Langley Premiers upended by Abby visitors

Players with Langley United’s premier men’s soccer team knew they were in for a stern test Saturday at Willoughby Community Park.

United faced Abbotsford Magnuson Ford United, described by Langley coach Rob Keam as a “very good team with lots of speed and a very high fitness level.”

The home team put up a fight but ended up losing 2-1.

“The game was what we  had expected,” Keam said. “Abbotsford  seemed much more amped up to start the game and took it to us. They won all the 50/50 balls and knockdowns, and dictated the pace to start.”

If not for goalkeeper Colton Keam making a handful of big saves, the result  could have been out of hand early.

“It took our guys most of the first half to match their pace and work rate,” Rob Keam said.

During the second half, the hosts played much better.

“Our work rate and overall team desire kicked in and [we] were unlucky not to have finished the game with a tie,” Keam said. “This was a wake-up call for our group and to a man, each player was very disappointed. We have a very talented group of players that have all played at a very high level and I know we will be looking to bounce back, and [look] forward to the rest of the season.”

Losing the game now creates a battle for the top three spots, with the top team winning the Fraser Valley Soccer League’s Premier Men’s divisional title.

Port Moody, Abbotsford, North Delta, and Langley are in the mix.

This weekend features Pakenham Cup action, with United facing Chilliwack at 7 p.m.

The Pakenham Cup champion will earn a provincial berth.