The Cowichan 49ers played host to Romania FC, the VMSL's runners up, on April 12 at the Sherman Road turf in a provincial quarterfinal match.
Romania FC beat Lakehill 1-0 to advance to meet the league champions who felt great going into the match thanks to some fresh blood.
"We've got some new members of the squad this year," said team spokesperson Neall Rowlings. "Blair Sturrock played professionally, Wes Barrett who also played at the highest level, join Jordan Korva, Craig Robertson, and Jake Bryne, as well as Jose Muro from our Division 1 squad. This influx of young quality players should help beef up our returning core."
Cowichan had a 2-0 lead at the half with goals from Sturrock and Steven Scott. By the end of the game, the 49ers had amassed a 4-1 score thanks to a Gjoa Carr brace.
Cowichan moves on to play SFC Pegasus in the provincial semi-finals the weekend of April 25.
The winner moves on to play for the Deryl Hughes Men's Masters 'A' Cup in the provincial final on May 3 in Richmond.
Meanwhile, the Cowichan Cougars looked to advance in the Women's Master's 'B' provincial competition as they met Nanaimo United FC on April 12 in the quarter-final round.
The two teams played three times during the regular season, tying 1-1 twice and Cowichan losing 1-0 but the quarterfinal match wasn't as close. The Cougars were blanked 5-0 to end their season.
The Cowichan Storm ended their year as runners up for the Leversedge Cup after a 2-1 shootout loss to Sooke on March 29. Erin Greeves scored Cowichan's goal.
