The Cowichan Cougars gave Gorge FC a true test at Evans Park last Sunday, but weren’t quite able to upset the team that currently holds second place in the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association Over 30A division.
“We thought we would match up well at our home park,” Cowichan coach Darian Achurch said. “They have beaten us in our two previous matches this year and are in second place but we know we can beat this team.”
The teams traded chances in the early going, and the Cougars held a slight edge in terms of possession, but it was Gorge who struck first. Cowichan appeared to tie the score soon after when a shot by Stacey DeLusignan dinged the inside of the post and slid behind the Gorge keeper. Most of the players thought the ball was already in, but a scramble ensued in which the Gorge goalie was able to keep the ball from going over the line.
It wasn’t long after that incident that Cowichan actually did manage to tie the score when a ball from DeLusignan found Caryn Taylor, who buried it.
“It was a great free kick by Stacey that got knocked right to me,” Taylor said. “I didn’t want to take any chances so just slammed it into the back of the net.”
Gorge regained the lead before the end of the first half, capitalizing when an advantage was played after a Gorge player was screaming for a foul. Both teams had chances to score in the second half, but only Gorge converted, adding some insurance in the final minutes.
The Cougars are now tied for fifth in the Over 30A division, but fourth place will be within reach when the season resumes in January.
kevin.rothbauer@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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