Nicole Pugh scored Cowichan United’s lone goal in a 1-1 draw with Vic West at the Sherman Road turf on Friday night.
Pugh has been a top scorer for Cowichan’s senior women’s soccer team for several years, and Neall Rowlings has coached at nearly every level of adult soccer, but somehow, their paths hadn’t crossed until Friday, and Rowlings was impressed with what he saw.
“That was the first time I have coached her and she did not disappoint,” said Rowlings, who was filling in for regular United head coach Adam Paulson. “In fact, I took some pointers. She worked hard, kept control of the ball and finished with perfect execution.”
Cowichan goalkeeper Tiara Enger came up big to keep the game at 1-1, giving United their third tie in the last four games.
Rowlings coached the Div. 2 women’s team two years ago, when Pugh wasn’t playing, and liked what he saw on Friday.
“I’m very happy to see how far they have come,” he said. “It’s new management and a good, positive group of girls.
“I believe if we keep this core of girls together and continue over the next few years to build as needed, that this team is easily on a path for the top of Division 1.”
United will visit Fernwood at UVic this coming Sunday.