The Cowichan Cougars’ first win of the season came against an unlikely opponent.
Not only has Castaways United been a powerhouse in the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association O30A division, but they’ve also always seemed to have Cowichan’s number.
“The Castaways team has been the league champion for the last few years, and we have never beat them,” Cowichan coach Darian Achurch related. “They are always a strong team and usually manage to squeak out a win against us.”
So it probably surprised both teams a little when Cowichan pulled off a 3-1 win over Castaways at Evans Park on Sunday morning.
Castaways dominated possession and territory for most of the game, but the Cougars made the most of their opportunities. Cowichan goalkeeper Sara Day made it back from a road trip just in time for the match, and was stellar in her return, stopping a number of Castaways chances.
The game was scoreless at halftime, but shortly after the break, Stacey de Lusignan went for a long run up the wing and sent a pass between two Castaways defenders that Jenna Waddy curled into the top corner. The visitors barely had a chance to recover before Waddy slotted her second of the game over the outstretched arms of the Castaways keeper.
Perhaps sensing trouble, Castaways renewed their pressure and scored their first goal of the day on a corner kick that caromed in off the crossbar. Castaways appeared to regain the momentum, but another drive against the flow led to a corner kick for Cowichan with about five minutes left. The officials credited de Lusignan with the goal directly off the corner, although even she wasn’t certain.
“I think Ashley Stultz may have made sure of it, but the linesman said it already went in,” de Lusignan said. “Coach really wanted me to improve on my corner kicks from last week so I was happy that this one worked out.”
Stultz received the Fresh Kenny’s Player of the Game award for her tireless efforts in the midfield, edging out de Lusignan, Waddy and Day for the honours.
The Cougars will play host to Prospect Lake at Evans Park this Sunday at 10 a.m.
