The Yukon Selects hosted their annual Christmas Showcase soccer gameWednesday night at the Canada Games Centre.

The teams were divided by the younger talent taking on the veteran players, with a U20 squad squaring off against a 21 and over team.

It was a fast-paced, action-packed game with the younger legs eventually prevailing, 7-6.

"I'm not surprised at all that the younger guys won,” said Victor Lavanderos, who coached the U20 team. "I'm surprised the old guys kept it so close.”

It was a relaxed atmosphere as the teams warmed up with the assistance of the U10 Strikers squad, who also provided the halftime entertainment with a match of their own.

But as soon as the game began, the intensity picked up and continued to build throughout the match.

The players fought hard for possession, with many moments of intense physical play.

That is to be expected with a high-level of talent and the athletes playing in a confined space, said Jake Hanson, who suited up for the veteran team.

The annual game is a fierce competition but it's also an opportunity for the players to socialize and catch up, with many of the players returning home after playing with a club team or a school on the Outside.

Such was the case for Cody Reume, who is currently attending UBC and playing with a club team in Vancouver.

"I just got home a few days ago,” he said. "And this is one of the first things I get to do, so it's a lot of fun.”

"I think the young guys really enjoyed getting to play together,” added Hanson.

"They grew up and went through the system here and then a lot of them went off to new teams but you always enjoy the opportunity to play with your old mates again.”

Last year the format was local selects members versus the athletes who were competing out of town for college and university programs. The year before that it was the Selects facing the boys team that was preparing for the Canada Summer Games.

"Each way we've done it, it's always worked out really well, " said Hanson, who also helps coordinate the event.

"We just work with what we have every year and try and generate a game that will have lots of excitement and be competitive.”

Hanson says the players are always eager to compete and they never have an issue getting players to suit up.

"It's always a lot of fun, they kids are around, the parents are watching, it's an awesome game,” said Lavanderos.

The teams entered halftime tied at two goals each, but the younger squad opened up the second half with an aggressive attack, netting three goals within the first five minutes.

"I think that was a turning point,” said Reume.

"We were able to jump on them quickly and gain some momentum.”

"They counter attacked us early with lots of pressure and definitely set a tone,” said Hanson.

But after a few minutes the veteran squad pulled together and reeled off three unanswered goals of their own, including back-to-back goals from Boris Hoefs.

With the stands packed the fans watched with their heads on a swivel as the action flashed back and forth.

With the score tied at five, the U21 squad scored two more goals, including the game-winner from Stephen Dynes.

The veterans would add one more goal with just over 30 seconds left.

"We were able to equalize after they got those quick goals but then they pulled ahead again,” said Hanson.

"Those younger, fresher legs were the difference in the end, I think.”

"These games are always close,” said Reume. "Everyone puts it all on the line.”

"We're all friends off the field but during the game it gets heated. Afterwards, we're all good again.”