The Yukon Selects sent two teams to Anchorage, Ak, to compete in the 33rd annual Alaska Far North Soccer Tournament last weekend. The Yukon was represented by the Yukon Western Canada Summer Games (WCSG) U19 Boys and the Yukon 05/06 Selects.

Let's start with the older group. Although their name for the tournament said U19, the group is closer to U17 so they were playing much older competition.

Their coach, Ash Jordan, said it was great to see them compete and hold their own against older competition.

Hold their own they did. The team went undefeated through the round-robin play with a 4-0 record.

The Yukon side made quick work of the Arsenal HS Boys team in their opening game of the tournament dispatching their Alaskan counterparts 3-1. This was the only goal the team conceded in the round-robin.

In their second game, they put up four goals on the Arsenal 04 Boys team and followed that up with a 2-0 win against the Arsenal 01-03 Boys.

The final game of the opening round the team played the Valley Rev Ajax and battled hard for a 1-0 win earning themselves a place in the championship game against the Arsenal HS Boys, the team they played first.

"It was the best I've seen them play," said Jordan about the team's play through the round-robin.

The two sides played to a 0-0 draw after regulation and two overtime frames. The match went to penalty kicks where the Arsenal HS Boys team were able to edge out the Yukon side 6-5 when the boys' last penalty hit the post.

Jordan said it was unfortunate the game went to penalty kicks because the Yukon WCSG Boys outplayed their opponent throughout.

"Unfortunately, it went to penalties," said Jordan. "It was a really good game. We had about five solid chances, but their goalies made some unbelievable saves."

The game was played at the ConocoPhillips Stadium and according to Jordan, the stands were packed, which added to the pressure.

"It was good for them to be in," said Jordan. "They have never been in that situation. At some point, you have to do it."

During the penalty kicks, Jordan said he couldn't offer the boys any advice because the 11 on the field had to stay on.

"You can't tell them much," said Jordan. "They supported each other and stood their with there arms around each other. It is cool to watch them grow and develop.

"(As a coach) it is difficult because you feel helpless. It is nerve-wracking being on the sidelines."

Jake Hanson said he believes this is only the second time they have lost a game in Alaska since they were eight.

Even though they did not escape with the title, Jordan said the tournament was a good stepping-stone toward the Western Canada Summer Games.

"It was a great start to the buildup to the Games," said Jordan. "It is a different mentality in American sports, they are bred differently. American athletes are super-confident, and the boys matched that."

Jordan touched on what he thought were positive takeaways from their play.

"Composure is what stood out," said Jordan. "They got to a different level. They kept the ball and didn't force it. I liked watching it happen.

"The boys had a great mindset. They like to work hard and they like to learn. I just try to keep them grounded. They have a good head on their shoulders.

Jordan also saw what he will be able to improve upon as the Games approach.

"Basics are always a part of it," he said. "It is just some individual tweaks but we are able to take the next step forward. Now we can get more technical and more complicated."

The team will be on the road again this weekend as they head to Edmonton to play in some exhibition games to further build toward Westerns.

The Yukon 05/06 Selects went 1-3 in their tournament but coach Arnold Hedstrom said he was pleased with the boys' play.

"I was happy," said Hedstrom. "It was their first tournament this year and they don't have much tournament experience.

"We had to pick up some Alaskan players so for a team that was pulled together and a team hadn't played much together they did well."

In their first game against the Arsenal 06 Boys, the Selects fell 8-3. Although the score seems lopsided, Hedstrom said the team still played well.

"We adjusted after the first half and we won the second half," said Hedstrom.

The Selects dropped their second game 4-1 but Hedstrom said they again won the second half and adjusted well.

"Overall I was pleased with the team," he said. "They were responsive and resilient."

The Selects were able to get into the win column in their third match against CISC, a 4-2 win.

"They just played well and moved the ball down the wings and got the ball in front of the net," said Hedstrom. "Everything came together."

Their last game, they fell to the Arsenal 05 Boys 6-0. Hedstrom said they were a strong well-organized team.

Hedstrom said the tournament was about getting experience for the young players who have their eyes set on the 2019 SX Cup in Surrey, B.C.

Also of benefit to the Selects, Hedstrom noted, was that they got to watch the WCSG team in action.

"They saw incredible soccer," said Hedstrom. "They were excited to see the level and see the standard. The message from me to the young players is make an effort and you can reach this level.

Hedstrom then touched on the level of soccer in the Yukon.

"It just keeps going up and up," he said. "They WCSG team showed the young players how to travel as players and they are excellent role models for the U14s.

"Actually, one of the WCSG players said 'the boys are much better than they were at that age.'"

Leo Whittaker won the team's North Star award. Hedstrom said he scored in all the team's games. As well, the Selects took home a sportsmanship award.

"I was pleased the tournament acknowledged us," said Hedstrom. "It was a big thank you for bringing another team."

The SX Cup will be held over the Labour Day weekend. The fast-approaching Western Canada Summer Games will be held in early August in Swift Current, Sask.