NORTH Vancouver's two dominant senior girls soccer teams are both heading to the B.C. championships starting Thursday in Surrey and word around the pitch is that they're hoping there might a reunion in the provincial final.
"We talked about it a little bit with Argyle and we're actually hoping it's an Argyle Handsworth final, which would be the ultimate, perfect (ending)," said Anne Farnam, co-coach of Handsworth along with Carrie Sorokan. "That's what they said to me and what we said to them - 'we'd like to meet you there.' At least we're not playing each other early on and knocking each other out."
The two squads have taken turns at the top of the provincial pyramid in recent years. Handsworth finished second in 2008 before climbing the final rung in 2009 to win the title. Argyle followed suit, scoring a runner-up finish in 2010 before winning it all last season.
The two teams traded wins this year with Handsworth knocking off the Pipers 2-1 in their first regular season meeting April 16 and Argyle returning the favour with a 2-0 win May 2. The Royals ended up in first place giving themselves a smoother path to the provincial championships - a path they followed with no mistakes.
Needing just one win against Burnaby North, the Royals went on the road May 14 and put on a dominant display to claim a 2-0 victory and book their ticket to provincials.
"It was an extremely hot day and of course we were playing on Burnaby North turf," said Farnam. "We just pursued, pursued, pursued. We should have won by more than that - we should have had three or four goals in the first half. It just didn't happen, but it came through in the end. The girls played really hard and they just kept up the pressure the entire time, for the whole game. Once we got ahead they didn't let down at all. I was really proud of them."
Argyle finished second in the North Shore league - Handsworth edged them by a single point - so their road to the provincials was a little longer. They too, however, travelled it smoothly, picking up a 3-1 win over Sentinel before taking out the best of Burnaby. First it was a 4-1 win over Burnaby South May 15 and then two days later they got their crack at Burnaby North, winning 3-2 to join the Royals in the big show.
Now that they're both in - Handsworth failed to qualify the last two seasons while Argyle was parading to the final - Farnam sees no reason why they can't both make deep runs together.
"Both the teams are in there and they're both strong teams," she said. "I think that the North Shore has really a good chance of coming home with it."
The Royals are anchored by Grade 12 co-captains Anna Johnston and Lindsay Johansen, high-level players who lead a talented group.
"We have a lot of good players," said Farnam. "Good scorers at the front, strong defence. You have to be strong all over, you can't just think you're going to make it through there limping."
Handsworth is in a pool with Claremont, Centennial and Fleetwood Park, the host school. The Royals open their tournament with a marquee matchup against Fleetwood Thursday at 11 a.m. and Farnam is hoping that game sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.
"We need them to come out of the gate strong," she said. Only pool winners have a chance at making the final.
For Argyle to get through they'll need to win out against Panorama, Point Grey and Prince George. If the Royals and Pipers do each win their pools they won't have to face each other in the semifinals, meaning an all-North Shore final is possible.
There's still a lot of work to do, however, if that possibility is to become a reality after the teams fight through five games in just three days.
"It's not a cakewalk, it's not easy," said Farnam. "You've got to be playing your best soccer, in your best condition. Keeping the kids all iced and rested and eating properly - there's a lot to it. It's not just go play and let's have some fun."
All tournament games will be held at Surrey's Newton Athletic Park. For full schedules and results visit fleetwood2012.ca.
