Mainstream Canada Young Masters, who play in Division 4 of the Vancouver Island Soccer League, faced their toughest competition on Sunday as they visited Zgoda Juniors F.C. in Victoria.
The Young Masters went into this pivotal match at the top of the standings but only three points clear of second place Zgoda. The last time these two teams faced each other they drew 2-2 in Campbell River.
The game proved to be as exciting and hard fought as predicted. In the first half, Zgoda’s skilled forwards put pressure on Mainstream Canada’s defence which included Aidan Anderson, Tyler Kelly, Cody Dodge and Colton Reesor. The Young Masters stood up well to the challenge and allowed few clear chances on goal. When Zgoda did break through, Mainstream’s goalkeeper Shane Dumanoir stopped everything that came his way, including a well taken free kick from the top of the penalty area.
The only goal of the first half came when Young Masters forward Shane Berry headed home a perfectly placed corner kick by midfielder Kevin Shelswell.
Mainstream Canada started the second half brightly and were rewarded with their second goal of the game after Colton Reesor made a terrific run with the ball up the left side of the pitch. He crossed the ball into the penalty area and continued his run into the 18 yard box, where it was played back to him and he hammered it past the helpless Zgoda keeper.
Zgoda quickly answered back with a well worked goal that was tapped in by the team’s central striker. Both teams had more chances to score near the end of the second half but the Campbell River side were able to hold on to win by a final score of 2-1.
With the win, the undefeated Mainstream Canada Young Masters now enjoy a commanding six-point lead in their group. Their next game is in Victoria on Saturday versus SFFC Originals. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. at Tyndall Park.