The Comox Valley United Division 1 men’s soccer team went down fighting in the Jackson Cup, Vancouver Island championship.
March 16 at the Finlayson turf field in Victoria, the local side lost 1-0 to Westcastle United.
“We battled extremely hard, and limited the high-powered Westcastle attack to half-chances,” CVU’s Stefan Szkwarek said. “We had one moment where we lost full focus after a bad call by the ref and they scored.”
CVU had a goal disallowed — though Szkwarek feels it was onside.
“Really proud of the team as they played their hearts out and battled until the final whistle. Westcastle coaches were full of praise for our team and our approach.”
In the regular season standings, Westcastle sits second and CVU ninth in the VISL’s 10-team first division.
The two teams again faced each other Saturday, March 23 at the Vanier turf. CVU needed to win to remain in first division. The home side took a 1-0 lead into the half on a goal by forward Grayson Chalifoux, but the visitors equalized in the second half. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
At the end of the game, United donated $3,000 to CV Ground Search & Rescue. The team also donated $500 to the Arden Elementary lunch program.
CVU hosts Vic West in their final game of the season, Saturday at the turf.