The Comox Valley United masters men’s 35-plus soccer team scored a 2-0 victory over Qualicum, Sunday at Vanier, earning some valuable points in the tight, four-team division.
Sandy Grant, playing midfield, pounced on a rebound resulting from a hard shot by forward Doug Tinga to put the home side up by a goal in the early stages.
Before halftime, forward Dennis Mirabelli was credited with the second goal because he was the last Comox Valley player to touch the ball before it deflected off a Qualicum player for an own goal.
The home side dominated the second frame as the visitors, with no substitute players, began to run out of gas. But credit goes to the Qualicum keeper for making several big saves.
Comox Valley goalie Andrew Barnie earned the shutout.
It was the team’s first official victory of the 2012/13 outdoor season, despite beating the same Qualicum side in the season opener. That victory, however, does not count in the standings because Denman Island dropped out of the league a few weeks into the season.
Also Sunday, the Comox Valley 55s beat Campbell River 4-2 in a well-contested road game that could have seen the home side win by wider margin.
Peter Fries opened the scoring at about 20 minutes. Ryan Lapalm added another by chipping the ball over the goaltender with a ‘six-iron shot’ to make it 2-0 at the half.
Mark Simonson had an MVP day at left back as he stymied the Campbell River attack a dozen times.
Comox played well as a whole, though the team gave the Campbell River midfield a little too much room in the second half.
The 55s next host Nanaimo Jan. 6.
The 35s next game is Jan. 6 when they host Campbell River. The 45s play Sunday in Port Alberni.
