Mainstream Canada Young Masters of Division 4 in the VISL played Saanich Fusion in Victoria on Saturday.
Coming off a convincing and important win last weekend against second placed Zgoda Juniors, the confident Campbell River team continued their fine form with smart passing, fluid movement, and a willingness to play attacking soccer. Despite being a man short for the entire game, the top placed Campbell River side played excellent soccer and sailed to a 5-0 victory, improving their record to 13-0-1 on the season.
Centre backs Colton Reesor and Evan Farmer anchored the team on this day, and their strong challenges and adept passing provided the foundation for most Young Masters offensive efforts. The goal scoring began at the 15 minute mark, when Mainstream’s John Jepson fought his way past two Saanich defenders to get to a loose ball in front of goal and he then beat the keeper at his near post. Ten minutes later, Patrick Cullen scored from 40 yards out with a perfectly struck lob over the goalkeeper’s head, which gave Campbell River a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The Young Masters came out with even more enthusiasm in the second half, with offensive centre midfielder Shane Dumanoir often making strong runs with the ball at the Saanich defense and keeping the home team on their heels. Mainstream Canada enjoyed complete control in the second half with Mark Ross winning the physical battles in the middle of the pitch and Alex Foge using great creativity and footwork in leading attacks.
Saanich did not have an answer to the fluidity and movement of the Young Masters midfield in the second half. With fullback Kellen Rondeau making terrific overlapping runs on the left and Kevin Shelswell’s speed and skill on the right, the Young Masters carried out a well-balanced double threat to the Saanich defense.
At the 50-minute mark, Cullen netted his second goal of the game from the top of the 18 yard box with a nicely executed volley which rocketed over the goalkeeper’s hands and just under the crossbar.
Fifteen minutes later, Foge’s tireless running paid off as he finished off another wonderful bit of team play for his first of two second half goals. His second goal came at the 80 minute mark with a near post header from a perfectly delivered cross from Shelswell.
With the victory, Mainstream Canada Young Masters move a step closer to achieving their goal of winning the league.
They currently sit alone at the top of the standings with 40 points, 9 points clear of second.
Their next game is against Kal Tire Fernwood FC at 2 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 8 at Blanshard Park in Victoria.