With the 2012 Island Cup and Coastal Cup championships already in its pocket, Powell River U14 Cobras girls’ soccer team was ready to defend its BC Soccer Association (BCSA) Provincial championship it won at home last July.
This year’s competition was held in Kelowna and it was obvious from the outset that all teams wanted to dethrone the champs.
Cobras’ first match was against hometown Kelowna United FC and the rust from not playing a competitive match since early May was quite evident. Looking to find their rhythm the girls worked hard and soon were rewarded when Rachel Horspool knocked in a ball during a goal-mouth scramble. Long grass coupled with heat played a part in some disjointed play from both sides. Horspool kicked in her second of the game with a well-placed shot from just inside the penalty area. Kelowna maintained momentum, though, as it pleased fans with a goal of its own, knocking in a deflection off a free kick.
The second half saw two quality teams battle it out until Destiny Dendewicz followed up on a rebound and slid the insurance marker past the keeper into the back of the net. This seemed to deflate Kelowna and Cobras carried play until the final whistle signalled the end of an entertaining opening match.
The second day saw higher temperatures, 28 degrees, as the Cobras’ game was scheduled for 1 pm. Vernon United girls, fresh off an easy victory the previous day, were the next opponents. Vernon came out hard and had the Powell River girls on their heels. However, Cobras fought back and by half-time both teams were well into the game.
The second half started 0-0, which was a fair indication of play, and with Cobras realizing that Vernon could stand between it and the final each girl came out with renewed vigor. Play was pretty much all in the Vernon end except for a couple of counter attacks. Powell River had good chances on semi-breakaways and even hit a cross bar but no goals. With about 10 minutes left Cobras got the break it was looking for. Brittany Harry sent a perfect corner kick into the middle of the penalty area where Braea Mayenburg was waiting to head home the goal.
With time ticking down Cobras showed experience by killing the clock sending balls to the corner flags and forcing Vernon to retrieve and move the full length of the field to attack.
With the 1-0 victory Cobras were one win away from the final. Cobras’ opponent for its third and final round robin match was Terrace. Powell River started out very quickly and penned its opponents in the Terrace end. Unfortunately, this pressure did not equate into any goals. Terrace countered well and had a goal called back for a hand ball. This was a definite wake-up call for Cobras. Finally, Harry sent a laser past the keeper.
Up by one at the half, Cobras regrouped and played its best soccer thus far. With about 15 minutes left in the game Terrace was awarded an indirect free kick from 17 yards out which it converted tying the game. That didn’t last long though as Harry struck again with a long range blast clearly beating the keeper and restoring Cobras’ one-goal lead. This turned out to be the game winner and sent Powell River to the provincial cup final for the second straight year.
Playing under adverse weather conditions for Cobras usually means cold wintery weather, however on the day of the final it meant playing in temperatures reaching 38 degrees. Playing against Nelson was a surprise to Cobras as it had beaten a couple of strong teams to reach the championship match. Cobras struck early with Horspool notching her third of the competition. Not to be out-done Harry also scored her third to give Cobras an early two-goal lead. Before the game was 15 minutes old Cobras scored again with Calli-Ann Abbott finding the back of the net.
With a three-goal lead heading into the second half the team was confident but still wanted more and Harry satisfied this with a rocket into the top corner. Although the Nelson girls were game the team was no match for Powell River. The final nail was hammered home by Cassidy Ball with a long-range shot that sailed over the goalkeeper into the top of the goal. The game ended with Cobras on the right end of a 5-0 score securing their second straight BCSA “B” Cup Championship.
The girls had a target on their backs all season long and especially during the provincials. With strong team play they improved with each game. Each team member knew her role and performed to her capabilities, showing once again why Cobras are provincial champs.
