It was Fan Appreciation Night at Vanier Turf Field on Saturday as Comox Valley United men's soccer team saluted their fans.
But after a hard-fought Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 1 game, United certainly didn't appreciate the outcome as Cowichan FC scored very late in extra time to win 1-0. "It was a heart-breaking loss," said United team rep Rob Caya.
"We played our game how we wanted, but it just wasn't enough. Now we have that game out of the way, we can focus on our next seven and go for a strong finish," Caya said.
Patrick Nelson scored his division-leading 16th goal and was named Cowichan MVP while Sam Hutchison, last week's VISL Football of the Week, celebrated by posting his division-best seventh shutout. Comox MVP was Tom Butcher.
The win keeps Cowichan undefeated (9-0-2) and in top spot in Div. 1 while Comox Valley (6-3-2) drops from second to third place as both Nanaimo United and Saanich Fusion won this past weekend and now share second spot with identical 7-3-1 records.
United closes out the 2015 portion of their season with three road games. On Nov. 28 they visit Westcastle United, on Dec. 5 VI Wave and on Dec. 12 Vic West. Following the holiday hiatus, Comox Valley opens the second half of their season Jan. 16 at home against Saanich.