After an exceptional game upon returning from the winter break, the Cowichan Cougars Over-30 women’s soccer team were in for a tough match against Castaways United on Jan. 22 at the Sherman Road turf.
Following a moment for the late Billy Keserich Jr., a mainstay of the Cowichan soccer community who died unexpectedly before Christmas, the top league’s top team began the game by hemming the third-place Cougars into their own half.
Castaways scored midway through the first half and went on to score three more in the contest.
“They were better than us, but we had a few bad breaks, too,” said midfielder Monni Savory.
The Cougars have a bye this coming weekend.
DIV. 1
Cowichan FC, presented by The Society Barbershop and Cafe, played to a draw with the Prospect Lake Lakers at the Sherman Road turf on Jan. 22.
While not expected, the result was in line with the position of the two sides in the standings, Cowichan fourth overall at 6-3-4 and Prospect Lake ninth with an 0-9-3 record.
Cowichan held the edge in play for much of the first half and the team pushed forward for a strong move in the 19th minute.
“Cowichan forward Taya Brubacher juked a defender and sent the ball across the crease towards Jada Hill,” explained coach Adam Paulson. “A Prospect Lake defender had no choice but to try and stop the pass, inadvertently turning the pass into her own net.”
Cowichan would pay for their missed chances, and in the second half Prospect started to carry more of the play. An attack down the left wing led to a ball across the crease that just eluded a diving Cowichan keeper Kate Collins, and Prospect forward Jen Fraser was on hand to knock it in from five yards out.
“We had our opportunities to put the game away early, but didn’t have our shooting boots on unfortunately. When you leave teams in games, these kind of results can happen,” Paulson noted. “We have been riding our luck throughout the year, and today we paid for it. Hopefully the ladies can learn from it, and be a little more ruthless when we get chances.”
Up next Cowichan FC visits Castaways on Jan. 28 at the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence. Kick-off is 6 p.m.
DIV. 3
The Cowichan Cobras faced Sooke at the Sherman Road turf Jan. 21. Despite a strong showing, the Cobras were outscored 3-1. The team has got a bye next weekend.