April 30 Island Invitational Cup - Preview

Gorge FC v Oceanside


The is the 42nd edition of the Island Invitational Cup, also known as the Tournament of Champions.

The Island Invitational Cup pits the Gold league winners from the Lower Island against the Gold league winners from the Upper Island. The Cup is contested by both boys and girls teams from U13 - U18.

This year it is being hosted by the Upper Island at Comox Valley on Sunday April 30th.

Gorge FC goes into the match as undefeated league champions. The only loss on the season was in the B Cup final against Cowichan. Cowichan lost against Oceanside the following weekend in a shootout for the right to represent the Island at the BCSA Cup (B Cup) Championships in Prince George in July.

Oceanside is undefeated through league and B Cup play this year, and will be looking to add the Island Invitational Cup to their trophy cabinet. Oceanside were defeated in the Coastal Cup Semi-Final on the Mainland April 1st.

For Gorge FC, it is a special match as many pundits felt Gorge FC were the strongest club in U15 on the Lower Island this year, and it was deemed an upset when they lost to Cowichan.
The boys will be looking to put to rest the question of the strongest team on the Island.

Both teams have been to the Island Invitational Cup once before. Gorge FC lost in a shootout to Comox Valley in U13 and Oceanside was defeated by Gordon Head in U14.

Gorge FC has met Oceanside in two previous encounters, splitting the two games. Gorge FC defeated Oceanside in a friendly at UVIC turf last spring, and Oceanside won the other match in a Nanaimo tournament also last spring.

Both teams strengthened their rosters from U14 to U15 with Oceanside adding a top Comox Valley player in the off season, and Gorge FC welcoming Mark from Bays United.

It should be a cracker of a match.

Go Gorge.