Heartbreak in the Harbour City

NANAIMO - VIU is still looking for its first points of the season following a tough 3-2 loss to the visiting Douglas Royals.

Douglas gained momentum early with a strike only six minutes into the game. Forward Ayman Sahmuddeen make a quick cut in front of goal to lose two VIU defenders and shot back against the grain to put the Royals ahead.

The Mariners have not lacked grit early this season, and showed it again by levelling the score less than 10 minutes later. Follwing a throw-in deep in the Royals half, Josh Rayner (Johannesburg, South Africa) got behind the ball and chipped a shot over the Royals goalkeeper into the top right of the net. 

The Royals gained momentum and energy heading into the break when Sahmuddeen scored his second goal of the game minutes before the halftime whistle. He took a pass at the top of the 18-yard box and fired a high shot over an outstretch Marko Ilich in the VIU net.

Charlie Smith takes his penalty kick and scores against Douglas College. Photo: Mary Kessenich

While Douglas outshot VIU in the first half, VIU brought more pressure in the second and were rewarded with 15 minutes remaining. Declan Brown (Nanaimo, BC), who had been moved into the VIU backline, sent a wonderful through-ball forward for striker Charlie Smith (Squamish, BC). Smith was brought down in the penalty area and made no mistake on his PK attempt to tie the game.

However, the Royals would ruin the comeback. After entering the same as a substitute in the 89th minute, Douglas defender Gavin Johnston scored less than a minute later to give his team the lead and the win.

Country Club DQ Player of the Game: Josh Rayner

VIU's player of the game, Josh Rayner (#4) congratulates Charlie Smith after he earns a penalty kick late in the game. Photo: Matt Carter