An outstanding second half wasn’t quite enough for the Cowichan Cubs to beat Juan de Fuca in last week’s Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association game at Evans Park, with the host team settling for a 2-1 loss.
“The first half was still scrambly and they got two goals on us,” head coach Marilyn Pugh said. “The second half was much better where people were marking up to their checks closer and being more aggressive. The last 15 minutes of the game were great. The ball was down in Juan de Fuca’s end most of the time and we were creating scoring opportunities. They didn’t even look like the same team.”
Returning to action from a knee injury, Nicole Pugh scored Cowichan’s lone goal on a corner kick from her sister, Rachel, and had several other stellar opportunities. Coach Pugh made some changes to her outside midfielders as the game wore on, and subs Shanice Ryder and Benecia George performed very well. Jennifer Jack also stepped up when she filled in at sweeper for Colleen Bob, who had to leave early for her engagement photos.
Pugh also acknowledged the efforts of team athletic therapist Scott Noa of Road to Recovery who attends all Cubs home games to help with sports injuries, and also does strength and conditioning work.
