Mainstream Canada Young Masters concluded their league play for the calender year with an important 3-1 victory over a hard working Juan De Fuca in Langford Dec. 15.
The win keeps the Division 4 Men’s side at the top of the league as they enter the New Year.
The Young Masters began well with Jason Fawkes, Kevin Shelswell, Mark Ross and Jacob Blanchard moving the ball about well and winning the vast majority of the challenges.
Up front Wyatt Bryce and Connor Fairweather worked in tireless fashion but couldn’t find the net despite getting close on numerous occasions.
Meanwhile at the back, keeper Aidan Anderson was strong and smart with his distribution.
Despite dominating most of the possession, the Campbell River side found it difficult to score and indeed found themselves tied at 0-0 going in at half time.
The second half saw the River side move to a more attacking 3-5-2 formation in the hope of releasing the powerful Ross and Blanchard into more offensive positions.
It seemed to work as Blanchard scored the opening goal after 65 minutes of play. At the back, Colton Reesor, Mohamed Boukhouali and Tyler Kelly played very well and nullified any threat to goal.
The Mainstream Canada boys increased their lead to two after Bryce was brought down in the 18 yard box and he scored the resulting penalty kick.
Juan De Fuca were not giving up without a fight and an excellent individual goal by Kris Walushka brought it back to a one goal game. Once again the partnership of Shane Dumanoir and Bryce was to prove too much for the hosts defence and after some neat passing Bryce secured the third goal after 84 minutes.
The boys headed into Christmas break with an impressive record of nine wins and one tie. They stand three points clear at the top above Zgoda Juniors and have a crucial home game on Jan 18 against Vic West Casuals who lie in third place six points adrift of the league leaders.
