Sooke is once again making a name for itself in the Vancouver Island Soccer community, following Sooke United’s triumphant league victory and promotion to Division 2.
The women’s team, made up of players ranging in age from 16-35, took home the Frank Leversedge Cup, with a 2-1 victory over Cowichan FC on March 29. The win will earn them a spot in Division 2 of the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association next year.
“We look forward to moving up to Div 2 next year and invite new players to register at Sookesoccer.org,” said the team's coach Paul Clarkston.
After a nail-biting end to regulation play with the score tied 1-1, the game went to penalties where Sooke United ultimately found the back of the net for the win.
“Outstanding play by our keeper Lydia Christie kept us in the game,” said Clarkston.
“After a hard 90 minutes of back-and-forth play, to decide the game by way of penalty kicks is one of the most stressful things in sports.”
The impressive win comes on the heels of a season that saw the team's roster diminish from 19 players to 14 over the course of the year,
According to Clarkson, the “rock solid defence” of Sabrina Stewart, Abbi Chalmers, Lily Royer-Collard, Crystal Dyson and Sherry Fouracre held back the Cowichan advance, as the defenders were always willing to get stuck in on hard tackles.
Meanwhile, diligent play by the team midfielders Chloe Clarkston, Marin Clarkston, and Alyssa Seabrook maintained a “consistent presence of distribution, control, and playmaking.”
While the forward line of Alex Peters, Sara Hoffer, Stephanie Merlo, and Hana Beatty kept the opposing keeper on their toes throughout the game.
The team's lone goal was scored by Tina Seabrook, who earned game MVP honours.
“Sooke rose to the occasion, overcame the pressure and found the back of the net in a stunning win,” said Clarkston.
In men’s play, Sooke Celtic will remain in Division 1 following a 4-3 win over Saanich Fusion Football Club March 28 in another impressive win for the Sooke soccer community.
