Quality play also commended for Over 30s

Salt Spring United’s Div.-2 women fought another hard battle at Portlock Park on Sunday, but kept their footing against Vic West in a 1-1 tie.

“It was a tough game,” team spokesperson Sue-Anne Donaldson reported. “They had a large squad and we had a full team. We started strong and we finished strong.”

Vic West scored first with a goal that came through a penalty shot. Salt Spring tied it up with “a really brilliant shot” by LeeAnn Norgard, whose kick grazed Joanne O’Connor’s head, ensuring the ball went into the net.

Donaldson said the team played well through defence up to mid-field, where Karla Copeland-Rice had a good game. Carol Adam was also a valuable player, jumping in net after the regular keeper was injured in the second half.

The team looks forward to playing Lakehill Reds in Victoria on Sunday.

“It’s nice to be playing in this division because it’s good soccer and that’s what we’re all looking for,” said Donaldson. “Hopefully we’ll keep moving up in the standings.”

• Salt Spring United’s Over-30s women received high praise from competitors Vic A following their Sunday match.

The team at the top of the league praised Salt Spring as being the best team they’ve played so far, while the referee also commented on the team’s quality play.

SS United travelled to Victoria with a team of only nine players. Sue Spencer stepped into net and for the first half hour the team bravely faced a full and healthy team from Vic West. Victoria managed to put the ball in the net four times before a 10th player arrived on the field for Salt Spring.

Despite the unbalanced teams, Salt Spring’s Over 30s played an excellent defensive line with lots of passing from the defensive end, through the wings and up to the strikers, said spokesperson Louise Doucet.

Late in the first period, Carolyn Flam scored Salt Spring’s only goal.