Cowichan’s entries in the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association got the 2018-19 season off to a good start last weekend.
The Div. 2 women’s team battled to a 2-2 tie with Castaways on the Sherman Road turf on Friday night, and the over-30 Cowichan Cougars edged Gorge 2-1 at Evans Park on Sunday morning.
Castaways opened the scoring on Friday night early in the second half when they powered through the Cowichan box for a quick low shot. Cowichan was awarded a penalty kick later in the half for a foul on Jamie Ashcroft, and Nicole Pugh converted it to even things at 1-1. Brianna Nutgens gave Cowichan the lead with a shot outside the 18-yard box that went in just below the crossbar, and Castaways tied the score soon after.
“Both teams fought hard in the first game of the season, breaking in the winter sport in the rain,” Cowichan co-coach Darby Aitchison said.
On Sunday, Tarah Robertson opened the scoring for Cowichan in her first game with the Cougars. Gorge tied the game from a scramble in Cowichan’s end. The Cougars had many chances to score in the first half, hitting three crossbars, but it wasn’t until late in the game that Stacey DeLusignan scored the winner.
Amanda Sidhu made her debut with the Cougars, and had a strong game in midfield.
“I was really happy with how the ladies played,” said Bill Keserich Jr., who filled in for head coach Darian Achurch. “And it looks like they are off to a great season.”
The Div. 2 team visits Gorge United at Hampton Park on Sunday, and the Cougars visit Juan De Fuca at Royal Bay this Friday.