The CV U14 Vipers boys soccer team won their Provincial B Cup/Coastal Cup qualifier this past Saturday, defeating Cowichan Valley 4-0.
With a lot on the line for the young lads, it was a nervous start to the game as both teams tried to get a feel for each other. The Vipers’ first goal came about 15 minutes into the first half with a lovely touch pass by Cole Freeman to Grayson Chalifoux who patiently dribbled and deked four players to pop the ball into the back of the net – allowing the Vipers to settle the ball, and visibly settle into their game.
The Vipers’ second goal, also by Chalifoux, assisted by Derek Melish, came from Cowichan Valley’s right corner where despite the onslaught of opponents, Chalifoux carried the ball to the net and chipped it past their goalie.
Chalifoux scored two more goals in the second half, one directly assisted by Nick Chang, the other by Alex Stevens. Skilful movement of the ball up the pitch by Nick Xylinas Travis Brown, Dhruval Shah, Dylan Coburn and Ben Watson kept the pressure on Cowichan Valley who, despite asserted attempts at scoring could not get the ball past the Vipers’ strong defenders, Ben Gastis, Riley McEachnie, William Blouin-Comeau and goaltender, Michael Girard.
Coaches Carey Cordecedo, Zack Chang and Stacey Gastis are now preparing for the squad’s next challenge, the Coastal Cup.
