Fusion and Coast Progressive United (CPU) have jumped out in front in the women's and men's soccer leagues respectively after four weeks of play.
Marshall Mayhem challenged Fusion's claim to first place, but this week's match ended in a 0-0 tie. The game was a defender's showcase, with Hannah Joseph making big saves and newbies Stephanie Young and Madeline Read locking down their backlines. In Mayhem's Wednesday night 5-2 win over Gibsons Pigs, Tajeda Steward scored a beauty off a corner, while Pigs' Janice Hendrickson hit a nice one-timer and Koree Rogers hit the net as well. On Sunday Pigs had a better showing against the IGA Blazers, with a close 3-2 loss. For Blazers it was Astrid Bradbury scoring twice with a single from Christine Campbell. Koree Rogers has been wearing the striking shoes in the Rogers family as she hit the net again on Sunday, though Halfmoon Bay does appreciate the sliced oranges John Rogers brings to his games. As his wife Koree encouragingly told him, 'If you can't be an athlete, at least be an athletic supporter.' Katherine Andres converted a rebound for the Pigs' second goal.
In men's action at Ted Dixon, it was a crowd-pleasing barn-burner that saw six goals scored in 10 minutes. Sechelt Chiefs went up 4-1, only to see the Pender Harbour Bananas tie it up, then saw Chiefs go on to the 7-4 win. Chiefs' usual suspects, Kevin August, Scott Johnson, Steve Peel and Matt Joe, all scored, while Bananas got a pair from Rich Massullo and singles from John Gideon and Jason O Neil. CPU edged Gibsons Pigs United (GPU) at Hackett Park, 1-0.
CPU's Fumi Takahashi sent a boomer through a passel of legs to hit the sidemesh. CPU's Dean Totten confidently controlled the backline, while GPU's Neville Judd was a Baryshnikov in soccer boots as he flicked the ball around midfield.
Halfmoon Bay Sea Kayaks were firing on all five cylinders in their 5-1 win over Xenichen Wolves. Rick Timothy scored for the Wolves, while for Halfmoon Bay, Ryan Daley put another three in the net, and Marcel Van der Stelt hit two, including a ripping 29 yarder. Playmaking was selflessly provided by Dave Marsh. Halfmoon Bay will jump up and take a swipe at first place in Sunday's 10 a.m. match at Connor Park with CPU.
