Riptide U14 girls soccer team was on the road again Saturday as they faced the Lower Island Saanich/Prospect team in their third game of the VIPL season.
Coming from a loss the previous week against UI Storm, it took some time for the Riptide girls to find their feet and settle into the feel of the Tyndall turf during the first half of the game.
Saanich took the lead early in, scoring their first goal on a breakaway, despite an all-out sprint with Riptide’s Sarah Bard on Saanich’s heels, and a lightning bolt run seemingly out of nowhere from Riptide defender Charlie Borrie.
Shortly after, Saanich scored their second goal from a flurry of activity in front of the net. But Riptide refused to let it bring them down, instead ramping up their competitive drive for the remainder of the game.
Late in the first half, Riptide capitalized off a textbook corner kick from Aisha Hunter-Bellavia, when Ciara Halvorson positioned herself perfectly in front of the net to score.
That wrapped up the first half - and the scoring.
Riptide showed heart and solid aggressive play throughout the second half. Unfortunately the team was unable to materialize another goal.
Regardless, Riptide proved that they could hold their own against the Saanich team. The game could have gone either way making it a true fan-pleaser. This time, Saanich won 2-1.
Watch for these two well-matched teams to be neck in neck moving forward in the season. Riptide U14 girls and Saanich/Prospect match up next on Nov. 8 (home game).
To view more photos and follow the Riptide U14 girls’ team activities, visit them on Facebook via their team page at https://www.facebook.com/riptide2001girls.
– Riptide U14 girls soccer