Riptide under-18 boys team is now standing at the top of Vancouver Island Soccer League’s under-21 division.
In its most recent game, Riptide scored twice in the opening 10 minutes and cruised to a 3-1 win over a talented Bays United under-21 side. Quick goals by Liam Wirth and Derek Mellish in the opening minutes set the tone for the match. While Bays were determined to even matters, a stout Riptide defence provided few opportunities for the visiting side from Victoria. Wirth’s second goal of the match, halfway through the second half, rounded out the scoring for Riptide. Bays’ lone goal was a wonderful header off a corner kick, spoiling a shutout opportunity for Riptide goalie Ben Chamberlain, whose play this season has been exceptional.
The victory improves Riptide’s record to 5-0-0, for 15 points and top spot in the under-21 division. This is an impressive feat given Riptide is comprised entirely of under-18 players. In second place are Victoria Highlanders (3-0-2) with 11 points.
Next up for Riptide is a home field match versus third place Juan de Fuca under-21. The following weekend is a visit to Victoria to play perennial power Victoria Highlanders under-21. These will be well contested matches, with the outcome likely to play a critical role in the standings by the end of the year.
Riptide is a competitive representative side comprised of players from Powell River, Texada Island, Comox Valley and Campbell River. For more information, readers can visit the league online.
