The Alberni Athletics U14 Girls’ Soccer team continue to have a great season. After an extended break for Christmas, and then some poor weather that affected ferry travel in early January, they were back in action on Jan. 24, in Comox for the Island Invitational playoff.
It was a round robin playoff with Comox, Powell River and Port Alberni. The winner would represent the Upper Island in the Island Invitational against Victoria in April.
The Athletics first played Powell River, who had just played to a 1-1 tie with Comox earlier in the day. Port Alberni came out very aggressively against Powell River and stifled a normally strong offence. Powell River scored first but the Athletics fought back and tied the game on a beautiful goal by a midfielder jumping into the play.
There was also a fantastic save by the Athletics’ keeper to preserve the tie.
Next, the team played Comox, knowing that a win would put them through to the Island final. It was an exciting back and forth game, with scoring chances at both ends. Port Alberni scored with about five minutes remaining to go up 1-0. They held off an attack to get the victory.
As is always the case, strong team defence was the Athletics’ hallmark. They will play in the Island Invitational finals in Comox on April 9.
The playoffs continued on Feb. 7, as the Athletics shut out Comox 6–0 on home turf in a provincial qualifier semi-final.
They will travel to Powell River on Feb. 14 for a one-game playoff, with the winner then heading to Victoria to play for a spot at the provincials.
The team would again like to thank Remax, Mountain View Bakery, and the Coulson Group for their support.
EDITED: Whichever team wins on Feb. 14 would first go to Victoria to play for a spot at the provincials. Thank you to Shaun Rust for clarifying the point we missed. ~ Editor Susie Quinn