record, including a three game winning streak, in the Fraser Valley Soccer League (FVSL). This was the first year the 'Cats took part in the FVSL after several dominating seasons in the Abbotsford Men's Soccer League.
Head coach Greg Falk, who earned his 100th career win this season, speaks highly of his players. "These 18 guys worked hard all season long and I'm proud of how we've been able to step into this league and compete right away. We've shown we belong."
Falk leads team to win over Surrey
February 28, 2005
The men's soccer team improved their season record to 7-5-3 with a 3-1 win over last place Surrey Donegals (3-11). Greg Falk scored two goals while veteran Al Gillespie rounded out the scoring to secure the win for the Bearcats.
Surrey opened the scoring when CBC keeper Joel Hooten was contacted by a Surrey player jumping for a ball which resulted in a easy tap in. The 'Cats evened the scoring before the half when Falk knocked in a free kick from Phil Vallely. Minutes into the second half the Bearcats took the lead when a quick free kick from Vallely was mishandled by the Surrey keeper that Falk put to the back of the net. Gillespie rounded out the scoring on a clear breakaway from centerfield.
Randy Taylor and Brian Dickison played solid games for the 'Cats.
1-0 win over Tigers
February 21, 2005
Al Gillespie scored an early goal that held up for the entire game as the men's soccer team defeated the GEU Tigers 1-0.
The 'Cats controlled possession for most of the game but could not increase their lead. Elliot Westergaard and Phil Vallely both had good scoring chances in the first half but could not beat the Tiger's keeper.
In the second half, CBC tightened their defense down and held on for the win.
Randy Taylor, Kent Thiessen, Jordan Pauls and Anthony Armour played solid defence in front of keeper Joel Hooten. Doug Howland and Matt Wall played strong games at the outside midfield positions.
Bearcats vs. Warriors
February 14, 2005
The Aldergrove Warriors held a 1-0 lead until in the game before the Bearcats fought back to tie the game at 1-1.
CBC went up a man midway through the first half when Rhett Jewett was fouled hard by an Aldergrove player who was subsequently given a red card. The 'Cats had a some great scoring chances in the first half but could not get anything by the Aldergrove keeper.
The second half was full of chances for Columbia. Rhett Jewett knocked a ball into the net but was ruled to have interfered with the goalie. Moments later Jewett was awarded a penalty kick after being hauled down in the box. His penalty kick rang off the post. Elliot Westergaard had a clear header on a cross from Jordan Pauls but drove it just over the crossbar.
Against the flow of the play the Warriors got one by CBC keeper Joel Hooten with three minutes remaining.
The 'Cats relentless attack would not back down and tied the game in the dying seconds when Westergaard scored to allow the 'Cats to salvage the tie.
Hurricanes over 'Cats 2-0
January 31, 2005
The men's soccer team played their first game since December 12 against the Surrey Hurricanes, one of the top teams in the league. The 'Cats lost the game 2-0.
The Hurricanes controlled the first 10 minutes of the game but the remaining half was evenly played and the game was scoreless at the halftime. The second half was a battle in the midfield with few quality scoring opportunities.
Surrey scored the first goal when the 'Cats were unable to clear a loose ball from inside their own 18 yard line. The ball was crossed to another Surrey player who one-timed the ball past keeper Joel Hooten. Moments later CBC appeared to have tied the game when Al Gillespie headed the ball over the goal line, but the official was unable to see the ball in the net before the Surrey keeper had pulled it back out. The 'Cats were unable to convert on any other chances.
With the win the Hurricanes improve their record to 8-2-2 (2nd place) while the 'Cats remain in 5th place with a 5-2-5 record.
Midseason acquisitions Phil Vallely and Rob Lewis played well in the midfield for the Bearcats
Clones strike early and down 'Cats
December 6, 2004
The #1 ranked LUFC Clones struck early and went on to defeat the men's soccer team 3-0
Despite playing and evenly played game, LUFC showed their experience and executed with goals on their opportunities. The Clones scored the only goal in the first half when a ball went off a CBC defenders arm as he challenged for a header, resulting in a penalty kick that LUFC converted. The Clones added two more goals in the second half as CBC was unable to generate any solid scoring chances.
'Cats keeper Joel Hooten made some great saves and Randy Taylor had a good game as sweeper. Head coach Greg Falk noted that Rhett Jewett, Al Gillespie and Elliot Westergaard had solid games in the midfield.
Falk gets 100th Win
December 1, 2004
Bearcat Men’s Soccer Coach Greg Falk made history Sunday afternoon, when he recorded his 100th coaching victory, in the ‘Cats 2-1 victory over the Surrey Hurricanes.
Falk, in his seventh year at the helm, was new to coaching when he took over the head coaching position in the fall of 1998. In his first season, Falk led the ‘Cats to an impressive 17-6-1 won-loss-tie record, including winning the Christian Colleges’ Tournament. Since then, Falk has had the ‘Cats in the hunt every year, with three 17+ win seasons, culminating in last years impressive 17-1-1 record in which the ‘Cats won both the AMSL League and Cup Championships. This season Falk’s ‘Cats changed leagues, playing in the extremely competitive Fraser Valley Soccer League’s 2nd Division. Despite being the new team in the league and skipping the 3rd Division, Falk has his team in the hunt again, sitting only 5 points behind the league leaders with one game in hand.
“Greg has done a tremendous job with our soccer program. He’s brought great leadership, an expectation of excellence, and an environment that brings out the best in people”, commented Athletic Director Tim Demant. “What makes this milestone even more remarkable is that he’s done it in only 155 game”. Falk’s career record now stands at 100 wins, 37 losses and 18 ties.
Falk, an Abbotsford native, graduated from UCFV where he was a basketball standout, helping establish the Cascades as a powerhouse in the BCCAA. Despite playing college basketball, Falk still found time to hone his soccer skills, competing with various Club teams in the summers and after graduation. Having no previous soccer coaching experience, Falk was approached by Demant, the then new AD, about taking on the head coaching position at Columbia. “We met at a coffee shop, talked for about an hour, and when it was done I was convinced he was our guy,” recalls Demant. “He’s definitely made the decision look brilliant.” While Demant applauds Falk’s win loss record, he’s most impressed with how highly his players speak of him, both on and off the field. At Columbia they talk about using athletics as a tool for building people. Judging by the opinion of his players, Falk has built more than just an impressive 100 wins.
'Cats march over United
November 22, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team defeated Mission United 6-2 on Friday in exhibition play.
Head coach Greg Falk was able to play all his players in this game. Rob Van Dyck opened the scoring with a nice header and both teams were knotted at 1-1 at the half. The 'Cats poured it on on the second as Phil Vallely scored three goals, while Al Gillespie and Rhett Jewett added singles. David Klassen and Randy Taylor played great on defense.
The 'Cats currently sit with a 4-2-3 record (4th place) in Divsion II of the Fraser Valley Soccer League. Their next game is Sun. Nov. 28 at 2:15 pm at Erma Stephenson park, Surrey.
Men's Soccer downs Coyotes
November 29, 2004
CBC came out strong and jumped to a 2-0 lead and defeated the Surey Coyotes 2-1.
Rhett Jewett opened the scoring on a pass from Greg Falk that left him alone against the Surrey keeper. The second goal was the result of some nice work by Anthony Armour and Al Gillespie that Falk finished off with a shot from 25 yards out. Surrey was able to pull one goal back before the half but that was as close as they came.
Elliot Westergaard and Jeremy Baillie had good chances in the second half, but CBC was unable to get an insureance marker. Joel Hooten made some good saves behind the solid defense of Jordan Pauls, David Klassen, Kent Thiessen and Randy Taylor.
The win improves the 'Cats record to 5-2-3 and sit in fourth place.
Great effort in a losing cause
November 15, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team lost 2-0 to Poco City on Sunday.
The game was scoreless for the first half with CBC dominating possession but were unable to get quality scoring chances. The second half saw Poco score when one of their players made a nice play to beat a CBC defender to a long ball before passing it to an unmarked player at the top of the box who put the ball past keeper Patrick Letham. The 'Cats then pushed forward for the equalizer and kept the ball in their opponents end for much of the second half but couldn't get anything past the solid Poco keeper.
With the CBC defenders inside the Poco zone, Poco managed to capitalize on a long breakaway with one minute remaining in the game.
Rhett Jewett and Jordan Pauls played excellent games at outside back and Jeremy Baillie had a solid game as striker.
"This was one of our best games of the season", noted head coach Greg Falk.
Bearcats tie Warriors
November 8, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team tied the Aldergrove Warriors 1-1 in the Fraser Valley Soccer League on Sunday.
CBC carried the play in the first 15 minutes but were unable to score. The Warriors opened the scoring midway through the first half but the 'Cats responded just before halftime when Al Gillespie took a through ball from Greg Falk and put it over the Aldergrove keeper.
The second half was a physical battle on wet field on which no team could manage many chances. CBC forward Matt Wall came close to putting the 'Cats ahead when his shot hit the cross-bar late in the game, but that was as close as they would come.
David Klassen and Randy Taylor played strong games on defense.
The tie keeps CBC in third place in league standings with a 4-2-2 record.
Next up for the 'Cats is Poco City United on November 14.
MSoc defeated 3-1
October 31, 2004
The Surrey Hurricanes down the CBC men's soccer team 3-1 on Saturday.
The 'Cats lost to a very skilled team that controlled the play for most of the game. Surrey opened the scoring five minutes into the game on a free kick that curled around the 'Cats wall and past keeper Joel Hooten. The Hurricanes continued to dominant possession of the ball and made it 2-0 early in the second half before the 'Cats replied moments later on when Rhett Jewetts strike hit the crossbard that caused a scramble that was finished by Greg Falk.
CBC was unable to equalize and Surrey added a third goal late in the game to seal the victory. Matt Wall, Cody Vigeant and Rhett Jewett had strong games at midfield.
The loss drops the 'Cats to 4-2-1 on the season.
Come from behind win over Tigers
October 25, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team battled back to beat the GEU Tigers 2-1.
After a scoreless first half, GEU capitalized on a defensive miscue and blasted a perfect shot past keeper Joel Hooten. CBC equalized when an Elliot Westergaard throw in was headed by Greg Falk to Al Gillespie who beat the Tigers keeper with a hard, low shot.
The 'Cats went ahead and scored the winning goal when Jordan Pauls made a great cross that Rhett Jewett headed off the post that Falk rebounded into the net for an easy tap-in.
Randy Taylor and David Klassen had a solid game on defense.
The win give the 'Cats a three-game winning streak and a 4-1-2 season record.
Columbia Starting to Roll
October 18, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team came up with 3-1 win over Surrey on Sunday.
The win gives the 'Cats a 5-game unbeaten streak, including their second win in a row.
The 'Cats opened the scoring when Randy Taylor took on a defender and then laid a perfect pass that was one-timed into the net by Greg Falk. Taylor assisted again to send in Al Gillespie that he finished to make the score 2-0.
Surrey was able to get one back in the second half when a long shot hit the top corner. The 'Cats restored the two goal cushion when Gillespie put in a great cross to Falk.
"This was our best game of the season this far", commented head coach Greg Falk. "We had some great individual efforts and we're starting to work much more effectively as a team."
Rhett Jewett was solid in midfield while Anthony Armour, David Klassen, Kent Thiessen and Brian Dickison were solid on the back. Patrick Lethan played well in net for CBC.
Bearcats outlast Stars
October 14, 2004
Make it a four-game unbeaten streak as the men's soccer team defeated the SFC Stars 1-0.
This was a hard fought battle with both teams working hard and playing aggressive.
The game was scoreless well into the second half until the 'Cats finally got on the board. Al
Gillespie intercepted a header pass from a Stars defended out of the box and volleyed it out of the air and just under the cross bar. The one goal cushion was all the Bearcats needed.
Elliot Westergaard earned his first shutout of the season. The CBC defense was also very effective behind the play of Rhett Jewett, David Klassen, Brian Dickison and Jordan Pauls.
CBC currently sits in third place in the FVSL standings with a 2-1-1 record.
Next up for the 'Cats is a game against the Donegals Caps on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 10:00 am in Surrey.
'Cats and Clones battle to draw
October 4, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team tied the top team in the FVSL to a 1-1 tie.
CBC forward Al Gillespie scored the lone goal for the 'Cats against the LUFC Clones in the first half. Gillespie took a nice passing play from David Klassen and Greg Falk to open the scoring. The Clones, who hail from Langley, were awarded a penalty kick early in the game but keeper Joel Hooten made a spectacular save.
The Clones tied the game on a free kick moments later on a free kick from just outside the box.
Kent Thiessen and Brian Dickison were solid on defense and Randy Taylor and Anthony Armour played well at the midfield.
Next up for the 'Cats is the SFC Stars on Sun. Oct. 10 at Bateman School. Game time is 2:15 pm.
Coyotes howling after loss to 'Cats
September 27, 2004
The CBC men's soccer team evened their FVSL record to 1-1 with a 3-1 win over the Surrey Coyotes.
Al Gillespie opened the scoring for the 'Cats when he took the ball from a Surrey defender and slotted a hard shot by the keeper. The lead didn't last long as Surrey tied the game before the half when CBC keeper Elliot Westergaard made a great first save but the rebound bounced to an unmarked Surrey player who tapped it in. First year player Cody Vigeant got the game winner for the 'Cats after Matt Wall made a great play to keep the ball inbounds and made a perfect pass to Vigeant. Gillespie put the game away with a great individual effort, beating two defenders and the goalie.
Randy Taylor had a great game in the midfield and Kent Thiessen, Anthony Armour, Brian Dickison and Jordan Pauls played exceptional defense.
Cat's tie with Abby SC
September 19, 2004
The Columbia men's soccer team tied Abby SC 1-1 in exhibition play on Sunday.
Columbia opened the scoring when Randy Taylor beat the Abby SC keeper to a loose ball and scored into an open net. Abby SC toed the game on a headed corner kick that eluded first-year 'Cats keeper Cody Vigeant. Despite chances from each team, neither team could score the winning goal and the game ended in a time. Second-year player Brian Dickison and newcomer Kent Thiessen played solid on defense while veterans Anthony Armour and Al Gillespie controlled the play at midfield.
One Goal Short
September 13, 2004
Playing in their season opener against Poco City United, the CBC men's soccer team lost 2-1 in their game debut in the Fraser Valley Soccer League.
The 'Cats opened their season with a 2-1 loss to Poco City. PoCo opened the scoring when a long punt from the keeper sent in a striker all alone. CBC keeper Joel Hooten was unable to make the save. The 'Cats tied the game moments later when a long through ball from Elliot Westergaard was misplayed by a PoCo defender, leaving Greg Falk with an easy tap in into an open net. PoCo was relentless and continued to pressure the CBC defense for most of the second half and restored a goal lead on another long punt from the goalie that was controlled and crossed and put in at the far post. The 'Cats were unable to equalize and 2nd year defender Rhett Jewett was red carded late in the game, forcing CBC to finish with 10 men.
"We don't want to make excuses, but playing a team of this calibre with only two practices this season exploited some of our weaknesses" commented head coach Greg Falk. "We weren't as quick to the ball as we need to be and lacked that anticipation."
The 'Cats have a bye next weekend and resume play on Sept. 26 against the Surrey Coyotes. Game time is 2:15 at Bateman School.
