Two Richmond teams will vie for top spot in the regional Tier I high school boys tournament, leaving four Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»teams to battle for a third berth to provincials.
Both Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»schools were shut out of Thursday's semi-finals.
The Magee Lions lost 1-0 to McMath Thursday in a rainy but sun-drenched game at the turf field in Memorial South Park. McMath was incessant on the attack through the first half but none of their shots hit the target. Marc Andre Hervieux scored for McMath in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Across town at St. George's, the Saints lost 3-0 to McNair.
"Out opposition was a very skilful team," said head coach Shawn Lawrence. "They have very fast and clever strikers and the team is balanced. They control and distribute well."
St. George's missed a penalty shot but remained competitive thanks to athletics in net. McNair buried two goals as the clock struck down.
"Our boys are fierce competitors and fine athletes and we were by no means unable to win that game," said Lawrence. "Pressing in the latter stages of the second half made us vulnerable to their counter attack. Our goalie made some outstanding saves but their skillful strikers were not denied on two attacks in the final minutes.
"We respect our opponents. They deserved the win on this occasion."
On the other side of the double knock-out tournament, Kitsilano beat Point Grey 2-0 to advance and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Technical defeated Winston Churchill 2-1 to stay alive.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, St. George's hosts Van Tech at 3:30 p.m. and Kitsilano visits Magee, also at 3:30 p.m.
The winners of each game meet Thursday, Nov. 10 with the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»victor claiming the third regional berth to the provincial tournament Nov. 24 to 26 in Burnaby.
Twitter: @MHStewart
