Vital Signs

COQUITLAM, BC - Don't count VIU out yet.

The Mariners overcame a first-half deficit and an injury to starting goalkeeper Marko Ilich to defeat the host Douglas Royals 3-1. With the victory, the Mariners trail the Royals and Capilano Blues by three points in the conference standings. Each team has four games remaining and the Mariners will play Douglas and Capilano in the final weekend of the season.

The game had an unnerving moment 15 minutes in as VIU's Ilich collided with a Douglas player when contesting a through-ball into the VIU 18-yard box. Brian Murray entered the game in relief.

Royals forward Ayman Sahmudden then scored his third goal of the season--all against VIU--moments before the end of the first half.

VIU came out firing after the break. Charlie Smith continued his goal scoring ways by flying into a breakway opportunity and he made no mistake to put VIU on the board in the 62nd minute.

Three minutes later, Declan Brown gave VIU the lead with an incredible one-touch rocket off a rebound that caught the Royals 'keeper out of position.

Shortly before the final whistle, Aidan Gutierrez scored his first goal as a Mariner to ensure VIU would stay ahead for good. 

Murray, in his second appearance of the season, earned the win in the VIU net.

Up Next

The Mariners head back to Nanaimo and will play their final home games of the regular season on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 versus Langara. Saturday's game is at Harewood Centennial Park and Sunday's game is at Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 pm both days and graduating players will be recognized at 2:30 pm on Sunday (at the conclusion of the women's game).

For more information, please contact VIU Mariners Communications & Sports Information Coordinator Matt Carter.