Briana Shymanski/Rocky View Publishing

To the top - Sydney Craig of the Bow Valley Bobcats dekes around a Bert Church Charger in RVSA ladies soccer quarterfinal action in Cochrane, Sept. 27.

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Bert Church misses chance at soccer semifinals

The Bert Church Chargers won’t get a change to play for a medal after it lost to the Bow Valley Bobcats 5-3 in Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) ladies’ soccer action in Cochrane, Sept. 27.

While the loss ended Bert Church’s season, the three goals were the team’s highest goal total all year, which saw the Chargers outscored 24-0 in the first two games against George McDougall and Cochrane.

A 1-1 tie against Chestermere in the final regular-season game helped spur the team’s confidence against Bert Church.

“The girls did very well,” said Chargers Head Coach Shawn Sweetapple. “They brought out their strengths and improved upon the game (against Chestermere). There’s a lot to be learned and they’re going to do great with this team next year.”

The Chargers are halfway through a rebuilding phase and Sweetapple said the team is already excited for next season, which will feature a squad full of Grade 11 veterans.

“We’ll be in that much better shape to be strong contenders (next year),” he said. “We’re going to really focus on strong defence and being able to move the ball up more. The girls are learning more about each other and learning how to play with one another.”

Bobcats Head Coach Rob Makkreel said the team’s play was sloppy at times, but it scored when it needed to.

Sydney Craig led the offensive charge for the Bobcats, scoring four goals while Dariel Smith added a single tally.

“(Sydney’s) strong in the middle and that’s where our strength is,” said Makkreel.

“They were pushing back on defence so that was allowing us to have that time. She was shooting from a little bit out and she has a strong shot, so she was putting them in.”

The Bobcats now advance to the semifinals against the George McDougall Mustangs, who finished the regular season in second place, three points behind the Cochrane Cobras. Game time is 4:45 p.m. at Monklands Park in Airdrie, Oct. 4 (after press time).

The two teams previously met Sept. 18 with George Mac eking out a 6-4 win.

“That was our best game,” said Makkreel.

“They’re very aggressive and that’s what we want. The girls will hopefully be as aggressive and if we do that and control the middle, we’ll be successful.”