Cowichan United resumed the U21 soccer season with a 3-2 loss to the Mid Isle Mariners in Ladysmith last Sunday.
“Obviously, it was the first game back from the Christmas break for both teams,” Cowichan coach Tyler Hughes said. “We were a little rusty in the first half, but we weren’t out of the game by any stretch. The goals we gave up, we played poor defence on them. It’s hard to give up three goals and expect to win games.”
The goals weren’t to be blamed on goalkeeper Braeden Nash, who had an excellent outing, highlighted by three rapid-fire saves in a matter of seconds during the first half.
“Braeden has been fantastic all year,” Hughes said. “We haven’t actually had a shutout all year, but based on what I’ve seen, he’s the best goalie in the league. It’s unfortunate we have defensive blunders, but at the age they’re at, that’s what you’re gonna get. Inconsistency and mental lapses are part of the game. Braeden has been one of our most consistent players all year.”
The first-year Cowichan team emerged as contenders during the first part of the season, and the coaches and players decided to focus on more than just development as the year progresses.
“In the second half, as a group, we’ve decided to put more emphasis on results,” Hughes explained. “We’re gonna work on different formations in terms of what the other team brings and what do we do at different stages of the game.
“It will take some work to get where we want to be, for sure.”
Scoring against Mid Isle were Devin Jack and Logan Kits, the former with his first goal of the season, and the second with his 11th, tied for first in the league.
“Devin was hurt for a while and he’s just starting to come back. He did alright,” Hughes said. “Logan, any time he’s on the field, he’s a threat to the defence. He creates a lot of opportunities.”
Cowichan will play at home this Sunday, hosting Lakehill at 2:15 p.m. Lakehill is tied with Mid Isle for second in the league, one point back of first-place Prospect Lake and one point ahead of Cowichan. Cowichan and Lakehill tied 1-1 when they last met in late October.