Some teams simply have another team’s number, said Nanaimo United U21 coach Allan Jorgensen.
So his soccer team feels good about its chances this Saturday (March 31) as it prepares to face the Bays United Gunners for the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s George Smith Cup.
“We’re pretty optimistic about having a very good chance of winning it,” Jorgensen said. “Only because we have beaten the team that we play against twice already.”
Nanaimo (8-9-1) handled Bays (9-7-2) by a 3-1 score back in October, then won 2-1 last month.
Both teams have peaked at playoff time after finishing middle of the pack in the regular season. Jorgensen said part of the reason for United’s recent success was some late additions to the roster. But he’s also seen more desire.
“The guys wanted it really badly,” he said. “It’s been a very good atmosphere and they’re all together, and when they do that, they’re one of the best teams.”
GAME ON … Nanaimo United and the Bays United Gunners play for the cup on Saturday at noon at Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park … Simply by qualifying for the final, United earned a berth into provincial playdowns starting in April.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com