Pesky Fusion nixes United bid for a win
The equality in Div. 2 of the Island Soccer League could easily be seen when Cowichan United hosted the Saanich Fusion at Duncan’s Evans Park Sunday afternoon.
Cowichan slipped a notch from top spot after battling to a 1-1 tie with the Fusion. Cowichan now sports a 4-1-2 record, just behind league-leading Lakehill’s 4-0-3 mark.
The Fusion are a bit of a dark horse, sitting tied for sixth in the nine-team league.
The Fusion has only lost once in seven games, but its point total is low because of five draws.
“We knew we were in for a battle here, missing a few starters with suspensions, injuries and just absences,’’ noted Cowichan coach Neall Rowlings of what he expected heading into the game.
That certainly turned out to be the case, with Saanich putting up a stiff fight.
“We played very bad in the first half, but we were the better team with chances,’’ noted Rowlings. “We just can’t seem to get a good start this season. We had so many chances over and around the net, and the goalie made quite a few saves.’’
Steven Zorich broke the drought in the first half after receiving the ball from Jorden Korven.
The 1-0 lead held up through halftime.
“I was surprised their team pushed so offensively at that point as it was early,’’ pointed out Rowlings.
In the second half, Cowichan dodged a bullet when a penalty shot was not called for a questionable tackle near the box. But Saanich continued to press and scored a late equalizer.
Cowichan pushed hard until the end but couldn’t create the offense seen earlier in the season.
Rowlings moved some players around, but to no avail. The mood in the dressing room was like a loss for Cowichan.
Next action is Friday at first-place Lakehill.
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