Chemainus Secondary School’s senior boys soccer team dropped a pair of games by identical 4-1 scores and finished fifth among the five teams in the Island boys A soccer tournament at Duncan Christian School.
The opening game for the Cougars against Brookes Westshore was a qualifying quarterfinal match. Brookes proved to be the stronger team, scoring an early goal and going on to the 4-1 win.
The lone Chemainus goal was scored by Tyrone Charlie.
Coach Kathleen Ngenda pointed out the team was missing one of its top defensive players, exchange student Bryan Qui, who had to return home to China due to a family emergency.
Chemainus went on to play a consolation game against DCS and fell by the same 4-1 score.
Tyler Ellis got credit for the Chemainus goal after a miscue by a DCS player led to the ball crossing the line.
Chemainus goalkeeper Mac Rennie suffered a hand injury during the game.
“We played bravely on to finish what many of the players called their best game of the season,” noted Ngenda.
Trainer Cordell Jack seemed to be on the field all the time and Chemainus Secondary athletic director Kyle Peruniak had to take Rennie to emergency.
St. Andrew’s won the tournmaent by whitewashing Glenlyon Norfolk School 7-0 in the final. Both teams advance to the provincials, along with Duncan Christian School as the hosts of the event Nov. 1-3.
Prior to the tournament last Wednesday, the Cougars played against DCS and won 3-2.
It was great soccer weather, but there were no markings on the field when Chemainus players arrived in Duncan for the game. It was agreed to go ahead with an exhibition game.
The Chemainus goals were scored by Mark Harris assisted by Will Ngenda, Steven Wong assisted by Harris and Charlie assisted by Delshay George.
