Last weekend in Victoria, the U15 Riptide girls’ soccer team was looking for a second win over the U16 squad from Saanich.
The game started off slowly for the U15s, who were beaten to most of the 50/50 balls and couldn’t find a way past the back line. At the half it was 2-0 for Saanich.
The second half was different. At minute 48, striker Kassi Ackinclose potted her sixth goal of the season to bridge the gap. As play continued, Saanich countered with another goal to take a 3-1 lead. At minute 54, attacking midfielder Jessica Postle found herself just outside the 18-yard box and chipped a perfectly placed ball in the back of the net to again close the gap to 3-2.
Riptide pressed and were rewarded with another goal from Ackinclose to tie the game. At minute 60, Ackinclose again made a brilliant header from outside winger Katie Anderson to have the first lead of the game 4-3, and Ackinclose’s first hat-trick of the season.
Saanich was awarded a penalty kick at minute 79 and made no mistake. The game ended 4-4.
The coaches would like to send out a special call out to Kailena Krutzmann for her outstanding efforts on the back line. Due to injuries, she stepped into a position that she does not normally play and did a brilliant job. Kudos also to Ackinclose for not only her hat-trick, but her persistence to keep battling.
•The U18 girls continued their unbeaten streak to open the season with a convincing 7-0 win over Gorge/Lakehill. Challenged to start well, the girls scored at the three-minute mark. Sidney Elliot (Powell River) headed in a cross from Molly Keyes (Comox). The girls continued strong, finishing the first half with a 4-0 lead.
Gorge/Lakehill started the second half strong, but the Riptide girls held and worked hard to score three late goals. Goal-scorers where Elliot (Powell River) 2, Camryn Cline (Powell River) 2, Taylor Kinley (Powell River) 2 and Abby Duncan (Comox) 1. Strong performance by strikers Camryn and Taylor, and Maddy Stevens in midfield. The highlight was Taylor’s 30-metre free kick to the top left corner.
