Two early goals in the second half put the W. H. Croxford Cavaliers in contention against the Cochrane Cobras in Rocky View Schools (RVS) soccer playoff action last night. Then the door was shut.

The game was on when the Cavaliers tied the match with two rapid goals when two of their top players came into the game, goalkeeper Jack Hodges and forward Daylin Scheepers.  The Cobras adjusted their play to intensify coverage on Scheepers while tightening up their play in midfield to allow them to move the ball into scoring position and tally two goals to take the game, 4-2.

The Cobras now advance to the gold medal match on Tuesday night at Monkland Fields in Airdrie.

Cobras coach Carolyn Mcleod says the Cobras adjusted their game to match Scheepers arrival.

"When we didn't see him at the beginning we wanted to take advantage of it, so we got two quick goals. When he entered the field we had to take one of our players and man mark him, because he's so strong. He could be the best player in the league; I wouldn't be surprised."

The Cobras also tightened up their play as a unit.

"A lot of them were trying to do everything themselves and when you get stripped, their turnover is dangerous. You can't get stripped in the middle and then have them on the attack."

Whiles Hodges was strong for the Cavaliers, particularly on high balls, Cobras rookie keep Edin Kovacevic had another strong game. Among the highlights was a key save on a penalty shot.

"That's just a bonus right there because anytime there's a penalty shot, it's usually a guaranteed goal."

Johnny Kerr lead the Cobras in scoring with three goals while Jackson Southam scored the other.

Two intense days of soccer follow the gold medal match when Bow Valley High School hosts the zone championship at Rangers Field, June 6-7.