Skip to content

Cowichan FC breaks slump with shutout over Castaways

Jada Hill notches hattrick
31790970_web1_230209-CCI-soccer-women-Aisha-Werner_1
Aisha Werner contests the ball with a Castaways defender with support from Cade Smith. (Courtesy of Adam Paulson)

Cowichan FC played their most complete game of the season at home on Sunday, Feb. 5, beating Castaways 4-0.

“Coming off a three-game winless streak, Cowichan’s offence roared back to life,” said head coach Adam Paulson “From the start, Cowichan controlled the ball with their quick one touch passing leaving Castaways players chasing shadows.”

Cowichan generated chances at will, and in the 29th minute, Taya Brubacher got on the end of a Jada Hill corner and her header eluded the keeper for her third goal of the season. Hill then doubled the lead a minute later, as Cade Smith played the ball to Hill, whose shot went post and in.

The second half continued the one-way traffic, and after near misses by Aisha Werner and Celia Burdet, some slick passing through the Cowichan midfield resulted in Cowichan’s third goal.

Smith slipped a ball through the defence, allowing Hill to run on to it for a breakaway. Hill made no mistake, slotting it past the keeper for her second of the game.

Cowichan would round out the scoring in the 79th minute, as Kayla Kazda sent a ball out wide to Burdet. Burdet sprinted up the wing, and put a pinpoint pass in behind the Castaways defence, where Hill beat the keeper to the ball and rolled it into the empty net, completing her hat trick.

“I thought our starting midfield trio of Kayla Kazda, Nicola Mawson and Cade Smith set the stage for the team to play off, working hard to provide outlets for passes, and breaking down the Castaways defence with precision passing,” Paulson said. “Our full backs, Norah O’Reilly-Ryan and Celia Burdet, took full advantage of space provided by Castaways’ game plan, pressing forward and pinning Castaways deep in their end for the majority of the game. Lastly, seeing the forwards burying their chances against a top-quality keeper after a few quiet weeks was good for the morale of the team. It was really gratifying to see all the hard work, and instruction throughout the season pay off so well in one game.”

Cowichan plays their final game of the regular season next Sunday, 12 p.m. at Tyndall Turf against Saanich Fusion FC.

Div. 3

In Div. 3 Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association news, Bays United FC thwarted Cowichan’s plans for a win, beating the Cobras 5-1 on Feb. 5 at Oak Bay High School. The Cobras host the Ladysmith Strikers at the Sherman Road turf on Feb. 11. Kickoff is 4 p.m.