Preview: It's #1 vs #2 for the Final Homestand

NANAIMO - The top-seeded Mariners have clinched a postseason spot. With some strong play in their final homestand of the season, they can add a guaranteed top-of-the-table finish, but they'll have to get through a determined Langara Falcons squad.

Two VIU wins or a VIU win and tie this weekend sews up top spot for the Mariners. With any other results, the Falcons still have a chance at the #1 seed and a provincial championship bye going into the last weekend of the season (October 18 and 19). 

Standings

• VIU: First in the PACWEST with a record of 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss (19 points). Ranked #4 in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). 
• Langara: Second in the PACWEST with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses (14 points). Ranked #7 in the CCAA.

When & Where

• Saturday, October 4 at Harewood Centennial Park (East Turf) at John Barsby Secondary School, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Top Trade Insulation and Attic
• Sunday, October 5 at Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Valhalla Pure Outfitters

All VIU soccer games are free to attend. 

Tune In

Home games are streamed live on YouTube.

Head-To-Head

The Mariners have a pair of 3-0 road wins over the Falcons this season, including one during the previous weekend of play. Six different goal scorers have hit the back of the net in these games: Mary Nicholls, Avery Henderson, Jade Dillabough, Mary Huggill, Emma Thornton, and Jada Kamerman. Goalkeeper Kaiden Thorpe was in net for both wins.

Watch Out Now

Langara: Goalkeeper Kate Bonozew is one of two 'keepers in the conference to play in every one of their team's games and has earned four shutouts across those eight games. 

VIU: Earlier this week, Kaiden Thorpe was named PACWEST women's soccer athlete of the week after earning her fourth and fifth shutouts of the season. With four goals, Emma Thornton moved into second place in the conference goal scoring race.

Senior Celebrations

After Sunday's game (approximately 2:30 pm), soccer seniors Courtney Ingram, Hannah Wagner, and Erin Jensen will be celebrated pitch-side along with men's seniors Marko Ilich, Nathan Torres, and Thomas Greze-Kozuki.