Upper Island Riptide played to a 0-0 draw recently against a motivated and determined Juan de Fuca side in U15 boys’ action at Pinecrest Park in Campbell River. Weather conditions were ideal and the field, while rough in spots from a busy soccer weekend, had dried nicely from a downpour the day before.
Following recent matches, Riptide coach Henry Roller had warned his players the intensity of play entering the second half of the season would elevate to a new level. On cue, Juan de Fuca arrived to put forth a tremendous effort for the entire 80 minutes.
Juan de Fuca applied good pressure down the middle resulting in a number of promising opportunities. Equally impressive was its defensive play never allowing out-numbered Riptide advances. All shots on net were from range and a steady Juan de Fuca goalkeeper never offered any cause for concern.
Riptide uncharacteristically seldom connected to the open man and frequently required additional touches to make a play, thereby slowing its momentum and assisting Juan de Fuca’s advantage.
On this afternoon, it was the outstanding play of Riptide goalkeeper and team leader Michael Girard that allowed Riptide to earn the draw.
The defining moment came just after halftime when an exquisite pass by a Juan de Fuca winger to a hard-charging midfielder arrived just inches outside the penalty box. The midfielder struck the ball with all his power launching a bullet toward the top left corner of the net. Girard’s cat-like reflexes and fullest extension somehow resulted in a highlight reel fingertips save that certainly would have been the winning goal, preserving a six-game shutout for Riptide.
In seven games this season, Riptide has allowed a total of one goal. Credit clearly goes to a solid defensive corps, however Girard’s contributions at key moments cannot be understated. On this Sunday, against the confident Juan de Fuca side, Girard’s last line of defence has never proven to be more critical.
