The Port Alberni Athletics U15 Girls soccer team accomplished their goal of defending their title of Vancouver Island Invitational Cup Champions.
The team played on April 30 in Cowichan, versus the Victoria champion, Peninsula-Prospect Lake, for the U15 Island Cup. This was mostly the same team that the Athletics played in the U14 Cup last year.
It was a sunny but very windy day in Cowichan. The Athletics chose to have the wind behind them in the first half. Port Alberni had the edge for most of the first 40 minutes, and carried a 2-0 lead, thanks to a last minute goal, into the half. The Athletics showed some fantastic team passing and defending in the first half.
Prospect Lake used the wind to their advantage in the second half, scoring a goal to make it 2-1 with about 20 minutes left. Then they scored to tie with about 15 minutes left.
There was some furious action up and down the field towards the end, but regulation ended in a 2-2 draw.
The two teams proceeded directly to penalty kicks, which is perhaps more nerve-wracking for the parents.
Port Alberni chose to kick second, giving them the potential last shot. The Athletics’ keeper stopped the first shot, then their own shooter scored to make it 1-0 Port.
Prospect Lake scored, followed by another Athletics’ goal, to make it 2-1 after round two. Prospect Lake missed again, followed by a third Athletics’ goal.
The opposition then missed their 4th shot, handing the Athletics’ the victory, even without their 4th and 5th shots. The team was very excited and thrilled with another victory to end the season.
Well done, players and coaches! The team would again like to thank Remax, Mountain View Bakery, and Coulson’s for their support.