Niko Cristante scored the lone goal for Powell River Villa in a 5-1 home loss to Cowichan Axis on Saturday, January 18, at Timberlane Park.
Powell River was without a numbers of regular starters and trailed the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) Division 1 match 3-0 at halftime.
"We did well to claw a goal back at the 62nd minute when Niko was fouled just outside the 18-yard box," said Villa manager Chris McDonough. "Taking the free kick, he curled it into the top left corner, pulling us back to 3-1. Unfortunately, just too many mistakes ended up costing us as we gave up two more goals late in the game."
Cowichan is fifth in VISL Division 1 standings with 20 points, 11 ahead of 10th place Powell River. Bays United is sixth (19 points), followed by Gorge in seventh (18) and two teams directly ahead of Powell River in a tie for eighth: Sooke and Nanaimo (16 points). Undefeated Vic West (D1) is atop the table with 42 points.
Nanaimo defeated Sooke 4-0 last weekend. Powell River has played two fewer games than both clubs.
Villa's next action is in Comox on Saturday, January 25. Kickoff at Vanier Turf is scheduled for 11 am.
Powell River also opens Jackson Cup play on the road after being drawn against Vic West's Division 2 club in the first round. Game time on Saturday, February 1, at Finlayson Park in Victoria is 8 pm.
The Jackson Cup is VISL’s version of the FA Cup in England and has been contested since 1915. Villa hoisted the trophy in 1991, 1995, 1997 and 2000.
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