In its short four-year existence in rep play, Powell River Cobras girls’ soccer team has exerted its dominance up and down Vancouver Island.
This continued recently as the Cobras under-16 team played in its fourth Vancouver Island cup championships. Cobras opponents were the Victoria league champions, Saanich Fusion. Port Alberni were the hosts of the event which pits the best from the South Island against the best from the North Island in ages U13-U18 in boys’ and girls’ divisions.
The Cobras, who were three-time defending champions, showed why as they carried the play to the strong Saanich side. Having played each other on many previous occasions there was no need for a feeling-out period. Powell River scored early with Brittany Harry blasting a shot past a startled goalkeeper. With time winding down in the first half, Cobras struck again when Callie McNeil pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box giving her team a 2-0 lead going into the second half.
The Cobras had a couple more scoring chances in the final half but unfortunately the ball did not find its way into the net. With good goalkeeping from Destiny Dendewicz and strong defensive play from the back line of Cassidy Ball, Emily Mayenburg, MacKenzie Balzan, Sydney Liknes and Ricci Leitch, the shutout was preserved.
The midfielders, consisting of Ondreah Kristof, McNeil, Santana Huetzelmann, Sydney Hanson and Allahna Somji, put constant pressure on their counterparts which shut down a potent Saanich attack. Up front, Harry, Sharlene Timothy and Erin Broughton provided the offensive attack. Making her return to the lineup after a torn anterior cruciate ligament was Rachel Horspool and missing due to sickness was Braea Mayenburg.
This latest championship gives the Cobras four island championships, two coastal cup championships and two provincial cup championships. Along with silver in each of the coastal cup and provincial cup, the Cobras cap off another successful season.
