A battle between the top two teams in Vancouver Island Premier League (VIPL) U15 boys’ soccer finally took place in a long anticipated Sunday showdown for league title.
Saanich Fusion has been machine-like in dominating opponents week after week to earn a stellar 10-1-0 record heading into this match while North Island Riptide has an equally impressive 9-0-1 record. With the title, the winner earns a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
With so much at stake, the atmosphere at Pinecrest Field in Campbell River was Superbowl-like with the large crowd basking in an occasional splash of sun.
Riptide forced the attack from the start. Deft one-touch passing and quick give-and-goes saw Riptide quickly advance the ball into the Fusion end to apply solid pressure. Receiving a wonderful lead pass and a quick burst, Anthony Vigernon found an opening along the right wing, however his shot just missed the open short side five minutes in. The pressure was unrelenting as several minutes later Taylor Arbour teed up another wonderful pass from the left flank only to pound it wide left. To see the play it was a wonder Riptide’s last league game took place six weeks earlier.
Riptide lost focus as Fusion fought back, and Riptide’s reckless play resulted in numerous penalties. However, Riptide goalkeeper, Michael Girard made some great saves to keep his side alive.
Determination from both teams was evident throughout with a number of collisions. Perhaps the worst saw Ben Payne of Powell River in a grizzly clash with a Fusion forward.
With 10 minutes remaining in the half, Niko Cristante, also from Powell River, subbed into the forward slot eliciting a cheer from the crowd. Having a broken leg following the third match of the season, Cristante has been the model of persistence and teamwork never missing an opportunity to support the team in any way.
The second half began with a recharged Riptide side playing with new found determination. Brandon Rairie moved from defender to forward. Coach Henry Roller’s tactical decision and “pep talk” at the half had the desired effect. Riptide had a number of opportunities and the pressure resulted in penalties.
Receiving an excellent lead pass, Rairie split the defence leaving the Fusion defender little choice but to take the man resulting in a penalty from 20 yards out. The indirect kick saw Ben Gastis touch and then Payne launch the missile. The ball bounced off two Fusion players before ending up in the back of the net.
Riptide continued to force the action. Receiving a pass from Declan Arnold, Ryan Cessford weaved through two defenders only to see his shot careen off the crossbar. While Fusion displayed great character, its determination to equal the score fell short to a Riptide team that on this day would not lose. As the Fusion bench carried only two subs, it may not have had its full lineup. These two teams will likely meet again in the playoffs. With a full lineup Fusion will be very determined and formidable.
Next for Riptide (10-0-1) is its final league match on Sunday, February 19 versus Gorge in Comox. The first playoff game for Riptide will be on March 4. Winner of the VIPL playoffs advances to the provincials in July and the Coastal A Cup tournament, which culminates with the finals in Richmond in May.
