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Riptide U14 Gils blanked 3-0 in VIPL soccer tilt

The Riptide U14 Girls soccer team played in Campbell River Saturday, hoping to turn the tides from their last match up against the Saanich/Prospect team in September, when they lost 2-1. Anticipating another close game,  Riptide came to win.

Riptide started well, showing balanced control of the play and also putting solid pressure on their opponent’s offence. Within the first five minutes, Riptide’s keeper made a diving save, colliding with the Saanich player and resulting in a cut on her knee that ultimately required six stitches. The emotion of the situation and concern for their teammate rattled Riptide momentarily, but the players were able to quickly settle back into the rhythm and focus of the game.

“Our backline did a fantastic job in the first half holding off Saanich’s most dangerous player,” stated Riptide coach Lisa Wigard.

But despite the best efforts of Riptide’s backline, including Sarah Bard, Charlie Borrie, Reilly Douglas and Lauren Wigard, about 20 minutes in, Saanich scored and took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

After some strategy and a pep talk from the coaches, Riptide came back full force in the second half. Three strong scoring opportunities were created from two Riptide corner kicks and a run where Riptide dribbled through several Saanich players to take a direct shot on net, but Saanich’s strong defence and keeper shut them all down.

Capitalizing on a couple of unfortunate mistakes, Saanich scored two more goals. Despite the team’s efforts, Riptide was unable to come up with a goal, leaving the final score 3-0.

Fans observing knew that the final score was not indicative of Riptide’s effort or quality of play. Coach Wigard explained, “This part of the season is about learning and growth. We have seen a significant improvement in a few short months with these girls, so there is no doubt in my mind that this team will be well prepared for the playoffs.”

The Riptide U14 Girls, sponsored by Lacasse Construction, play their upcoming away game against the Gorge/Lakehill team in Victoria on Nov. 15. Game times and locations are updated Wednesdays on the team’s Facebook page which you can find at https://www.facebook.com/riptide2001girls.

 

– Riptide U14 Girls