– Report by Bill Currie, BC Soccer Web
The weekend started with three leagues still represented in the Provincial Cup Men’s A semifinals. But, as Saturday drew to a close, only the VMSL’s Inter FC and EDC Burnaby were left standing. They’ll face each other in the Provincial Cup Final this Sunday at Willoughby Park in Langley (Time: TBD).
The day could have turned out very differently for both teams.
Inter FC survived an equalizing goal in the second half by their FVSL opponents North Delta Lions, which drove the match into extra time. Neither Inter or the Fraser Valley champions could find the winner in the extra periods, and the match was decided on penalties, with Inter prevailing 2-1 (4-2 PK).
The real drama of the day came from Burnaby Lake, where EDC Burnaby were on the ropes at the hands of the VISL Jackson Cup winners Cowichan FC. Down 2-1 at the end of the 90, EDC Burnaby’s desperate attacks resulted in an extraordinary stoppage time goal to knot the match at 2-2. Moments later, EDC almost stole the match on the final kick of normal time, and it was only a fantastic save by Cowichan’s keeper that forced the match into the extra periods. While EDC appeared to force the issue more effectively in extra time, both sides had clear opportunities to win the match.
The match was destined to be determined by spot kicks. Both keepers made saves, and no one missed the net in the seven-penalty thriller. Much to the dismay of the fans from Cowichan, who made their way over from the Island, it would be EDC Burnaby who would advance to the final 3-2 (6-5 PK).
The all-VMSL final features two teams who had close encounters during their regular season. EDC Burnaby and Inter FC drew 1-1 in their first meeting on Nov. 7 in Burnaby. EDC came out on top 2-1 in the February 28 rematch at Trillium.