It was a tie game under a cloudy sky for the Ladysmith Lightening soccer team on Sunday, Jan. 23.
The U16-U18 boys played against Nanaimo 5, one of the strongest teams in the league, said coach Kip Armstrong.
“We were down 1-0 in the first half, but we played a strong second half,” he said.
Player Tetsuou Yamagouchi scored the only goal of the game, with assists from Tyler Armstrong and Cameron Hall.
Coach Armstrong said the last time his team played Nanaimo 5 they lost 5-0.
The Lightnings are down a bit, but Armstrong said he hopes to see it turn around.
“We are now at two ties, no wins and eight losses,” he said.
He said the team goes to Wednesday night soccer clinics to improve playing and skills.
“Definitely a difference,” he said of the players’ abilities.
“It’s coming along, there’s a definite improvement and more kids are coming out to the games.”
Jan. 16’s game at Nanaimo’s Merle Logan field saw the Lightning team lose 5-2.
Armstrong said the game started off slow with Ladysmith catching up in the second half.
Zach Mauriks and Hunter Lloyd scored the goals.
The next game is at Oceanside at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Qualicum Beach Centre.
