The Comox Valley Masters Soccer men’s 45+ team dropped its record to 1-1-1 with a 3-2 loss Sunday in Nanaimo at Pioneer Park.
Midfielder Pat Bell put Comox up 1-0 in the first half by hitting the top corner from about 25 years out. Nanaimo equalized shortly thereafter, knotting the score at one at the half. Comox Valley went up 2-1 early in the second when striker Dennis Mirabelli pounced on a loose ball and one-timed it into the back of the net. The rest of the game was back and forth, but the home side managed to capitalize on two chances.
The previous weekend, Comox Valley’s 30+ and 55+ teams both won games at Valley View field.
The 55s, playing their season opener, beat Qualicum 2-0. Mike McManus set up Bell for the first goal in the first half. In the second half, McManus sealed the deal when he broke into the 18 yard box and beat Qualicum’s keeper with a low shot just inside the post. Gord Giesbrecht earned the shutout for Comox Valley.
The 30s found themselves down 2-0 to Port Alberni — a new team in the younger division. But the host side started to apply pressure in the second half, and were finally rewarded when forward Sean Kerrigan found the back of the net with a well-placed shot. Jerret Dickinson tied the score with a long cross/shot from the right side of the pitch. Comox Valley continued to pressure. As the clock was nearing 90 minutes, the ball made its way inside Port’s 18-yard box. Mason Walker was able to get his toe on the ball and put it past the visiting keeper for a 3-2 win.
The 30s next play Campbell River, Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Vanier turf. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m.
The 55s play in Qualicum Nov. 12. The 45s return to Nanaimo Sunday, Nov. 5.
•The Comox Valley United Div. 1 men’s soccer team drew 1-1 against Vic West, Saturday at the Vanier turf. Vic West is fourth in the Div. 1 standings with 12 points while Comox is tied for fifth with nine points. United hosts Lakehill Saturday at the turf. Kickoff is 6 p.m.