Squamish's Ocean Port FC passed its first Division 2 Cup test on Saturday (Feb. 13), but not with flying colours.
The Ocean Port lads found themselves down a goal just 12 seconds into the game. They responded quickly, however, to advance in Vancouver Metro Soccer League (VMSL) Cup play with a 4-2 win over Vancouver's MYB Panthers.
It was the first time since November that the local club battled on a grass pitch. Although 麻豆社国产usually plays on Brennan Park's grass fields, games have moved to Quest University's turf field since winter rains restricted play to Brennan Park's gravel all-weather fields, which the VMSL doesn't allow.
It took a while for Ocean Port players to get reacquainted with the slower ball movement on the grass, said head coach Rudy Venekamp, but what counts is the team survived to become one of 16 teams to advance to the third Cup round (Ocean Port received a bye in the first round).
"Good teams win those types of games," he said.
Tim Shier responded to the Panthers early goal by burying two goals in the first half.
"The boys really put it together and got back in it," said Venekamp.
Ahead 2-1 going into the second half, Devin Jodrey added a third goal before James Bellinger set up Daniel Behrner with a pass to the wing. Behrner beat the defender and scored a pretty goal.
The Panthers had a couple of young, fast players that caused some problems for Ocean Port, but Mark Hoffman did a good job relieving starting keeper Jeremy Galley, who is away on holidays. Hoffman plays in goal for Canex of the Howe Sound Men's Soccer League.
"He played a great game," said Venekamp, adding that a nagging leg injury limits Hoffman's time on the field.
Ocean Port moves on to play Signmaster SC in the third Cup round. The date has yet to be announced.
In the meantime, 麻豆社国产is playing a 2 p.m. divisional make-up game against IFC Zawisza at Quest University on Saturday (Feb. 20). The league agreed to reschedule the game after Ocean Port submitted a letter protesting a forfeited game earlier in the month when IFC Zawisza failed to show up for its home game in Surrey.
麻豆社国产has played one less game but is otherwise tied for first place with Shaheen FC. However, Squamish's goal differential, the factor that could possibly be used to break a tie at the end of the regular season, trails Shaheen by 22 goals.
