Langley United Sparta had their Provincial B Cup title hopes dashed last weekend.
Despite a valiant effort, the local Div. 2 men’s soccer team fell 3-2 in a shootout to the host Port Alberni Athletics in Keith Millar Cup action on Sunday afternoon.
The long trip to Port Alberni meant Sparta travelled with a depleted squad “but were still going to win the game,†Sparta coach/manager Mark Peters said.
Langley started fast with a goal in the first minute by Mark Peters off a cross by Paul Ballard.
Port Alberni responded with two goals and finished the half up 2-1.
The second half was a battle with chances going to either side as Sparta pushed for the tying goal.
A crossing that was handled in the Port Alberni penalty area gave Sparta a lifeline, and Peters converted the resulting penalty kick.
Extra time had few chances, and near the end a great save by the Athletics’ goalkeeper denied Sparta’s Riley Dornian.
Then it was off to penalty kicks, and the Port Alberni ’keeper made three saves on the first four Sparta shots putting the Island club into the final versus Guildford (VMSL).
“Very proud of our team and we’ve had an outstanding season, winning the league and the Presidents Cup as well,†Peters said, following the match. “We had a lot of players playing hurt today but they each showed great character and showed what it means to play for your team.â€
Both the men’s and women’s provincial cup games are being played this weekend at Willoughby Turf.
Provincial Cup finals in Willoughby this weekend
The women’s Provincial Cup finals are this Saturday, May 9.
The schedule:
• Special Olympics BC Showcase Match – 10 a.m.
• Leeta Sokalski Cup (Women’s B) – 10:30 a.m.
• Classics Cup – 12 p.m.
• Women’s Premier (A) Cup – 1:30 p.m.
• Women’s U21 Cup – 3 p.m.
The men’s Provincial Cup finals are being played this Sunday, May 10.
The schedule:
• Keith Millar Cup (Men’s B) – 10:30 a.m.
• Deryl Hughes Cup (Masters) – 12 p.m.
• Doug Day Cup (U21) – 1:30 p.m.
• Men’s Premier (A) Cup – 3 p.m.