Preview: First Road Games of the Season

Mariners take on Capilano and Langara, look to build on 2-0 start

Defender Hannah Wagner controls for VIU while Avery Henderson looks on during a September 6 game versus Douglas College. Photo: Mary Kessenich
Defender Hannah Wagner controls for VIU while Avery Henderson looks on during a September 6 game versus Douglas College. Photo: Mary Kessenich
September 12, 2025

NANAIMO – You couldn't ask for a better start. Now, the Mariners look to keep it rolling away from the Harbour City as the team heads to the Lower Mainland for matchups against the Capilano Blues and Langara Falcons.

When & Where

  • Saturday, September 13 versus the Capilano Blues (0-2) at Lillooet Park in North Vancouver, 1 pm
  • Sunday, September 14 versus the Langara Falcons (2-0) at the Langley Events Centre, 12 pm

Games are free to attend. 

Tune In

Games will be streamed live on YouTube.

Head-To-Head in 2024

VIU had some very competitive matchups with the Blues in the 2024 season. In four regular season games, the teams tied three times with the Mariners winning once: a 3-0 win during the final weekend of the season. VIU went on to defeat Capilano 1-0 for the PACWEST conference championship but the Blues turned the tables in the CCAA National Championship bronze medal game with a 1-0 win of their own.

The Mariners fared well against the Falcons in 2024. VIU earned three wins and a tie and outscored the Vancouver squad 10-2. However, the Falcons have looked strong early this season and, like VIU, are undefeated with a 2-0 record.

Watch Out Now

Capilano: Nanaimo's Kai Belbin, a fifth-year midfielder, has scored the only goal for the Blues so far this season. Lauren Grey is one of the top defenders in the conference and shone with Nanaimo United FC this summer.

Langara: Erin Bhandal leads the conference with two goals scored and was named PACWEST women's soccer athlete of the week. 

VIU: Goalkeeper Kaiden Thorpe didn't allow a goal in her first appearance of the season while balance was the name of the game for the Mariners offence. The six goals VIU scored in the opening weekend were from six different goal scorers: Avery Henderson, Jada Kamerman, Jade Dillabough, Emma Thornton, Courtney Ingram, and Mary Nicholls.

On the Horizon

After this weekend, the Mariners return home for September 20 and 21 games against Capilano. These games represent the first time PACWEST regular season games will be played at Harewood Cenntennial Park (East Turf). Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 pm on both days.

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