North Island Riptide U16 boys’ soccer team easily defeated Cowichan Valley RFC 3-0 in the final Vancouver Island Premier League match prior to the Christmas break.
A truly splendid December afternoon, benefitting from balmy eight degree temperatures and a pause in the rain storm, could not remediate the new Evans Park pitch, still sloppy from the night before’s downpour.
The match was a rather leisurely affair with all players careful not to overcommit in fear of losing their footing. Early Riptide pressure resulted in several corners, however it took until the 18th minute for a long pass to reach Taylor Arbour who flew by the Cowichan defender for a wide-open breakaway. Arbour had plenty of time to choose the low righthand corner for the first goal. Unfortunately, celebrations were cut short with a questionable offside call, nullifying the fine effort.
With 10 minutes remaining in the half, a more concerted Riptide effort placed heavy pressure on Cowichan, resulting in a Cowichan defender flattening Riptide’s forward Karson Kroetsch in the box. Travis Brown was given the honours of the penalty kick and, in a replay of previous events, also selected low right for the first goal. Once again, celebrations were curtailed as a Riptide forward had entered the box early, nullifying the goal. Brown’s second shot was stopped on an excellent save. The first half ended 0-0.
Riptide began the second half more determined to find results. Less than 10 minutes into the half, Brown was at it again. Receiving a quick short pass, he fired low left, easily past the Cowichan goalkeeper. This time the celebrations were not disrupted, 1-0.
At the 63rd minute, William Blouin-Comeau teed up and launched a bullet from five metres inside the midfield line. The shot was pure venom into the top right-hand corner with no doubt it would find the back of the net. Blouin-Comeau has been looking for that shot all season and struck the ball perfectly.
The final goal was off a corner kick in the 72nd minute. Niko Cristante’s left foot delivered the ball to Anthony Vigernon in the centre of the box and his one-touch goal finished the scoring, 3-0.
Alex Jones stepped in for Michael Girard as goalkeeper for Riptide. All-star Girard has been selected to play for Mountain United FC out of North Vancouver and continues with the Whitecaps’ residency goalkeeper practice squad. Riptide defenders welcomed Jones with little action, not allowing a single shot to get to him during the afternoon.
With 12 games in the books, Riptide remains in top spot in league standings with 27 points (8-1-3) and a mere one point advantage over rivals Saanich Fusion (7-0-5).
