Not what most expected – the VISL Game Of The Week ended up being a 1 sided affair Friday night at Oak Bay High.
Cowichan’s Patrick Nelson celebrates a beautiful header goal by his teammate Cooper Barry.
Photo By Jay Wallace ISN
Travelling down the Malahat – Cowichan came into Oak Bay and defeated Bays United 5-1 in Division 1 League Play.
With the loss, Bays drops out of 1st place. A Vic West win earlier in the evening vaulted the Island’s longest serving team into sole possession of 1st place. The Cowichan win allows them to keep pace with Bays. They are 3 points behind Bays, but have a game in hand.
Cowichans Steve Scott leads the rush
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
It was simple tonight – Cowichan was prepared and came out to play. Coach Martin explains that this was “the first time this season that he had the bulk of his team out” and “they played their best game of the year tonight.”
Cowichan scored early and often and virtually took Bays out of the game.
Patrick Nelson (reigning Division 1 MVP & Top goal scorer) got Cowichan on the board at 19 minutes.
Cowichan #10 Patrick Nelson draws a defender before breaking to the net for a goal
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
Cooper Barry (Rookie of the Year Finalist of 2005-2006) added a goal at 35 minutes, then Nelson added his 2nd of the night at 38 minutes. Youngster Farley Cannon also found the net for Cowichan and they took a 4-0 lead into the break. Pretty sure it was the first time Bays Keeper Elliot Mitrou has given up 4 in a half.
Cowichan young star Farley Cannon battles with Mike Moon for possession.
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
It looked as though the game took a turn for the worse at 44 minutes as Bays striker Kellen Holden accidently got his studs up on Keeper Scott Brown of Cowichan. Calmer heads and disciplined benches ensured there was no extracurricular activity – just the yellow card for #23.
#23 Holden Kellen argues with the referee over a yellow card.
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
The 2nd Half did not get any better for Bays. Patrick Nelson got his 3rd goal of the game at 47 minutes. Several hats were thrown down at the fencing by the halfway line.
Jordan Wallace was finally able to snap the shutout that Scott Brown was working on – and that was how the game ended – a 5-1 victory for the Cowichan boys.
Patrick Nelson takes the ball to the net for a goal
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
I was able to take a tour of the new Oak Bay High gym that has multiple championship banners – amazing to say the least!
In post-game discussion with Coach Fast of Bays Utd – “it was a bad day to have our worst game of the year”!
Bays United player argue after a goal against
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
The 1550’s game MVP – was Patrick Nelson of Cowichan. His hat trick gives him 10 goals on the year – enough to be the present leading scorer. Patrick receives a gift certificate to have lunch or dinner at 1550’s.
Patrick Nelson Is all smiles after scoring his first goal of the game
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
Other notables for Cowichan were obviously Keeper Scott Brown who was called on early to make some big saves as well as Brad Archibald who played in his 1st game of the year. At some points of the game, you could hear the chants of Archie Archie from the stands.
Cowichan Keeper Scott Brown dives to make a save in the first half.
Photo by Jay Wallace ISN
Both teams will have games next week. Cowichan will host Saanich Fusion and Bays will travel to Finlayson to play Vic West.
Thanks for supporting your local athletes – supporting local soccer.
