The U15 Girls Riptide soccer team kicked off their 2014-15 VIPL season on Saturday in Campbell River with a convincing 4-2 victory over Victoria Gorge/Lakehill.
Riptide controlled play early in the match, and after scoring opportunities from both Carsyn Casparie and Olivia Selentin, Emma Skalik opened the scoring with a well-placed shot to the bottom corner of the net. The Riptide defence held strong, anchored by Maddy Stevens and Jamie Labree, and kept the visitor’s opportunities to a minimum through the first half.
Early in the second half, Cameron Kearns stretched the lead to 2-0 after a nice through ball from Jill Banks. However, the lead was short-lived as the Victoria squad managed to draw a goal back against the flow of play.
Riptide continued to pressure, and with 25 minutes to play, Kearns converted her second goal of the match and re-established the two-goal cushion. Once again though, Victoria managed a goal against the run of play and brought the score within a one-goal lead.
With only a few minutes left in the game, Tommylia Dunbar was taken down, and coolly converted the resulting penalty kick into the final goal, allowing the Riptide girls to close out the contest.
With the majority of the squad back for their second year of VIPL play, and with four new additions, coach Jonathan Bos has a talented group of players who are looking forward to an exciting and challenging season.
The team travels to Victoria Saturday, Sept. 12 for a match with last year’s Island champions, Saanich Fusion.
– U15 Girls Riptide