Shootouts, shutouts, and sweet victories for Cowichan Valley Soccer Association youth
Published 11:45 am Monday, April 20, 2026
There was no shortage of the striking yellow and black jerseys of the Cowichan Valley Soccer Association in big games the weekend of March 7 and 8. From a repeat district championship to a gold-medal run in Surrey, to multiple silver medals, Cowichan’s youth teams were everywhere, man, and they brought home the hardware.
The U15 Div. 2 boys repeated as district champions after beating Juan de Fuca in Sidney on March 7.
MVP goalie Karsen Turner kept his team in the game, allowing just two goals while his teammates took over on offence, with five goals from five different scorers.
Coached by Courtenay McGeachy, Gord McGeachy and Ryan Connelly, the team ended their season with 12 wins and three losses across all competitions, all while conceding the fewest goals in the league.
The U15 boys Div. 3 team, coached by Ben Traynor, made the finals on March 7 against Salt Spring and finished in second place.
On March 7 at the District Cup, the U15/16 Div 3 girls placed second after a nail-biter against Bays United, which ended in a penalty-kick shootout.
“Both teams played exceptionally well, but despite several chances to take the lead, we were thwarted by Bays United’s keeper,” said head coach Vlad Valastiak.
The girls had tied the game with one minute to spare to force the extra time, but fell just short of the gold in a 3-2 shootout despite their strong efforts.
“Facing Bays’ side remains a challenge, especially given their deep bench and recent merger with their Div 2 team,” said the coach. “I’m incredibly proud of the girls’ season-long improvement.”
The same team, coached by Valastiak and Bobby Crudo, won the Tim Satterford Cup earlier in the season.
Coached by Paige Hart and Matt Horn, the CVSA U17/18 Div. 3 girls also made the finals on March 8, against Bays United and placed second.
Meanwhile, the U13 girls, coached by Jordon Clarke and Joel Croswell, earned gold at the Surrey Mayor’s Cup March 18-19. The team played to three shutouts before winning the final game 2-1.
In other soccer news, scholarships are available for Grade 12 players.
The Lower Island Soccer Association is offering up to eight $1,000 scholarships to graduating players. The application deadline is April 30, and more information can be found at lowerislandsoccer.com
The B.C. Soccer Association is also offering scholarships to graduating players. Details can be found at bcsoccer.net