In a showdown of undefeated teams Thursday (Oct. 14), the Dr. Charles Best Blue Devils planted its flag securely atop the Coquitlam Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s senior boys' soccer standings.
Best beat the Riverside Rapids, 1-0, on a late goal by Luca Di Francesco, to improve its record to four wins and no losses.
It was the first setback for the Rapids, who also have two wins and a draw.
“It was our toughest game of the season so far,” said Blue Devils coach Dave Jones.
Indeed, the Rapids met Best’s dynamic offence stride for stride with tough defence and strong goaltending through the first half at soggy Gates Park in Port Coquitlam and launched several dangerous attacks of its own.
“It was basically a chess match of who would make the first mistake,” said Riverside’s Clarence Chee.
The check came in the 73rd minute of the 80-minute match when Blue Devils’ forward Luca Di Francesco jumped on a loose ball after it squirted loose on a penetrating run by teammate Bryson Foo, stepped around the Rapids’ keeper and struck a winner into the yawning net.
“Our boys moved the ball around well and created a number of turnovers through the press,” Jones said, adding special mention of senior midfielders Antonio Dorantes and Quinn Leon-Carney who were able to dictate the flow of the match for extended stretches.
Jones said after struggling with their focus and intensity through some early matches, the Blue Devils are hitting their stride.
“They know what it means to represent a Dr. Charles Best soccer team.”
