It is crunch time, and the weekend ahead could answer a lot of unknowns as the VISL’s division 1 regular season comes to its completion.
This weekend might be the most impact any 1 weekend has had all year.
From the Garrison Cup championship, to BC Soccer Provincial Cup qualifying, to Relegation at the bottom of the table – many things dependent on this weekends results.
Here are the games slotted for this weekend:
-Friday starts off with Vic West travelling to Ladysmith to see Mid Isle.
While the Mid Islanders have their fate sealed for the year, Vic West will need a result to guarantee they are not in any further relegation discussions. The Greens will look to finish off what was a disappointing year over all, and engage in a strong Jackson Cup run.
-Friday also has Cowichan coming down to face their old friend in Bays Utd, and the friend term is used rather loosely. Both teams are sniffing near the top, but have conceded that they will not be taking home the Garrison Cup this year. This is especially disappointing for Cowichan as they were looking to tie the all-time league record (along side Gorge FC) with their 6th straight championship.
This game has a slightly adjusted kickoff time to 8:15 pm, and it will be on Field #2 at UVic.
-Fridays feature Game Of The Week is an all Saanich battle that could see Lakehill win their 1st ever championship in Division 1.
They have been close in the past 50 years, never this close. This match is Lakehill hosting Gorge at Braefoot Park at 8 PM.
A Lakehill win guarantees the Club the Garrison trophy as next placed team Westcastle could only tie them in points if they won out their games.
As it has worked out, the tie breaker criteria just changed before the start of this season.The first criteria is overall wins, (in which Lakehill has more) they next criteria is head to head wins, then head to head goal differential, then it would be the FIFA FairPlay point system, then if still tied – a coin toss. Many eyes will be on this one to say the least.
-Saturday kicks off with Powell River making their last push to stay away from relegation.
They will have their hands full as they host 2nd place Westcastle.
It will take a special effort from the Villa squad to defeat the young academy style team, I’m sure their fans will be there to support and offer words of encouragement.
-Saturday then wraps up with another huge game to determine the 9th place team = a relegated team.
Juan de Fuca Allflows will travel up to take on Nanaimo Utd – game in Ladysmith.
A JDF win keeps them clear, while a Nanaimo win still leaves some math to be done after all is said and done……tie breaker criteria math!
In case you needed the reminder, here is what the standings look like heading into the weekend:
As you can see, the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brightly – will it be a diamond for Lakehill this weekend, or will it come down to a head to head battle next weekend?
The bottom, still too many variables, but the cluster will become a lot more clear after the games are filed.
An exciting time for local amateur soccer.
See you at the pitch, supporting local athletes, and grass roots soccer.
Vince Greco
VISL Executive Director