It has been a busy spring for the U17 VIPL RiptIde boys soccer team.
After being eliminated from cup play in the Vancouver Island Premier League semifinal in Nanaimo in a 2-1 overtime loss to the U18 Storm, the Wired Electrical-sponsored Riptide headed to Surrey for the Mayor's Cup.
"The boys played a great weekend of soccer, finishing with three wins and one loss, taking third place at the event," said Riptide coach Paul West. "Riptide keeper Alex Jones was on fire throughout the weekend and amassed player of the game honours in all four games."
Returning to the pitch after March Break the boys faced the Central Coast Grammar School team from Erina, Australia. The team was part of a school athletics tour travelling throughout B.C. and the U.S. The Rip Tide boys walked away with a convincing win, and another player of the game award to Jones. "It was a great opportunity for our local boys to play an international match," West said. "The boys enjoyed the game and the teams exchanged keepsakes after the match."
Next up for the Riptide is the Slurpee Cup in Kamloops on the May long weekend. "This will be our third trip to the Slurpee Cup and the team is looking to finish the season on a winning note," said West, adding he and co-coach Mike Rodgers credit the boys with playing great soccer this year.
"The team has really come together and pulled off some spectacular wins during the season. A huge thanks to our team sponsor Wired Electrical and our loyal parents. The fan support has been awesome again this season."
– U17 VIPL Riptide