The CRYSA U16 boys’ soccer team represented Campbell River well in their recent B-Cup Island Final in Victoria on Feb. 24.
It was an opportunity to test themselves against the same team from Gorge that beat them 5–0 in last years’ U15 boys B-Cup Final.
Gorge FC started strong and carried more of the play in the first 15 minutes. CRYSA was under pressure early, having to defend a couple of corner kicks. About 18 minutes in, Gorge shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that deflected to their striker who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner for a 1-0 lead. Gorge had the momentum. CRYSA began to raise their level of play, starting with some more urgency in pressuring the ball defensively. Both teams had free kicks from danger areas just outside the penalty area later in the first half. CRYSA’s effort was blocked by the wall and the Gorge free kick forced a diving save from CRYSA goalkeeper William Bates.
River City came out much more aggressive in the second half, using a different formation to control possession and force Gorge to chase the ball. The Gorge goalie was forced into action – intercepting long balls intended for CRYSA forwards. The high press for CRYSA was rewarded with an excellent scoring chance from Liam Wallace. The intensity was building as both teams were creating chances. CRYSA finally broke through with a clearance from the defensive zone that ricocheted off Griffin Martens (requiring brief attention for a bloody nose) and travelled up field to Logan Prokopchuk who took one touch from 25 yards out and placed a right foot curler over the keeper.
The play escalated with both teams creating chances that had to be cleared off the goal line in desperation. Late in the second half, Gorge had a sure goal chance thwarted first by Denver Flood blocking the shot that was then cleared off the line by Quiniso Ference. Regulation time ended 1-1. The game had to be decided on penalties. Unfortunately, Gorge was able to convert on all four of their penalty shots while CRYSA was only able to convert two. Win for Gorge.
The CRYSA U16 boys played an excellent game and showed their potential to play an even higher level of soccer. They have an immediate chance for revenge as they travel back to Victoria on March 2 for a rematch with Gorge to decide the U16 Boys Island Cup Champion.