Div I
Axis FC fell 3-2 to Comox Valley United in Courtenay on Sept. 14.
Already down one, Michael Daniels pulled Axis even at 1-1 before Connor Crichton's go-ahead goal for Cowichan came deep into the first half. Comox pulled even at 2-2 before the break, however. Comox went ahead 10 minutes into the second half, failing to relinquish the lead before the final whistle.
Cowichan Axis FC's next match is against Vic West on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sherman Road turf.
Premier
The premier women, Cowichan FC, started their season on Sept. 13 at Gorge United, battling to a scoreless draw in the newly established division.
"We sit between Premier and Div. 1, and we play all teams in Premier, Selects and Div. 1 once per year," explained coach Adam Paulson. "Our last year in Premier prepared us for the level of intensity and pressure we needed to play with. We had standout performances all over the pitch, but I want to give special attention to our new players this year that haven't played in this league. They were able to adjust quickly and help out as we coped with our injuries."
Paulson said Cowichan was the better team in the first half and they were unlucky not to have a lead at halftime.
"It is a promising start to the season as we navigate these tricky first five games against the established Premier teams," he said.
Masters
The 49ers didn't waste the trip down to Victoria on Saturday night, Sept. 14, beating the Lakehill Masters 4-1 at Braefoot Park.
Gjoa Carr scored in the third minute of play and while Lakehill got one back in the 42nd minute, it was as close as they would get. A Mike Carroll marker, a second from Carr, and another by newcomer Blair Sturrock sealed the deal for the 49ers. Sturrock and Carr are now tied with the team lead in goals early in the season with two apiece.
"Lakehill is a good team with some young strong players," noted coach Kevin James. "However, we knew we had a stronger bench and would wear them down with possession over the course of the game."
Next up for Cowichan is a game against the Prospect Lake Lakers on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Sherman Road turf.
The Steelheads played to a 1-1 draw with the Vic West Casuals at the Sherman Road turf on Sept. 14. Philip Turner scored the home team's only goal in the third minute of play.
The Steelheads play host to the Fernwood Dragons on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
O30 Women
The Cowichan Cougars Over-30 women kicked off their season on Sept. 15 at Salt Spring United, coming home with a 1-0 win.
The Cougars' goal came at the 10 minute mark of the second half when new player Shayne Williams converted a corner kick by Mel Findlater.
"We had some outstanding goalkeeping from Sara Day, who kept us in the game and player of the match, Carly Shillito, who had a solid performance on the back line of defence," said team spokesperson Alita Mattin.
The Cougars play next Friday, Sept. 20 away at the Prospect Lake Lakers.
Div. III
Cowichan Oak FC is still looking for their first win of the season. Oak faced Cook Street United in Victoria on Sept. 15 and fell 4-0.
Up next is a Sunday, Sept. 22 match against Gorge FC on the road.
Div. III Women
The Cowichan Storm women's side began their season on Sept. 15 with a 4-0 win over Riptides FC at 4 p.m. at the Sherman Road turf. Erin Greeves led Cowichan's scoring with a brace, while Meg Watkins and Kelsey Thorne also scored their first goals of the season while goalie Ella Dupuy earned her first shutout of the season.
"It was awesome and an excellent start to the season," said team spokesperson Megan Branch. "We’ve got new players and a hunger for success this year. The team worked so well together and I think we’re in for a fantastic season. We’re hoping to keep the momentum going as we face Sooke away next!"
The Storm travels to play Sooke United on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Div. V
Cowichan FC opened their season against Gorge FC on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. at the Sherman Road turf. The teams played to a 2-2 draw with Man of the Match, Everett Piper, and Cole Erickson scoring in the 13th and 71st minutes respectively.
Cowichan next travels to face the Lakehill Gunners at Braefoot Park on Saturday, Sept. 21.
