An injury-riddled Cowichan Cougars team still managed to pose a serious challenge to Castaways, the top team in the Lower Island Women’s Soccer League’s Over-30A division.
The Cougars got off to a great start in the game at the PISE field, but the Castaways goalie thwarted their best scoring chance, tipping a Cowichan shot over the bar.
“If that shot went in, it was a totally different game,” Cowichan coach Darian Achurch said. “The momentum swung to their team at that point and we couldn’t mount a sustained attack.”
Both teams were shorthanded due to injuries, but Cowichan continued to lose players throughout the game. By the time the match was over, there wasn’t a healthy body on the bench.
“It was a tough game at the end,” Cowichan defender Michelle Steeves observed. “We had players limping on the field but no one to replace them.”
Castaways scored their first goal on a nice passing play in the first half, despite the best efforts of Cowichan goalkeeper Sara Tweten. The second goal came late in the second half when Castaways scored against the play as Cowichan pushed for the equalizer.
The Cougars will play at home this Sunday, hosting Gorge at Evans Park at 10 a.m.