It was a case of dejà vu all over again when the Upper Island U-15 Boys faced Saanich/Fusion for the Island A Cup Championship at the Comox Sports Centre turf this month.
For the second straight year, the two teams squared off for the Island title and provincial berth, and for the second time, the game went to penalty kicks before the Riptide prevailed, 1-0, to retain its crown.
“What a performance! The boys played some fantastic soccer,” head coach Bruce Mitchell said. “A special heartfelt thanks to our back line of John (Samuels), Shohei (Iwamoto), Brook (Gronmeyer), Dawson (Kipp) and Dylan (Robertson). They were up against some truly great soccer players and they totally dominated.
“One mistake could have cost either team but both teams played with incredible intensity and desire. Our back line held firm and not a single mistake was made.”
Goalkeeper Jared Perras got the shutout, prevailing through seven rounds of penalty kicks before the Riptide clinched the win when a Saanich shot caromed off the crossbar and out.
The defending A Cup Provincial Champions will get a chance to repeat during the July 9-12 tourney in Surrey. Meanwhile, the team will have a break before beginning Coastal A Cup Championships play in late April.