The U14 Riptide girls began the second half of the soccer season last weekend in Nanaimo against the Storm. With three weeks off over the holiday season and two practices before their first game of 2018, the match promised to be an interesting affair. The last meeting between these two teams ended 3-2 in favour of Nanaimo.
The game started strong from both sides. With a few positional switches, the Riptide was hoping to create a new look to their game. It was a move that paid off early. At minute 17, the team was awarded a free kick just outside the Storm’s 18-yard box. Midfielder Meaghan Linegar, who had played centre defence, was given the bell to ring. Her shot at first didn’t seem threatening, but it contained just enough English to make its way to the back of the net. The erupting Riptide fans had a new weapon, the cow bell, which rang repetitively. The half ended 1-0.
The second half began like the first. Midfielders Sienna Stigant and Jessica Postle controlled the ball and created opportunities for the strikers and support for the defenders. As play continued, it was evident the Riptide did not want to lose. Midfielder Kailena Krutzmann was given the role of striker for this game and took every opportunity to create scoring chances. She made no mistake on her best chance. The ball made its way from defender Avery Sorenson to right midfielder Milei Stewart to centre midfielder Jessica Postle to striker Katie Anderson. Positioned high and wide, Katie released the ball onto a running Kailena, who took the Storm by surprise as she was left by herself 20 yards outside the box. Kai, as her team calls her, went one-on-one with the goalie and slotted the ball head height in the corner making it 2-0, which stood until the final whistle. The cow bell and fans double erupted, which only energized the team.
Next week, the U14s are on the road against Victoria South.