The Cowichan 49ers came up just short in their league finale against UVic Alumni, but they still have bragging rights in the Tony Grover Cup tournament.
The 49ers needed a win last Saturday to knock off UVic and claim the Vancouver Island Soccer League O35A title, but the game ended in a 2-2 draw, giving UVic that honour. Cowichan did eliminate UVic from the Grover Cup tournament, however, and will be playing for the trophy this Saturday.
The 49ers drew first blood last weekend when Brad Thorne converted a penalty kick after Matt Arnett was taken down in the box. UVic tied the score before halftime on a goal by Steve Scott, who played Div. 1 soccer with many of the 49ers. Brad Archibald put the 49ers up again early in the second half, but Scott scored again to make it 2-2, and that was how it ended. Jesse Winter was awarded The Chain as Cowichan’s Man of the Match.
“So many players had great games and a special thanks to our fans who made it out to support us,” Cowichan striker Neall Rowlings said.
Those fans will be needed once again this Saturday when the 49ers take on Vic West at Starlight Stadium in Langford, starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Also in the O35A division, the Cowichan Steelheads closed out their season with a 3-2 loss to the Fernwood Dragons on Saturday, getting goals from Travis Brown and Nick Zuback. The Steelheads and 49ers will both compete in provincial tournaments later this spring.
In the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association, the O30 Cowichan Cougars, who weren’t in action last weekend, will also play in a cup final this weekend as they take on Castaways United for the Stephanie Shergold Cup at Starlight Stadium on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m.