Wednesday, September 9 // Nanaimo
VIU – 0, Quest – 1
The 24th minute gained Quest the winning goal shot from 25 yards out. VIU did well the second half of the game but did not manage to tie the game. “We came out a bit nervous and it took us a bit to get settled and start playing like we can,” said Head Coach Anup Kang after the game.
Saturday, September 12 // Vancouver
VIU – 3, Langara – 1
Mariner forward Carli Rey retrieves the ball from Quest opponent. Photo via VIU Mariners on Flickr
VIU scored 30 minutes in with a great free kick by Samantha Rodgers from 30 yards away. Eight minutes later Rachel Jones went to the penalty box and later converted the spot kick from 12 yards out, keeping the score at 2-0 at the half for the Mariners. The Mariners’ defense held strong despite repeated pushing from Langara. VIU added their third and final goal for the game in the 70th minute after a great combination play from Solana Ashe, Moira Brown, and Katie Rodgers. The Langara Falcons managed to score only three minutes after a superb turn by Jill Kelly. This is the Mariners’ first win of the season.
“Langara is always a tough game and today was no different. Katie Rodgers was excellent. Rachel Jones, Kaylee Dodds, and Moira Brown dominated the middle of the pitch for us. Maddy Dawson is such a skilled player, we asked her to play right back today instead of her midfield position, and she was fantastic,” said Kang after the victory.
Sunday, September 13 // Capilano
VIU – 0, Capilano – 1
Via VIU Mariners on Flickr
The Capilano Blues scored in the fourth minute due to a miscommunication by the Mariners. This seemed to refocus the team, as they dominated the field for the next 85 minutes of the game. However, they were unable to score, despite many opportunities throughout the game. Zoe Grace headed the ball twice but both times it was cleared before crossing the goal. Jessica Burma dominated out front, but her shot was tipped over by a Blues defender when facing an open net. The rest of the match had the two teams fighting it out with a lot of near misses, earning the Blues their 1-0 win.
“We had so many quality chances to score today and we put them under a lot of pressure. It was one of those days. Again, our young players played excellently as we were without Bronte Fitzsimmons, Carli Rey, Darby Cronan, Savannah Jensen, and Jill Kelly. There’s a lot of quality there; we’re hoping all will be available for selection next weekend,” said Kang.
