After four games, Upper Island Riptide under 16 boys’ soccer team remains undefeated. Its 1-1 draw with arch-nemesis Saanich Fusion improves its record to 3-0-1.
The two resumed their rivalry on a cloudless Sunday afternoon at Tyndall Park in Victoria with many wondering if the calendar should read August. The turf field was in perfect shape and set the conditions for an entertaining and spirited affair.
From the beginning Riptide applied tremendous pressure with precision one-touch passes seeking the first goal. Quickly, at the six-minute mark following a series of passes, Taylor Arbour found himself in the box with the ball only to be run into by a Fusion defender before he could get away a shot. This resulted in a penalty shot. Arbour made no mistake with the opportunity and fired a bullet just inside the left post to give Riptide a 1-0 lead.
Riptide’s pressure continued with excellent passing, easily the players’ best effort of the season. Fusion could do little but kick the ball down field only to see Riptide return it to the Fusion end and resume pressure. Another long clearing pass entered the Riptide box and following an unusual series of events, resulting in defender and goalie down, the free ball allowed the Fusion striker to put it into the back of the net to tie the score 1-1. Given their play and superb ball control, for Riptide players this was bad luck.
For Fusion, it was a glimpse of hope where none had existed earlier. Fusion’s renewed spirits were short-lived as Riptide returned to its patient ball control style resulting in a number of shots on net and near misses. Just prior to the half, and a sign of things to come, a wonderful cross from a Fusion mid-fielder landed perfectly at the feet of a Fusion defender, in the centre of the box. This golden opportunity was quickly extinguished with Ryan Cessford’s well-timed ball tackle that cleared the ball from danger.
It was an impressive half of soccer by Riptide allowing only one shot, costly as it was. The mid-fielders, particularly Derek Mellish and Cole Freeman, dominated the centre sending Grayson Chalifoux and Arbour free with goal opportunities.
The second half saw much more even play with Fusion determined to change momentum. Fusion’s best opportunity came off a penalty kick straight to a Fusion striker who headed the ball on net. This was easily Fusion’s best opportunity, however goalkeeper Michael Girard was positioned perfectly, making a dangerous shot seem harmless. Fusion’s efforts resulted in three shots on net in the half and four during the game.
Riptide had its opportunities as well, particularly in the final 10 minutes of the match. Determined for a road victory, on turf for the first time this season, quick short passes resulted in several opportunities from the top of the box. However, Fusion’s defence quickly collapsed around Riptide attackers, nullifying attempts for the game-winning goal. The match finished tied 1-1.
Overall, this was an excellent game between the top two teams in Vancouver Island Premier League under 16 boys’ soccer. For Riptide, this match was its best effort so far this season.
