The Highlanders’ Lower Island Women’s Soccer League team played host to Saanich Fusion, Saturday, Nov. 22 at Lochside Turf, earning a 3-0 victory
Highlander Natalie Cavallin struck first for the home side at the 10-minute mark of the opening half, firing a low shot from distance off the post and in to give her side an opening 1-0 advantage.
Victoria added to the Highlanders’ lead on 25 minutes with a well-placed strike from over 22 yards out by Josee Marshall that found the top corner for the 2-0 lead. Claire Ethier rounded out the Highlanders’ scoring just before half time, also finding the top corner from distance at 42 minutes.
“We had tremendous attacking play in the first half,” explained Highlanders head coach Dave Dew. “It was our strong defensive play and willingness to compete in the second half that secured the win.”
Emily Moore earned the clean sheet in net for the Highlanders, who posted their third straight victory.
“This group of players continues to progress and impress,” added Dew. “They have begun to understand the tactics necessary to succeed at the senior level.”
Looking to get back in the win column, the Metro Women's Soccer League team improved on their previous match result but came up just short with a 3-2 defeat against Coastal FC, Sunday, Nov. 23 at South Surrey Athletic Field 3.
It was a back-and-forth affair on the score sheet, with Coastal opening up scoring in before Victoria’s Claudia Wheeler answered back at 37 minutes of play
Wheeler’s goal featured some impressive ball movement, as a quickly taken free throw by Breanna Keefe made its’ way to Liz Hansen, who back-heeled a ball to defender Ashley Volk. After receiving the pass from Volk, Wheeler was able to curl in an arcing shot off the post and in.
After going down by another goal in the second half, Hansen capitalized on a breakaway opportunity at 54 minutes, but Coastal was able to post a game-winning tally at 88 minutes to secure the win.
“We responded well after the game last weekend and were much better prepared for the physical competition at this level,” said Dew. “I thought we competed well in the first half defensively and in attacking, especially in the last 15 minutes. Unfortunately we made two errors in judgment and were punished for both and to compound it, by a former national U-20 player. Lesson learned.”
Goalkeepers Steph Parker and Emily Moore split duties between the woodwork for Victoria, who move to 5-3-3 and third place in the MWSL’s Premier Division.
The LIWSL squad next sees action at the University of Victoria Field, Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 8pm against Prospect Lake. The MWSL team return home to host Coastal FC on Sat., Nov 30 at 2pm, also at UVic’s Field 3. For more information, please visit www.highlandersfc.ca