The Richmond Strikers will have the opportunity to achieve a treble season on their own turf after capturing the Coastal Cup in dramatic fashion.
The U14 girls Metro team outlasted the West Vancouver Rangers 2-1 in penalty kicks on Sunday in Aldergrove. The Strikers will look to add to their regular season and cup titles in July at the Provincial “A” Cup Championships which Richmond happens to be hosting at Hugh Boyd and Minoru Parks.
Just like their semi-final encounter two weeks earlier, the Strikers found themselves in an early deficit before battling back.
This time they dominated much of the match after a direct red card left their North Shore rival with 10 players. Richmond equalized on the penalty and had plenty of chances to produce the game winner in the second half and extra time.
West Van actually took the early lead in shootout before the Strikers took control, sealing the result on their final attempt.
The cup final not only put the Strikers up against the Metro League’s second best team but in conditions the girls haven’t seen for months. The game was played on a grass field in summer-like weather thanks to no coastal breeze in the heart of the Fraser Valley.
“The girls found a way to persevere,” said Strikers coach Mandhir Punia. “When we fell behind it just made them more determined. You could hear them talking and encouraging each other on the field. They were able to adapt to the situation and get past it. We are so proud of them.”
The cup win also proved the league title was no accident as the Strikers overcame a tough draw that saw them defeat the league’s fourth, third and second place teams in that order.
The team is heading to the annual Slurpee Cup in Kamloops over the Victoria Day Weekend before the build-up for the Provincial Cup begins. That tournament is slated for July 5-8.
