It’s been a rough start for the L. V. Rogers boys soccer squad at the AA High School Provincial Championships in Burnaby.
The locals lost both of their games on Monday, eliminating any chance to finish in the top five.
LVR was beaten 3-1 by Kamloops’ Sa-Hali in the opener and then lost 3-0 to the Gulf Islands in their second match of the day.
“The players are too tense, too nervous and they’re just not in it. They’re not focused on it,” said coach David Spendlove.
On Tuesday, the locals were back in action against the Mennonite Educational Institute from Abbotsford, which was also winless after two games.
“It’s a fight not to be in last place,” said Spendlove.
The squads played to a scoreless draw. However, LVR won the contest in a shootout.
The coaching staff was much happier with the team’s play on the second day.
The victory means the boys can finish as high as ninth place in the 16-team tournament.
“The team had a great season, unfortunately the same thing happened to us last year.”
Spendlove said nerves, fitness and communications are the three things that led to the poor showings.
He noted that most of the Lower Mainland teams are in better game condition because they are in the middle of their competitive season.
“Nelson doesn’t have a competitive season,” said Spendlove.