Upper Island Riptide under-18 boys soccer team is back on track with winning. The team plays in the Vancouver Island Soccer under-21 League. Most recently, Riptide won 3-1 against Nanaimo United FC with goals from Liam Wirth, Travis Brown and Karson Kroetsch.
Before then, however, Riptide had an upset with a rare loss. The boys travelled to Hampton Park in Victoria to take on Gorge FC U21 and fell to a 1-0 loss in a highly competitive match.
From the beginning, Gorge, sitting third in the standings, was a very determined side and with crisp passes and excellent ball control generated a number of scoring opportunities. The Gorge build-up often started from the backs then pushing the ball wide created space down the middle. The taller mid-fielders played to their advantage and regularly won possession on well-aimed crosses.
Gorge had the advantage of possession, however Riptide backs played well and managed to keep premium scoring opportunities to a minimum. As the end of the first half was nearing, a run down the right sideline by a Gorge mid-fielder again created space for a sharp pass into the 18-yard box, followed by a quick heel pass to a striker and Gorge had a 1-0 lead not two minutes before half-time.
The second half began with Riptide pressing to equal the score. Gorge countered by changing tactics and keeping players back to defend. Riptide’s long passes down the middle provided some moments of hope for the visiting side though Gorge defended well. The best opportunities were often from the set-piece, penalties or corner kicks, and where open nets were available but uncharacteristically could not be found.
As the match carried onto the latter stages Gorge ball possession style took a toll on Riptide who pressed hard for the equalizer but could not get the result. In the end it was a well-earned Gorge victory.
Gorge is a skilled side and played with the advantage of size. That said, there were moments Riptide ball control and quick passes put Gorge players on their back heels and were awarded with a penalty or corner. The moment to square matters will need to wait as the rematch is not until February 2015.
Riptide is at the mid-point in the regular season and is in second place, one point behind the Victoria Highlanders and two points up on Gorge who have a game in hand. For the younger Riptide side, this is quite an accomplishment and the goal of a first-place outcome remains within reach. Players Niko Cristante and Ben Payne from Powell River and Brandon Rairee from Texada Island are on the team, which has its home on northern Vancouver Island.
Riptide’s next game will be Saturday, December 6 against Mid-Isle Highlanders. This will be a difficult match-up as the Highlanders are substantially the Vancouver Island University squad that just completed their college season and earned a National Silver medal in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships.
