With the holiday break quickly approaching it seemed fitting that soccer fans got to celebrate the sport. Last Thursday at the Canada Games Centre, the Selects Men’s and Women’s Annual Christmas Showcase was held.

It was the women who got the evening started in front of the packed bleachers. The Women’s Selects took on the U18 Yukon Girls.

The U18 Girls’ team featured players for this past August’s Western Canada Summer Games held in Swift Current, Alta. and some who will be representing the Yukon at the upcoming Arctic Winter Games.

The Women’s team also boasted players who had represented the Yukon at National games.

Spencer Rich, the U18 Girls coach, said there were some nerves to begin the game.

“Yes there was,” said Rich. “All credit to them. The older ladies came out fast and hard. They took it to us for the first 10 minutes. The game could have got away from us. They were two nothing up in the first 5-10 minutes.”

The games were played in the Fieldhouse, which meant the walls were able to be used during gameplay. Rich said the team had to adjust to the arena style of play.

“I think they learned a lot,” said Rich. “I think some, especially the younger ones, weren’t ready for the speed and physicality of arena.

“We play a lot more futsal. It’s pretty much all futsal now so the physicality, speed and aggression of the older ladies it took them a while to get used to that. I thought that we adapted well and were strong in the end.”

To begin the game, Rich said the Selects Women did a good job playing the arena style.

“They played arena soccer, good for them,” said Rich. “They banged it forward and chased and banged it off the walls. That’s arena soccer and we aren’t used to that.”

The Selects Women went into the second half up 3-0 but the U18 Girls came on strong potting two goals early before the Women’s team was able to answer. Rich said the girls were able to get rolling some in the first before controlling the second half.

“We had chances even in the first half,” said Rich. “Their goalie made some good saves. I think it was an even game.

“Second half we controlled the ball and had more possession, probably throughout the game.”

Although the U18 girls dropped the game 4-3, Rich said he was proud of the groups’ resolve.

“From the start to finish we improved. We were stronger on the ball. We played quicker and got used to the physicality.

“They never dropped their head. I’ve coached a long time and they didn’t let the game get away from them.”

The U18 Yukon Boys versus the Selects Men’s was an entertaining game. The Men’s Selects were able to avenge their loss from the previous year to take the game 5-4.

It was a back-and-forth game as each side had quality chances that the goalies were up to the task on.

The Men’s Select team opened the scoring before the U18 Boys answered back with two goals of their own.

In the second half, the U18 Boys added to their lead early but the Selects Men’s team quickly answered.

After the U18’s potted one more the Selects Men’s squad pushed for the equalizer. The scored on a rebound and then with just over five minutes remaining they got the eventual winner on an off-speed shot that hit the turf then bounced into the top of the net.

Joe Hanson, on the U18 team, said the game is just a fun time for everyone to play together again.

“It’s great,” said Hanson. “Everyone knows everybody, grew up with each other. It’s really just a fun time at Christmas, everything is just great.”

Although Hanson said everyone on the pitch was close, that didn’t keep it from being a physical game with some well-mannered trash-talking going on.

“Things get intense,” said Hanson. “People want to win, that’s for sure. It’s good competition.”

Since the young guys won the showcase last year, Hanson believed the Selects Men’s team came out even harder.

“They definitely didn’t want to lose again,” said Hanson. “That’s for sure.”

The bleachers were full to watch the game and Hanson said he hopes everyone enjoyed an entertaining game.

“I hope the fans enjoyed it, I think they did,” said Hanson. “It was a lot of fun.”