Legion of Broom

VIU took over first place in the PACWEST conference with four games remaining in the season following consecutive 1-0 home victories over the Douglas College Royals.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: VIU 1 - Douglas 0
Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, Nanaimo, B.C.

The Mariners made a statement in their first home game in three weeks by toppling the league-leading Douglas Royals 1-0.

On a windy afternoon, balls kicked through the air would cause guessing games for attackers and defenders, and it was a high ball that resulted in VIU's goal.

Off an 11th-minute corner kick from Hannah Rose, 5th-year midfielder Taylor Kinley chipped the delivery from the edge of the box up and the ball arced over a diving Royals goalkeeper. 

Referee signals a goal from VIU's Taylor Kinley as Hannah Wagner (L) and Asuka Okabe celebrate. Photo: Mary Kessenich

While VIU had the marjority of offensive pressure in the first half, with seven shots on target to none for Douglas, the Royals turned things around after halftime. The Royals launched eight shots towards the Mariner net--three on goal--but were not able to beat goalkeeper Kaiden Thorpe. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: VIU 1 - Douglas 0
Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, Nanaimo, B.C.

The Mariners went five points up on the Douglas Royals at the top of the conference standings following a tight 1-0 win.

The Royals came out flying in the first half, forcing goalkeeper Kaiden Thorpe to track down a through-ball only ten seconds in and intercept a cross 20 seconds later. 

Against the run of play, VIU struck back in the 18th minute. Mariners forward Emma Riccardi, flying down the left wing, took a hard one-time shot that deflected off the hands of the Douglas goalkeeper in front of the net. The rebound went right to the feet of Jade Dillabough and she promptly knocked the ball into the net before jumping over the goalkeeper. 

Thrilla-bough Season: Mariners forward Jade Dillabough scores for VIU. Photo: Mary Kessenich

The second half featured plenty of intense play and tough challenges with both goalkeepers needing time to recover after collisions. The Royals kept their pressure up--earning four shots on goal to two for the Mariners--but Thorpe held steady in the VIU net to earn her second shutout victory of the weekend.

Up Next

Sunday's conference results--which included VIU's win and a tie by Langara College--clinched a post-season spot for the Mariners. Over the final four games of the regular season, VIU will turn its attention to clinching the top spot in the conference and a bye to the PACWEST championship final on October 29. 

Saturday, October 5
Due to scheduling conflicts, the VIU women will play Langara on Capilano's home field, Lillooet Park, at 1 p.m. The VIU men will play Langara College at Terry Fox Field at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, B.C.) at noon.

Sunday, October 6
The Mariners and Royals will play their fourth of four regular season matchups at Cunnings Field in Coquitlam. Kickoff is scheduled for noon with the men's game following at 2:30 p.m.

Visit the PACWEST website for the season schedule and webstream links.

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