Tough Finish

NANAIMO, BC - Coming into the final weekend of regular season play, VIU held a two-point lead over the Douglas Royals for the final PACWEST playoff spot. Unfortunately, the Mariners only managed a loss and a tie in their two games versus the Capilano Blues while the Douglas Royals notched a 2-0 victory over Langara on the final day of the season.

While the Mariners and Royals finished tied in the standings with identical records (3 wins, 3 ties, and 6 losses) and an even head-to-head matchup (one win, one loss, and two ties for each team), the Royals had a better goal differential: -4 for Douglas compared to -6 for VIU. This stat, the fourth tiebreaker option, was the one to put the Royals into the playoffs.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19: Capilano 2 - VIU 1
Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, Nanaimo, B.C.
Box Score

Game Photos

Two first half goals for the Capilano Blues secured 3 points for the visitors in Nanaimo.

VIU forward Brian Bland scored a 47th-minute goal to give the home team some hope as he cut across in front of the Blues net and fired a low shot back against the grain and into the net. However, the Mariners could not break down the Blues defense after that.

VIU forward Brian Bland races a Capilano Blues defender to a loose ball. Photo: Mary Kessenich

The Mariners dramatically outshot the Blues as they launched 21 shots (6 on target) at the net compared to 4 shots (3 on target) for Capilano. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20: Capilano 1 - VIU 1
Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, Nanaimo, B.C.
Box Score

Game Photos

The Mariners entered the game knowing a win would book their spot into in the PACWEST playoffs but a tie or loss took their destiny out of their hands. Unfortunately, a 1-1 tie with Capilano combined with a Douglas College 2-0 win versus Langara gave the Royals the final playoff spot in the conference.

 
VIU midfielder Josh Rayner battles Capilano's Alexander Baldry for possession. Photo: Mary Kessenich

 The rain was falling heavily at kickoff and the Blues struck early on a 7th-minute penalty kick by Tommy Millar. After more than an hour of game time, VIU's leading scorer Charlie Smith got the Mariners on the board in the 79th-minute. A fantastic run from midfield from Brian Bland that included a quick give-and-go with Ori Fisher put Bland in position to send a low cross to Smith. He out-muscled two Capilano defenders to knock the ball into the net.

As with the previous day's match, the Mariners substantially outshot the Blues: 19 (13 on target) to 5 (1 on target). Other than Smith's goal, Capilano goalkeeper Brandon Lecce held his ground in challenging conditions to earn a point for his squad and ultimately deny the Mariners a path to the post-season.

Thank you, Grads

Before the game, three Mariners were recognized for their final seasons: Grayson Chalifoux, Michael Heppelle, and Matthew Coburn. All three student-athletes played their full five years of collegiate eligibility at VIU.

   
Grads Grayson Chalifoux, Michael Heppelle, and Matthew Coburn are recognized in front of family and fans along with coaches Kevin Lindo, Jonathan McKenzie, and Scott Brown. Photos: Mary Kessenich