United started well enough with an early goal from cagey veteran, Chris "Thunder from Down Under" Woodcock. The United hitman strode past the Nanaimo defence to calmly slot past the oncoming goalie in the 5th minute.
If nerves were a factor for United, they didn't show with good early work being done on the flanks through Matty "Pickup-the" Kones and Vinnie "Smith" Poldrugavac. Also new United signing, Mani Bains worked well with returning United midfielder Jeff "The Other Geoff is Better Looking" Lenton in the centre of the park.
In the first half, Nanaimo didn't really press United and Woodcock soon got his second after some great build up play by the United midfield. He beat the offside trap again to push the ball into the bottom corner.
Soon after, Woodcock would get his hat trick with a similar goal to the first two and United were cruising after 45 minutes.
We Googled Chris Woodcock for this stock photo
After the interval, United looked sluggish as the coaching staff attempted to use their subs to maximum effect. Unfortunately, Nanaimo were a fitter squad and really started running at the United defence.
Despite this pressure, United carved out a solid chance or two but Joe "The Body" Ventura was unable to finish past the Nanaimo keeper after getting himself in some excellent positions.
Nanaimo continued to pressure and it paid off with a well hit shot in the 56th. All of sudden Nanaimo were on the board, without ever really being a threat to United.
Nanaimo continued to rally against the flagging United and got a fortunate second goal after some intense pressure in the United half.
It was clear that United had to tighten up and make some decisions. Benny "Tickle Me Elmo" Stanchfield and Ryan "How Much Time is Left Sir" Braun were immense at the back. They reassigned checks and allowed United to change formation - which effectively relieved the Nanaimo pressure on the backline.
In the end, United might have had another goal or two but got across the line with the three points. It was clear that fitness needs work but the signs are there that they could have another marquee season.
Man of the Match - Chris Woodcock
Honourable mentioned to Ryan Braun who had a steady performance in the back.
Holle-Nash Tribute to America Award - Joe Ventura - could have had a hat trick.
Moan of the Match - Not having unlimited subs.
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