NEWS RELEASES

by Head Coach
Anup Kang
WOMEN'S SOCCER

Women's Soccer Sat. Sept. 26

VIU @ Langara

Langara College came into the game vs VIU as defending national champs, undefeated this year and ranked #1 in Canada but that didn't intimidate Mariner Women,  VIU took the game to Langara and had several scoring chances but Langara keeper made several spectacular saves to keep the game scoreless.

Half time score 0-0

Langara scored 7 minutes after the restart to take the lead catching Mariner's on a counter attack, VIU picked up it's game and applied even more pressure on the Falcon's and were rewarded when a Heather Iverson cross tucked away brilliantly by Jolene Nagy to even the score 1-1, in the 70th minute Hollis Roberts was called onto make a world class diving save 5 minutes later Nagy missed an open net with the Langara keeper well beaten, Kate Flynn scored in the 85th minute but the play was called offside, game ended in a 1-1 draw. Andrea Strebel, Aileen Holder, Heather Iverson and Jolene Nagy had strong games for VIU. "I was really pleased with the game, once we got our speed game going they were on their heels, Aileen and Heather absolutely dominated the game, we were unlucky not to get the winner from Jolene and Kate's goal should have counted as the player that was offside was not in the play"

Sunday Sept 27th

VIU @ Cap

VIU got an early lead when defender Angela Losch's shot ricochet off a Cap defender into the Blues net, Kate Flynn had a chance to give Mariner's a two goal cushion but Blues keeper made a diving save.

Half Time score VIU -1, Cap -0

Blues scored two quick goals to start the second half to take a 2-1 lead, Aileen Holder scored for the Mariner's off a Kate Flynn corner in the 76th minute to tie things up, Jolene Nagy with her second goal of the weekend got the winner in the 82nd minute of play, Kate Flynn hit the cross bar and both goal posts during the match, Emily Nicholson and Carly Willgress also had great scoring chances for VIU.

"We lost our focus to start the second half and it cost us but we've been real strong mentally this year so I wasn't too worried, it was a big win for us"

VIU 6 Langara 0

The men’s team had a productive weekend scoring goals and collecting some important points. Saturday’s game against Langara, we started slow creating some chances but not able to put them away. Jared Stephens and Chris Arnett combined for our first goal, Jared laying the ball back for Chris Arnett who made no mistake with a great goal to get us started. Jared Stephens was rewarded for his hard work shortly after by taking on two defenders then beating the goalkeeper for one of his own to make it 2-0 at the half. The Mariners came out flying in the second half and Akihiro scored a quick goal that allowed us to give some other player’s time. Our bench reacted brilliantly lifting the team and adding three more goals. Yoshihito, Stephen Hill, and Romain Martin all recorded goals to conclude the scoring for the second half. I could not be happier with the contribution coming off the bench, players Brady Morrow, Yoshihito Watanabe and Stephen Hill all had strong performances.  Our overall game was very good we scored great goals and played a complete 90 minute game the players showed us what they are capable of doing this season.

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MEN'S GAMES

VIU 2 Capilano 2

            The Sunday game against Capilano College was a great overall game. We came out very strong in the first half. Captain Chris Arnett got us started again putting us on the score sheet after combining with Jared Stephens for the first goal of the game. The rest of the second half was back and forth with Cap looking dangerous on some set pieces and free kicks. Dan Cato and Ben Leggett did well to help Robbie Cochrane absorb some pressure.  Romain Martin seconds before the half made a brilliant run down the side going past 3 defenders only to be taken out in the box for a PK but the Mariners were unlucky to not capitalize and make it 2-0 before half. The 2nd half was again back and forth with chances at both ends. Capilano scored 20 mins into the half to make it 1-1. Substitute Yoshito Watanabe again was able to come off of the bench and make a difference scoring a goal to make it 2-1 VIU. Capilano gave a final push for the last minutes of the game and again scored to end it with a tie 2-2.

            The Team had mixed feelings after the game, It was good to know that we can defiantly play with last years National Champs but most saw it as a lost opportunity to go ahead of Cap and take 1st place in the League Standings as we let two leads slip away today.  Capilano now stands 2 points ahead with 5 games to go including a rematch at the Mariners Home field to conclude the season. Overall I was very happy with the team’s performance and think that we are in a great spot nearing half way through the season.

            Captain Chris Arnett and Jared Stephens both had a very strong weekend, showing great leadership through there work rate as well as there execution on tasks from the coaches. These two young players are continuing to grow and lead this team on and off the pitch.