The Comox Valley United Div. 1 men’s soccer team started brightly and on the front foot Saturday in Cowichan.
After having the balance of play in the first 20 minutes, Brandon Bergh had an outstanding one-touch finish from a delicious cross from Liam Creek which capped off a 10-pass breakout from the back. At about 30 minutes, Cowichan found its form and United was under heavy pressure for the remainder of the half. Despite fending off a number of good chances, Cowichan equalized through Patty Nelson on a quick counter just before the half.
The second half was evenly matched. Comox Valley defended resolutely and generated a number of good chances off the counter. Controversy came with 10 minutes remaining when United’s Kellen Arnink was taken down from behind on a goal-scoring opportunity, which on another day would have been a penalty shot and a sending-off for the Cowichan defender. Not to be deterred, United’s hard work paid off at 85 minutes when game MVP Peter McWilliams banged in an excellent header. Not content with a one-goal win, McWilliams again headed home at 90 minutes with an effort from the back post. A fourth went in as well in the last minute but Joe Butcher’s goal was called back on an offside.
After so many heart-breaking, last-minute losses to Cowichan over the past few seasons, it was a great character win for the lads and a tremendous performance.
United is back home Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Vanier turf where they host Vantreights. Kickoff is 6 p.m.