The VIU Mariners have sprinted to the front of the pack in the PacWest.
Vancouver Island University’s men’s soccer team has posted a perfect 3-0 record to begin the 2014 season, while VIU’s women’s team has also started strong at 2-1.
The Mariners were home at Merle Logan Field all weekend, entertaining the Langara Falcons on Saturday and the Capilano Blues on Sunday. The M’s women lost 1-0 to Langara and beat Cap 3-0, while the M’s men shut out Langara 4-0 and handled Cap 3-1.
“So far all three games, the first half has been positive to build off of,” said Bill Merriman, coach of the VIU men. “We still have to get a little bit more composure in the second half; I don’t know whether we get a little too excited.”
Mateo Kostering, VIU veteran, said the team has been playing well, with good ball movement and off-ball movement.
“It’s coming along great; we’re really happy about this,” he said. “It’s a new team we’ve got – we’re coming in unknown.”
Merriman said the group is creating its own identity.
“It helps them, when you get off to a good start like this, to bond together,” he said.
Goal scorers against Langara were Victor Blasco, Jamie Taylor, Luke Phye and Renan Rebelatto. Scott Brown posted the shutout. Against Cap, Blasco and Andreas Algarin scored and the Blues contributed an ugly own goal.
For the VIU women, Bronte Fitzsimmons, Carli Rey and Moira Brown scored in Sunday’s game and Shelby Walker registered the shutout.
"It was a tough last-minute loss the day before, but I thought we bounced back real strong; mentally this group is strong," said Anup Kang, coach of the M's women, in a press release.
GAME ON … The VIU women play the Douglas Royals on Saturday (Sept. 13) at 1 p.m. at Merle Logan and the men play at 3 p.m. On Sunday, VIU hosts the Kwantlen Eagles; the ladies play at noon and the men take the pitch at 2 p.m.
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