Comox Valley United had victory snatched from their grasp in extra time in Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 3B action Oct. 15 in Victoria.
The men's team travelled down to Victoria on Saturday to play Lakehill United. “Lakehill has not won a game as of yet and we knew that it was going to be a battle,” said Comox Valley coach Jerret Dickinson. “A 6 p.m. kick-off meant that the team travelled down in the worst possible weather to play the game we love.” Josh Crawford had a brilliant header opportunity in the 11th minute but was stopped short by a defender on the goal line. This play boosted visitors’ confidence early on.
“Lakehill continued to compete and press our back line continuously. Keeper Jon Schmidt and the entire back line made key saves to keep the game 0-0 until half,” Dickinson said.
In the second half Lakehill continued to press. It wasn't until minute 82 that a free kick, 17 yards outside of Lakehill’s 18-yard-box that Shawn "I got it" Tutin, placed a stellar top corner crack that erupted the Comox team.
“From my angle I thought it looked more like a cross to their back post as we had players rushing that side of the net - as the ball kept moving it went right top corner beautifully,” Dickinson said.
“With eight minutes remaining in regulation and three minutes of extra time, the team really dug deep defensively to maintain the lead. It wasn't until minute 92 that Lakehill made a cross just inside our 18-yard-box that Matt Milloy deflected into the back of our net.”
The game ended 1-1.
“Throughout the game we had players playing alternative roles and positions that took them outside of their comfort zones due to our team numbers,” Dickinson said.
“Everyone really stood on their heads and competed from start to finish. Call outs go to the entire CVUSC Div 3B team for travelling in the crazy weather and battling from start to finish.
“Team MVP goes out to Josh Crawford. Team golden boot goes out to Shawn "I got it" Tutin for adding another brilliant cap to his list.”
Fifth-place Comox Valley (2-3-1) is home to sixth-place Gorge United (2-3-0) this Sunday, Oct. 23 in a 4 p.m. start at Vanier Turf.
Meanwhile, in VISL Div. 1 action Oct. 15, Comox Valley United fell 4-2 to Vic West in Courtenay. The loss dropped United’s record to 0-4-1 and dropped them to the bottom of the division standings.
Phil Ludwig and Kyle Bate scored for United with Clay Fauchon game MVP and Ben Collin Comox Valley Rookie. Craig Robertson, Sean Prizeman, Nathan Bird and Derek DeGroot tallied for Vic West.
United is away this Saturday to take on Lakehill (1-4-0) and with a win can escape the Div. 1 cellar.
THROW INS Follow the Div. 1 men’s team on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CVUnitedSoccerMen/?ref=bookmarks and Twitter at @cvmens … follow the Div. 3B men’s team on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CVUnitedSoccerDiv3/?fref=ts and Twitter at @CVUnitedDiv3 … scores and schedules can be found on www.visl.org …