Marine Harvest bowed out of the 2011 Coastal Cup after an overtime defeat at Willow Point Park on Sunday.
A strong crowd braved the elements to cheer the U18 boys on but alas with almost the last kick of the game Chilliwack Storm claimed the victory.
The game proved to be an even affair and the local boys had more of the possession in the early stage of the game. Chilliwack looked slick in their counter attacks and Marine Harvest needed to be quick to avert any potential dangers. Despite the possession it was the visitors who were to get the opening ball. A long punt through the middle was allowed to bounce and miscommunication between the backline was punished by the chasing Chilliwack forward. The local boys responded well and slowly regained their hold on the game until another opportunistic goal was scored by the visitors.
The half time score remained the same and the U18 boys knew they had a huge challenge in front of them. Within two minutes the ideal start to the half arrived. A rash challenge inside the 18 yard box produced a penalty which was calmly put away by Zach Hamilton. The momentum was now with the home team and pressure began to mount on the Chilliwack goal. A rare foray forward by the visitors produced their third goal of the game. This was an outstanding strike from 25 yards which flew into the top corner of the net.
Marine Harvest showed great character and continued to work away. Once again Hamilton reduced the deficit.
As the second half progressed, Chilliwack began to move the ball about the field with confidence and speed. It was, however, Marine Harvest that scored the tying goal moments before the end of regulation time when Shane Berry hammered the ball home from inside the six yard box.
Campbell River was down to nine men after being handed two red cards in the match.
But the two over time periods saw end to end play as both teams tired and left spaces. As the minutes ticked away it seemed all but a certainty that the teams were go to a shoot out. Chilliwack had other ideas as following a brief spell of pressure they were able to draw a penalty which they finished to secure a dramatic winner.
“Many thanks to all the soccer folks that came out to cheer the boys on. The support was much appreciated,” said Marine Harvest coach John Jepson.