Powell River United over 35 FC took to the field Sunday, April 14, in the first round of the BC Provincial Cup against defending champions Westside FC of Vancouver Metro Soccer League.
The match started with the visitors moving the ball well and keeping a large part of the possession. Early in the half, United striker Lee Illing was sent in on a partial breakaway only to have his shot go wide of the net.
Competition was tough, but United managed to keep the score level until about the 15-minute mark when a Westside striker made a run down the wing and crossed a ball into the box that was buried into the back of the net behind goalie Rick Bombardir.
Play continued with Westside maintaining most of the possession and United had to play solid defence. Bombardir made a few key saves to keep the score 1-0 at the half.
The second half saw a different United team. United was able to regain some of the possession and began to have some chances on the visitors’ net. Again, Bombardir did a great job in keeping the score close and gave United the boost it needed to get the tying goal. On a corner kick, United player Tony Leach sent a cross into the box that was met by Darren Mousseau. Mousseau managed to chest the ball into the back of the visitors’ net tying the game at one a piece. The large crowd that had assembled for the game began to buzz as there was a feeling that United might be able to get another goal. Both teams had chances on net with both goalies doing well to keep the game tied at the final whistle.
The game then went into overtime which consists of two 15-minute halves followed by a shootout if the game were to remain even.
During the overtime halves Westside seemed to regain its composure dominating possession but United did well to thwart any chances on net. All United players put in a great effort to keep the game even and forcing the shootout.
The fans at the pitch moved close to the sidelines as the two teams sorted out who would be taking the shots. First up was United’s Brent Garraway who stepped up and had his ball just miss the outside of the net. Westside took their shot which also went wide, 0-0. Tony Rice stepped up for United and calmly buried it into the back of the net, 1-0. Westside then stepped up and also put it away to even up the score at 1-1. Leach was next to shoot and he just placed it wide giving Westside the chance to take the lead. Bombardir had different plans and made a diving save to keep it even. Aaron Cramb buried his shot away giving United the lead 2-1. Westside again hoped to tie things up and Bombardir made another great save to keep United up a goal. Next for United was Dean Piccinin who buried it into the back of the net giving United the win. Players poured onto the pitch and celebrated the win and the move into the quarter-finals.
United’s next match will be played this coming weekend, April 20 and 21 in Vancouver against Columbus FC of the Vancouver Metro Soccer League.
