Powell River Cobras U14 girls’ soccer team followed up its Coastal Cup championship with its second Vancouver Island Cup championship in two years. The island cup has been around for 48 years and pits the top gold-level teams from the Upper Island against Lower Island counterparts in a one-game final in ages U13 to U18 in both girls’ and boys’ divisions.
This year’s games were hosted by Nanaimo Youth Soccer Club and the Cobras were scheduled to play Prospect Lake Lakers. Prospect Lake came into the final at Caledonia Field as a highly touted opponent that went through its season undefeated and only conceded 10 goals in 15 matches.
Cobras are a very fit team and coupled with the warm weather, its game plan was to wear the Lakers down. Cobras struck early and often as players were relentless in their pursuit of the ball. This resulted in many turnovers and numerous early chances at net which in turn produced a 3-0 lead after only 15 minutes.
Strong play from the Laker goalkeeper, especially in the second half, kept the score close. With very little pressure on the defence the Cobras continued to push offensively which resulted in the fourth goal midway through the second half. Even with a 4-0 lead, the Cobras would not let up until the referee blew the final whistle signaling to the players and fans that they were once again Vancouver Island Cup champions.
Cobras consists of Ondreah Kristof, Syd Liknes, MacKenzie Balzan, Emily Mayenburg, Braea Mayenburg, Ricci Leitch, Rachel Horspool, Allahna Somji, Brittany Harry, Emily White, Santana Huetzelmann, Calli-Ann Abbott, Sydney Hanson, Cassidy Ball, Callie McNeil, Elise Hocking and Destiny Dendewicz.
The team is now preparing for the BC Soccer Association Provincial Championships in Kelowna this July.
