Carihi Girls Soccer team enjoyed a superb Investors Group Challenge Cup Tournament this past week.
Having travelled to and won the Chilliwack Cup last week the Tyees were brimming with confidence going into the 17th Annual Investors Group Challenge.
The opposition was going to be a lot tougher however with powerhouse Argyle Pipers and Panarama Ridge, AAA Provincial Champions the top two seeded teams in the 24 team Tournament.
The Tyees opened up with a comfortable 6-0 victory over Parkland, Victoria. Goalscorers were Selena Lasote with a hat trick, Claire Pomeroy, Jenna Manners and Talise Lindenbach. The second game brought a far sterner challenge with Clayton Heights, of Surrey, Vancouver.
The Surrey team started well and out battled the host team and went into a deserved 1-0 lead. This shook up the Tyees and they responded well. After a good spell of pressure Eilidh “Razza” Rasmussen finished well to level the scores.
Six minutes later an excellent run down the left hand side of the pitch saw a cross from Manners which we met by the onrushing Lasote who showed “Sergio Aquero” like pace to reach the ball ahead of the Clayton Heights defender before slotting the goal past the keeper.
The second half saw an excellent performance from the Carihi team. The central defensive partnership of Alana Smith and Jocelyn Cormier were outstanding and were ably supported by full backs Carrie Gage, Marisa Boyle and Taylor Marsh.
The score remained the same and the Tyees advanced to the semi final the following day against Ballenas. On the other side Stelly’s of Victoria had defeated both Dover Bay and Argyle to advance to their semi final against Panarama Ridge.
SEMI FINAL
The Tyees semi final saw a comfortable 6-0 victory over an injury plagued and much weakened Ballenas side. Ballenas had won two excellent games the previous day but had to leave four players behind on the Friday due to Community Soccer “A” cup play on the Saturday. Goalscorers in this game were Karlyn Healy with a brace, Lasote, Razza, Gage and Haley Craddock. The pick of the goals was a superb header from Craddock from about ten yards out after an excellent cross by Healy. The game was won in the first 20 minutes and it provided the opportunity for the Tyees to build upon the style of play they want to use in the more challenging games. In the middle of the park Olivia Curry, Lindenbach and Manners showed excellent composure and Bethan Curnow made a very encouraging school debut. On the other pitch Stelly’s defeated Panarama Ridge in a thrilling 2-1 game.
FINAL
The Cup final was an outstanding game of soccer.
The chances to score were few and far between as the two teams played solid defence with great shape and discipline. Stelly’s had a long speculative shot well saved by Tyee keeper Craddock in the early stages of the game and in return the Stelly’s keeper came out quickly to close down a couple of half chances by Lasote and Razza.
There was a playoff style atmosphere and despite being a very physical game it was played in an outstanding spirit. It was no surprise that the game ended in a 0-0 tie and it went straight to a shoot out. Stelly’s put every shot into the corner leaving back up keeper Anika Shelrud with no chance of making a save. In doing so it was Stelly’s who stole the Fairy tale ending this heavily Grade 12 Tyees team were seeking. Selena Lasote was awarded the Carihi MVP for the Tournament.
Carihi also had their Senior B and Junior Girls playing in the Plate side of the tournament. Both enjoyed a win during the tournament and had a lot of fun.
NEXT WEEK
The Tyees Senior “A” Girls have their fourth league game against Mark Isfeld today.
The girls hope to make it 4 wins in 4 and maintain their place at the top of the Division with Brooks of Powell River. The following day the team travel to the prestigious UVIC classic which is another 24 team Tournament.
The Tyees Senior “B” team host Highland on Wednesday.
The Tyees Junior Girls travel to Cumberland on Monday and travel to Brooks, Powell River.