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Two Riptide soccer teams advance to Costal Cup semis

Two Upper Island Riptide soccer teams have advanced to the semi-finals of the Coastal Cup – where teams compete against A-Cup sides from the Lower Mainland attempting to secure a place at A-Cup provincials.
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The Riptide U18 boys soccer team hosts the Central City Breakers “Elite” in the semi-finals of the Coastal Cup April 28. Photo supplied

Two Upper Island Riptide soccer teams have advanced to the semi-finals of the Coastal Cup – where teams compete against A-Cup sides from the Lower Mainland attempting to secure a place at A-Cup provincials.

Last weekend, the U18 boys and U15 girls both defeated Lower Mainland teams in Coastal Cup quarters.

The boys faced the BC Tigers from Surrey in Campbell River. The last time the boys had played together was the VIPL final March 10 when they qualified for A-Cup provincials. With players from Alert Bay, Port Hardy, Campbell River, Powell River and the Comox Valley, it is a geographical challenge to gather the team. The boys started sluggishly and spotted the opposition a 1-0 lead after a soft foul near the top of the box and a great strike by the opposition winger. A tactical adjustment in midfield resulted in the Riptide winning most 50-50 balls, and limiting the Tigers to few chances. The home side led 2-1 at half. Strong passing and composed play in the second half led to a 5-1 win.

“This was a solid overall performance with some key tackles on the defensive end, and scoring from our central midfielders and strikers,” said Shel Brodsgaard, Riptide co-ordinator.

Next weekend the team competes at the SX Showcase in Surrey. On April 28, they face the Central City Breakers “Elite” in the semi-finals of the Coastal Cup at home.

The girls played a metro team from Port Moody in Comox. The Riptide struck first at minute 15 from defender Gillianne Stewardson, and at minute 27 midfielder Megan Linegar made it 2-0 with a left-footed blast from beyond the 18-yard box. The goals continued for Riptide as striker Kassi Ackinclose netted a late one to end the half at 3-0. The second half was much like the first. The Riptide continued to move the ball and found the net three more times. Kassi scored again, followed by Savannah Meeres and Alex Vinzenz. Central defender Sienna Stigant had a brilliant game, and goalkeeper Chiara Levesconte made an excellent save on a breakaway early in the second. The girls’ next Coastal Cup game is at home on the April 27-28 weekend.