Bays United defeated Comox Valley United 3-2 in Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 3B action Nov. 26 at Vanier Turf Field.
“(The) game was a great battle,” said Comox Valley coach Jerret Dickinson. “We didn't fare well against them first time around so we had some making up to do.
“The team rallied and discussed how we were going to play throughout the game. The league's top scorer is on their team, so defensively we had to be prepared,” the coach said.
“As soon as the ref blew the whistle the ball was brought back to our defenders, then moved to the midfield, then to striker Alonzo Perez who beautifully fed a brilliant ball to Jason Bell on the wing who took a touch and zinged it past their keeper. Twenty-seven seconds into the game and it was 1-0 Comox.
“We continued to battle until minute 18 when the league’s top scorer (Seabata Makhakhe) responded with his 15th goal. Chances were had at both ends. At minute 39 Bays struck again which brought us to the half down 2-1,” Dickinson said.
“A wee talk was given to the team and they adjusted well. At minute 65 Brandon Bergh sniped his first of the season to tie the game at 2-2. The battles continued until Bays were awarded a free kick just outside our 18 yard box. They made no mistake and set the ball in the back of our net.
“With 13 minutes remaining, we pressed and pressed to tie it up. Blair Woods had a magical opportunity at the 86th minute but their goalie just caught a piece of it to direct it away.”
Comox MVP was defender Trevor Fry and Dickinson gave a all out to U-18 player Andrew Bergh and Jonny Craig.
Comox Valley, tied for sixth place with a 3-8-1 record, return to action Dec. 3 with an away game at second-place Prospect Lake (7-3-2).
In VISL Div. 1 action Nov. 27 in Victoria, Comox Valley United fell 4-2 to Bays United. Comox MVP Gabby Mason and Nick Marinus scored for the visitors. Paul Vandenboomen tallied twice for Bays with Ian Whibley and Robert Eng adding one each.
Comox Valley (1-8-2, tied for eighth place) is home to Nanaimo United (6-2-3, in third place) on Dec. 3 with game time 6 p.m. at Vanier Turf Field.