Nanaimo United Div. 1 men’s soccer team knows it can play with the league’s best after tying high-powered Gordon Head 3-3 last weekend.
All it has to do now is remain healthy and focused to make a strong run in the upcoming Jackson Cup, says Frank Klemencic, Nanaimo’s general manager.
“In my opinion that was our best game yet,” he said. “It was a great effort and a good sign that things are starting to come together after struggling for a while. We build our teams to start ramping up this time of year.”
As it happens, Nanaimo will likely face second-ranked Gordon Head in the first round of cup action, but this time it will be on Nanaimo turf, which Klemencic said he feels will give Nanaimo United the edge it needs to pull off an upset.
Nanaimo is currently ranked sixth in the Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 1 standings with a 4-6-3 record with 17 goals for and 21 against. Gordon Head is 11-1-1 with 38 goals for and 10 against.
“It was a fast game and we competed very well,” said Klemencic of the Jan. 22 game.
Gordon Head tallied first early in the game, but Nanaimo rallied with goals from Kyle Bate, Jared Stephens and Braidy Morrow, who secured the tie by scoring in the last five minutes of the game.
With three games left in the regular season, United will continue to build for the playoffs beginning tonight (Jan. 29) with a home game against Gorge United (2-11-1) at 7 p.m. at Merle Logan Field. The final two games will be against powerhouse Bays United FC Liquor Plus (12-0-1) and Juan de Fuca (3-10-1).
“These will be good tune-ups for us,” said Klemencic. “We have a tough draw in the playoffs but mission number 1 is Gordon Head. If we can get past them we’ve got a good shot.”
Jackson Cup action begins Feb. 12.
reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com