Chilliwack’s U-21 Pacific Coast League men travelled to the Interior last weekend for two must-win games.
Needing points to keep their playoff hopes alive, Chilliwack invaded Penticton’s Kings Park Saturday for a game against the woeful Pinnacles.
Chilliwack led 1-0 at halftime on a shot by striker Zenow Renaerts, who buried his fourth of the season.
The locals kept the pressure on in the second half and put the game away when Jordan Leib struck for a late goal.
The final was 2-0, sending Chilliwack on to Kamloops and a Sunday matchup with the unbeaten Heat.
Playing in 35-plus degree temperatures at Thompson Rivers University’s Hillside Stadium, Chilliwack fell behind early. Kamloops led 1-0 within 10 minutes, but Chilliwack quickly equalized on a goal by striker Connor MacMillan. Hauled down in the 18 yard box, he calmly converted the penalty shot for his eighth of the season.
Chilliwack took the lead moments later when MacMillan volleyed a Renaerts cross to midfielder Dawson Lindahl, who beat the Kamloops keeper to put his squad up 2-1.
But Kamloops didn’t let the lead stand for long.
Two quick goals but the Heat up 3-2 at the half, and they added another late in the game to make the final 4-2.
The three points Chilliwack (4-4-3) earned moved them into fifth place, one point behind the Mid Isle Highlanders (5-4-1). The team has one regular season home game remaining, July 21 at Townsend Park (2 p.m.) versus West Van FC.
