Yuta Yamato had himself a game for the Cowichan 49ers masters soccer team Saturday night in Colwood. A new addition to the squad this year, Yamato made his presence known in a break-out performance, scoring three goals in the 49ers 5-1 victory over JDF Pacific.
Yamato’s goals came in the 12th, 15th, and 48th minutes and vaulted him over Stuart Barker for second in team scoring behind Neall Rowlings.
Other Cowichan markers came off the boots of Bradley Archibald (31st minute) and Brad Thorne (67th minute).
Darian Achurch allowed one goal in the contest, and now sits just one shutout shy of 10 on the season.
The victory means Cowichan heads into winter break atop the league standings by a comfortable margin and they can rest up before focusing on their next match, a Jan. 14, 2023 home game against the league’s second-place team, Vic West FC.
In other masters soccer play, the Cowichan Steelheads fell 2-1 to Prospect Lake Saturday night at the Sherman Road turf.
Myran Brooks scored for the Steelheads, which tied the game up in the 56th minute but Prospect Lake added another late in the match to take the victory.
The Steelheads are now off until Jan. 14, 2023 when they play host to Gorge FC at the Sherman Road turf. Kickoff is 8 p.m.
Div I
Cowichan Axis FC look to be done for the year with their next league game slated for Jan. 13, 2023 against Lakehill FC at Starlight Stadium in Langford.
Div III
Cowichan Oak FC met Saanich Fusion FC at Tyndall turf and lost a close one 2-1, Saturday night. Saanich got on the board first, seven minutes in. Cowichan’s Brandon Tolfo netted the equalizer in the 54th minute. It wasn’t meant to be as Saanich scored 11 minutes later to go ahead by one and the lead stood as the game ended 2-1.
That wraps up the 2022 schedule for Oak FC. Their next match is set for Jan. 13, 2023 when they host Prospect Lake.