MOWI Riptide soccer teams concluded the opening round of playoffs last weekend.
On Saturday, Feb. 29, the U16 girls lost a close road game to Victoria North. The Riptide scored in the fourth minute when Savanna Meares beat a defender and crossed to Isabella Garret for a tap-in at the back post. Victoria tied the game in the 10th minute but the Riptide regained the lead in the 28th minute on a goal by Kassie Aickinclose. Victoria scored in the 34th and 39th minutes to lead 3-2 at the half. The scored held up until the final whistle.
The U14 girls beat the U14 Storm 2-1 in Nanaimo to advance to the VIPL final. Clara Jamieson scored in the eighth and 20th minutes to give her team a 2-0 lead at halftime. The girls gave away a goal in the 67th minute. The U14s play Victoria North Saturday in Victoria for a chance to advance to the BCSA Provincial A-Cup Tournament in July.
The U18 girls play the U18 Storm at home Sunday. The winner advances to provincials.
On Sunday, the U15 Riptide boys lost 2-1 in a road game against Victoria West. After a scoreless first half, Vic West scored in the 65th and 66th minutes. The Riptide scored in the 70th minute but could not find another opportunity to force overtime.
The U18 boys lost 2-0 in Victoria to Gorge/Lakehill/SF/JDF. Head Coach Stephen Hall said the boys gave everything they had to close out the season.
The U16 boys lost in penalties to Victoria North in a road game. Riptide goalkeeper Devon Cleghorn stopped a penalty shot late in regulation to force the game into overtime.
“The playoffs have produced some very tight games and pressure moments for all players and coaches,” Riptide technical director Shel Brodsgaard said. “Win or lose, all of our teams have been able to compete, keep the games close and perform under pressure. These games are essential to evaluating the abilities of players, coaches and teams to respond and perform under pressure.
“Importantly, as the season in now concluded for a handful of our teams, I could not be prouder of the accomplishments of all players, managers and coaches that contributed toward another very successful and enjoyable VIPL season.”