Powell River Villa achieved a 1-1 tie for the second week in a row, holding Victoria Highlanders to one goal during a Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) match at Timberlane Park on October 29.
“It was a pretty even game, especially considering that Highlanders are one of the better teams in the league,” said Chris McDonough, Villa’s manager. “As an academy team, they train two times a day five days a week, and a lot of their players go on to semi-pro and professional soccer in Europe. We were happy to get a point against them.”
Villa started the scoring at 26 minutes, when Griffin Leach scored on a breakaway.
“It was actually a goal against the run of play, since Griffin was going back to clear the ball,” said McDonough. “He outbattled his man, gained possession for a breakaway, and got a great goal. It gave us a boost in the first half.”
Highlanders tied the score a few minutes later with a goal at 33 minutes, and the teams went into halftime tied. There were no goals scored in the second half, despite several chances for both teams.
“We limited their opportunities really well in the second half, but there were a few moments where it could have gone differently,” said Matthew Liknes, Villa’s keeper. “There were a few deflections and other small mistakes that led to opportunities, on both ends of the field, but we were able to regroup and shut them down pretty well. They’re an academy team, and we’re just a bunch of guys from a small town, but we showed them what we’re worth today.”
McDonough praised Liknes’ performance in goal that helped Villa hold their opponents to a single goal for the second week in a row.
“Matt made some key saves, especially in the first half and the end of the second,” he said. “Our back line was solid and limited their chances. Niko [Cristante] and Russell [Pielle] did a lot of great defending in the middle of the park. Grant Campbell came on in the second half and brought some physicality and work rate to the game, and helped keep the second half scoreless. Overall, it was a great effort by everyone.”
Villa heads into the toughest part of its schedule this week, with the first of three consecutive road games on Saturday, November, 5 against Cowichan Axis FC.
“Three road games in a row is tough, but these are also crucial games,” said McDonough. “The lower half of the standings are really close right now, and we play some of those teams before Christmas. Cowichan is only four points ahead of us. We’ve had some success against them last year, so hopefully we can get another result this week and keep our stretch of good games going.”
Villa travels to Victoria on November 12, to play Westcastle, and then to Comox on November 19, to face Comox Valley United, before returning to Timberlane on November 26 to host VISL Division 1 leaders Lakehill FC.
“Thanks to everyone who comes out to the games, for your support,” said Liknes. “We know it was easier to come out to the field at the beginning of the season when it was nice and sunny, so we really appreciate all the support now that we’re finally into fall weather.”
