Playing in the worst conditions the team had ever faced in its entire existence, the Cowichan Cougars ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 score against Vic West in O30A women’s soccer action at Finlayson Park in Victoria last Friday.
With emergency-level flooding on its way, many roads already closed, and Div. 1 men’s games already cancelled, the women forged ahead with their match.
“That was the worst weather I have coached or played in,” coach Darian Achurch observed. “The rain was pounding down and the wind was whipping it sideways. It was a very difficult drive both there and back over the Malahat.”
Vic West capitalized on playing downwind in the first half by scoring two goals on four shots.
“Both goals came on plays that normally would never occur,” admitted Ali Garnett, who filled in at right back for the game. “The wind was making the ball move and we just couldn’t judge the bounce right.”
When the teams switched ends at halftime, the Cougars were able to go on the attack, but the Vic West goalkeeper was able to track down their scoring attempts. A breakthrough finally came with 15 minutes left when Joeleen Achurch slammed home a rebound after Jenna Waddy was robbed by a diving save on the initial shot. Down by a goal, the Cougars pushed hard to equalize but ran out of time.
The race for provincials is coming down to the wire, with three teams vying for the final two spots, and only three points separating them. The Cougars will look to secure a valuable three points this Sunday when they host Prospect Lake at Evans Park at 10 a.m.