Campbell River Cermaq’s sluggish start to the 2016/2017 campaign was kicked into high gear Saturday night, dismantling a reputable Saanich Fusion FC by a score of 4-0.
Cermaq played their first Robron Turf opener, under the lights, on a wet and windy Saturday night game. Campbell River had been pointless to start the first four league games, however the fifth game proved to be a pivotal win, bumping the side into seventh place in the VISL league table and stirring a “buzz” within the local sports community.
Local soccer supporters were given something to cheer about inside the first 20 minutes, when young star Kellen Arnink beat a defender to a bouncing ball and headed past the goal keeper. 1-0 Campbell River into half-time.
Led by the veteran presence of Mark Ross and Robbie Shaw in the centre of midfield, Campbell River dominated possession and overpowered Saanich. While the addition of new defender Zach Hamilton, seemed to add a dimension of assertive, strength to a well organized back four.
In the 70th minute, immediately after being substituted by Campbell River’s team manager, Andy Puglas Sr., Wyatt Bryce nestled a shot into the bottom right corner of the opponent’s goal.
But Bryce wasn’t done. Moments later, he was brought down inside the 18 yard box and converted his penalty opportunity. It was Bryce’s second goal, after just being on the field 10 minutes!
In the 90th minute, Saanich Fusion FC continued to be pushed deep into their own end. Off a Campbell River corner, Saanich failed to clear. The ball fell to Kellen McKellar, who rifled a volley under the crossbar and put an exclamation mark behind the CR Cermaq 4-0 victory.