After getting off to an excellent start in their first four games of the Vancouver Island Soccer League season, the Masters B Cowichan Steelheads suffered their second straight loss last Sunday, falling 2-0 to Castaways Juniors.
According to player-coach George White, it all comes down to Cowichan being a newcomer to the league.
"I really don't think we played poorly, and I don't think they are a better team," White said. "Midway through the first round of play, I think what we are facing is a lack of maturity. We came out strong at the start of the season and caught the established teams off guard but they have been together for years and we are coming up on two
months together, less than a month with our final roster. We just need to age a bit: our old guy team is too young."
Rick Juliusson became the third goalie to step between the posts for the Steelheads this season and performed well, both in terms of stopping and distributing the ball. The Cowichan back line also played well, refusing to back down from the larger Castaways front line, and the Steelheads' midfield also had a strong game, demonstrating plenty of composure.
"Overall it was a fun and clean game and I am pretty sure they won't beat us next time if we keep going the way we are," White said.
With a record of two wins, two draws and two defeats, the Steelheads remain in the middle of the pack, seventh of 12 teams.