A young goalkeeper for the Cochrane Cobras proved to be the game-changer in the Cobras' 3-2 win over the Bow Valley Bobcats in their first encounter of the Rocky View Sports senior boys soccer season, May 3.

Edin Kovacevic made some unbelievable saves that kept the Cobras on top. The Cobras opened up a 3-1 lead late in second half as the Bobcats offensive power was foiled time and time again by the grade 9 keep. Matthew Chiddle brought the Bobcats within one on a penalty shot with only a few minutes remaining on the clock. 

Johnny Kerr had a pair of goals and Dawson Laye scored one for the Cobras. Kyle Edwards scored the other Bobcats goal.

Cobras coach Carolyn Mcleod says she believed the Bobcats showed more skill in the game and her team's play wasn't as strong as against W. H. Croxford earlier in the week. Kovacevic made the difference.

"He saved us against Croxford, he saved us against these guys, he's just unbelievable. We are over the moon excited about having him; he's humble and amazing," says Mcleod.

"Our guys keep working hard to take a little bit off, but he definitely came up big with a few that should have been in the back of the net. A couple of times I turned around because I thought it was a goal and then looked to see the ball was still in play. We're so lucky to have him."

Mcleod is excited about the competition in Rocky View.

"Both games saw tight, back and forth play with lots of speed and exciting moments. It's going to be a good league. Croxford put up a good fight and I knew Bow Valley was going to be tough."

Bobcats coach Rob Kimura was impressed with the solid play of his team in both of their games and believes they will once again be a contender for the divisional banner. He has a solid core of grade 12 players and younger players coming up the ranks and is impressed with their enthusiasm and commitment to the team.

Previous to this, both Cochrane teams won their season openers on May 1. The Bobcats had a convincing 5-2 home win over the Springbank Phoenix and the Cobras defeated the W. H. Croxford Cavaliers, 4-2.

Both Cochrane teams are expected to be competing for top spot in divisional play and there's a good chance they'll be meeting again in the post-season.

Upcoming games

The Bobcats are at home on the SLS Legacy Sports Field for two games next week. Tuesday the Cavaliers are in town and Chestermere is here on Thursday.

The Cobras are waiting for the OK to play on their home field and will have their home opener on the road Thursday against George McDougall Mustangs. They have the bye on Tuesday.