Darian Achurch was named Most Valuable Player and Steve Scott also played a key role as the Cowichan LMG standouts helped the Vancouver Island Soccer League to a thrilling shootout win over the Fraser Valley Soccer League in Victoria last Saturday.
Both Cowichan players entered the game at halftime, and Achurch was between the pipes when the game went to penalty kicks, stopping the first three shots he faced to secure the VISL’s victory. Scott was a dominant force on the pitch during regulation play, then took the No. 4 slot in the shootout and made good on his opportunity.
Achurch received a trophy and gifts from local sponsors for his MVP heroics.
“Our team played great and were unlucky not to win during regular time,” he said. “Shootouts can be a tough way to lose a match so I am glad we were able to come away with a victory.”
Originally scheduled for 4:30 p.m., the start time was pushed back to 8 p.m. because of ferry cancellations. The Island team ended up taking a lead on two separate occasions during the match, but both times Fraser Valley was able to counter with the equalizer.
A third Cowichan LMG player, Colin Knight, was also named to the all-star team but didn’t end up playing.
Four Cowichan 49ers players suited up for the VISL masters all-star team that played earlier in the day. Chris Muller, Ryan Fusick, Darcy Penner and Neall Rowlings took the field as the Island team built up a 2-0 lead but ended up losing 3-2. Tyler Hughes, Adam Taft and George Thomas were unable to attend as the masters game was also moved to a later kickoff due to the ferries.
LMG, the 49ers, the Farm Store Fury, the Steelheads and Quw’utsun FC are all scheduled to play this weekend, but field conditions were not looking promising as of Thursday.
