The Comox Valley United men's division 3 team had an important game Sunday as it was trying to distance itself from the Hellas in the battle for first place in the Vancouver Island Soccer League.
In third is Vantreights of Victoria who are only three points behind. Hellas and Comox Valley are tied in points but United has a game in hand.
Sunday's home game had some excitement and nervousness to start as both teams knew what was on the line. The first 10 minutes saw both teams feeling each other out, trying to impose their game on one another. On a corner kick at about the 15 minute mark, a Hellas player crossed the ball along the ground to the near post where a United defenceman, a Hellas forward and United's goalie were attacking to stop the ball, which somehow squeezed between all three and ended up in the net. Hellas led 1-0 at halftime.
Comox Valley slowly took over in the second half as it seemed their opponent was tiring a bit, or perhaps a sigh in their play. United was enjoying more possession and positional play as it knocked on the door for a goal.
At about the 65 minute mark, United winger Phil Ludwig crossed the ball onto the head of a fully extended Luke Phye who headed up over the goalie's hand into the far corner of the net.
With it tied 1-1, the game again became an even match.
The last 25 minutes saw the teams exchange a couple of half chances, but the game ended in a tie.
United has seven games remaining, two of which are against Vanteights in the new year.