In a Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) game made sloppy due to a variety of wet and windy weather, Powell River Villa lost 1-0 to Vic West FC when the visitors scored off a penalty kick in the last minute.
“It was kind of a cruel way to lose, right at the end there, but that’s soccer,” said Chris McDonough, Villa’s manager. “Overall, we stuck to our game plan and played very well throughout, frustrating Vic West’s offence and making their defence work, so that’s definitely a positive.”
Vic West scored on the penalty kick at the 90-minute mark of regular game play. There were two additional minutes of play due to injury, and while the home team threw everything it had at the visitors, Villa was unable to tie up the game.
The teams experienced a variety of weather throughout the match, from wind-whipped rain to bright sunshine, but the players adapted.
“The field didn’t feel that great today,” said Scott McKenzie, Villa’s goalkeeper, after the game. “I did the best I could, and everyone in front of me played amazing.”
McDonough also felt the defensive line played well, and had high praise for McKenzie.
“Scott played fantastic in net,” he said. “The last two games he’s been raising his level and making huge saves to keep us in games. Our defence was on point this weekend, too; Vic West sent in some big shots but from several yards out, which helped Scott make the saves.”
McDonough was also happy with Niko Cristante’s and Richard Murphy’s performances.
“It was also a solid game for Nick Van’t Schip, Griffin Leach and Jake Kenmuir, and a really good effort from all the guys,” he said. “Caiman Duggan also had a great game at centre back. He’s a young player who’s been quietly improving a lot over the season. This game he played really well in front of Scott, made some key tackles, and distributed the ball well.”
Villa has one more game before the holiday break, heading to Victoria to face first-place Lakehill on Saturday, December 18.
“Lakehill is at the top of the table, so it’ll be a big challenge for us,” said McDonough. “We’re going to go down there with a young team that’s really coming together, and see if we can get a result.”
Villa’s first game after the break will also be away, against Cowichan FC in Duncan on January 16, before returning to Timberlane Park on January 22 to face Comox Valley United.
“In the new year, we’ve got a lot of home games, and we get to play in front of our really great fans,” said McKenzie. “We all really appreciate the support, because it pushes us to work hard and do well. The fans really are what makes us bring our best to the field.”
