Chilliwack’s U-16 soccer Striker girls were home last weekend, facing the Coquitlam Force in the final game before the Christmas break.
The Force came in with a three game winning streak in their back pocket, but the home side ended it abruptly, dealing the visitors a 4-1 loss.
Just 17 minutes in, outside midfielder Kiana Thiessen sent a pass to center-mid Emma Haagensen, who beat one defender and left-footed a pass to forward Haley Mainse. Mainse made no mistake, one-timing her shot into the net.
Mainse returned the favour five minutes later, setting up Haagensen for a far-corner shot.
The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 33rd minute on an attack down the middle and a shot that was chipped up and over the charging Chilliwack keeper.
Just two minutes later, Nikki Loewen sent an aerial pass through center to breaking forward Emily Finley. Finley beat the lone Coquitlam defender, cut in front at the 18 yard box, and sent a perfect shot into the upper corner of the net. The first half ended with the home team up 3-1.
The onslaught continued in the second half. At the 17 minute mark, defender Sydney Richards send a cross-field pass to Kristy Ricard, who in turn sent the ball forward to Mainse.
From the side of the 18 yard box, she sent a perfect cross to Finley, who headed the ball into the Coquitlam net.
On a day where they finally converted on numerous scoring chances, Chilliwack came away with a 4-1 win.
The girls have a long layoff ahead.
The Strikers don’t return to game action until Jan. 8 when they travel to Surrey.