Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) has concluded its winter break, with game action returning this weekend.
Powell River Villa plays its first match of 2024 versus Lakehill at Braefoot Park in Victoria on Saturday, January 27. Game time is 6 pm
Lakehill is in fourth place in VISL Division 1 standings with 22 points, twice as many as ninth place Villa. All 10 teams in the division had played 14 games prior to the break. Vic West topped the table with 38 points, one more the Gorge FC.
"We’re on the road for a crucial game to avoid relegation," said Villa manager Chris McDonough. "We have done some recruiting over the break and brought in three very good players after their university seasons wrapped up."
The new players are Marcus Cramb and Billy Bagiopoulos from Vancouver Island University and Chris Fisher from University of British Columbia.
Villa is one point behind Victoria Highlanders for eighth place and two points clear of last place Westcastle International Academy.
McDonough shared that the Jackson Cup draw was completed a couple weeks ago and Villa drew VISL Division 2 squad Gorge United. That match will take place at Timberlane Park (1:30 pm) on Saturday, February 17.
The Jackson Cup is Vancouver Island Soccer League’s version of the FA Cup in England and Copa del Rey in Spain and has been contested since 1915. In addition to winning in 1995, Villa also hoisted the trophy in 1991, 1997 and 2000.
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