Day two of the tournament brought some fresh legs and hopes for participation in the Gold Division. After our one win, one loss performance on day one, we needed a win against St. John’s Kilmarnock to earn a wild card spot in the top group. They had given the division leader, Crescent, a serious run for their money and were certain to be a strong opposition.

The skies cleared for us on the excellent St. George’s pitches, and we hit the field running, scoring a resounding 4-0 victory with goal keeper Arthur Brown earning the shutout. The team was showing sure signs of improvement both in their individual skills and in team play. The result put us through to the Gold Division to play a big, physical Shawnigan Lake Team in the Quarter Finals.

Our smaller, skillful side was starting to suffer in the war of attrition. Several players were now out of the lineup, others nursing bumps and bruises. Shawnigan scored first and then again, taking command of the game. Our smaller, more skilled side slowly reestablished themselves, scoring a goal to come within one goal. In the second half, Shawnigan Lake took control and won the game to move on to the semi-finals. Our side was now on the friendly side of the draw, set to play Country Day School the next day.

An overnight deluge promised a wet, uncomfortable final game on the turf at UBC, but true to form, the rain stopped in time for our noon match. After falling behind 2-0, it seemed the script was set for a collapse, but our boys dug in, scoring three unanswered goals to pull ahead. A late goal by Country Day evened the score and that’s where we finished.

All of the teams in the tournament congregated back at St. George’s to watch the final, where UCC lost to Ashbury, 2-1. At the award ceremonies, St. George’s’ retiring Headmaster, Nigel Toy, spoke of the excellent competition, and their concert band played for the players and coaches. LCC’s captain, Ryan Lehman, arguably one of the best players at the event, earned the team’s spirit award through his indomitable athleticism and excellent ball distribution.

After a quick trip back to the hotel to eat and change, we were out and on our way to the Richmond Skating Oval, where alumnus LCC Peter Webster ’60 had set us up for the evening. This spectacular Olympic venue, where the boys skated and played some soccer on the interior of the oval, was a perfect exclamation point on a very successful trip.

Our Lions return home a better side, setting us up hopefully, for a strong run into our GMAA season playoffs.

Day One
A quiet flight got us into Vancouver on a cloudy day with an occasional appearance of the sun. Once settled into our our hotel, we walked along the seawall to nearby Stanley Park. In the shadow of old growth redwoods and fall colours, we worked out our jet lag with a friendly kickaround. We were all thankful that the forecasted rain held off, save a few drops (Tomorrow does not look so good.). The excellent location of the hotel allowed everyone to get their supper within easy walking distance and then settle back into the hotel for a few hours of homework and free time.

Day Two – Game Day
We woke to rain showers and dressed for the worst. By the time we got the the lobby it had subsided. Our first game, played on field turf at the impressive UBC sports complex versus Hillfield-Strathallan College, went very well. Approaching the game with a new alignment, we were able to make some space for our captain, Ryan Lehman, and he distributed the ball well; striker Francesco Capretti netting two goals and narrowly missing his hat trick. The final score was 4-1.

In the second match, we came up against a strong Crescent School side. They were hungry after a poor perfomance in their morning game, and came out strongly. Solid positional defence, anchored by Mark David and punctuated by some lightning forays into the attack from Alex Caplan, we held off the charge, and we settled into an even match through the first half. In the second half, Crescent managed a goal, and despite numerous chances, that’s the way it ended, a 1-0 loss.

We headed back to the hotel still dry; having been fortunate again, not to be hit by the rain. We were assured that it would hit on the next day, though, and we were headed for the natural grass pitches of the host St. George’s School. A win tomorrow would put us through to the top division competition. The boys are playing well; several players raising their game to a new level – we’re looking for a good result.

Game results are posted online at http://www.stgeorges.bc.ca/CAISsoccer2009.asp