Island schools kick off quest for senior boys’ B.C. soccer title

After being brought down to Earth at the Island double-A senior boy’s soccer championship, the St. Michaels University Blue Jags are ready to get back on their horses and ride into the provincial tournament at Burnaby beginning on Monday.

The Blue Jags, who were undefeated in Lower Island play, dropped a 2-1 decision to Brentwood College at the Island semifinals before rebounding to grab bronze. Carihi came out as Island champs and all three teams kick it off at B.C.’s on Monday.

“It was our first loss of the season and almost a blessing in disguise, I think, to get it out of the way and a bit of a wake-up call for the guys, too,” SMUS coach Cam Hundal said of the loss to Brentwood. “No game is guaranteed and every team wants to beat you. Now we’re looking forward to provincials.”

SMUS bounced back to defeat Mark Isfeld 4-2 to earn bronze and grab the third Island berth.

At provincials, Carihi is in Pool A with Richmond, Langley Fundamental and Duchess Park. Brentwod is in Pool C with W.L. Seaton, Sands and L.V. Rogers and SMUS competes in Pool D with archbishop Carney, John Oliver and Sutherland.

Carihi opens against Duchess Park at 9 a.m. Monday, while at 11 a.m., Brentwood tackles Sands and SMUS faces John Oliver. Playoffs commence Tuesday afternoon and bronze- and goldmedal games kick off Wednesday at 11 and 11:30 a.m.

The triple-A provincials will start on Thursday at Burnaby with Reynolds and Oak Bay both attending. Reynolds is in Pool B with St. Georges, Fleetwood Park and Mount Baker. Oak Bay competes in Pool C with Tamanawis, Rutland and Panorama Ridge.

“Getting the Colonist Cup semifinal in was good for us for preparation,” said Reynolds coach J.J. Atterbury. “It’s going to be very competitive.

“There are a lot of great teams in the province and the Lower Mainland always has really strong clubs. It’s going to be competitive and a real challenge for us, but the boys are excited and looking forward to it.”

Reynolds opens Thursday at 9 a.m. against Mt. Baker and Oak Bay meets Rutlad at 11 a.m.

Playoffs commence Friday afternoon and finals are on Saturday.