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Paterson, DeKroon and Rodgers score in PFC win

By Marco Smits
The Review-Mirror
Aug 03 2006

The Portland Football Club needed a win and they got one.

On Thursday PFC travelled to take on Brockville at the Memorial Centre and defeated the home team 3-1.

PFC coach Anders Carson remained optimistic despite several consecutive losses in recent weeks. He draws a parallel to the team he coached and took to the Gothia Cup in Sweden several years ago. That year the club was down near the bottom of the standings until the end of the season.

"It wasnÕt until the last few games of the first year we picked up speed. Something turned, and I feel like that again. Since this last game, something turned."

Only minutes into ThursdayÕs game PFC striker Ryan Paterson scored the opening goal. It was PatersonÕs third goal of the season.

MomentÕs later Alex Bahm needed to come to terms with scoring on his own goal. Bahm tried to clear the ball out of the box with his head, but put it in his own net behind keeper Robbie Beveridge.

However, the own goal seemed to elevate PFCÕs game, the boys collectively trying to erase the accidental marker. Before half time both Tyler DeKroon and Dylan Rodgers scored their first goal since entering the squad.

"At half time I said to the team, ÔweÕve been gracious losers in several games this year, now lets be gracious winners. LetÕs go out and finish thisÕ," said Carson.

PFC locked up their defense and managed to keep the lead. Near the end of the game, John Waenink saw his first goal of the season disallowed.

The final score was 3-1 for the boys in red and black, their first win since June 8.

PFC is in its first year in the tough East Region Soccer League. The team consists of boys ages 15 and under, facing more experienced clubs. Today, Thursday August 3, PFC is on the road again.

"This week we play the number one team in the league, Kingston United. Last time we surprised them by scoring three goals, losing only 5-3, so lets see what happens this time."