BC Soccer Web Feature Matches
The full-time whistle has blown for most B.C. Leagues in 2015. But we park the bus in stoppage time for one last weekend of action from the VMSL & FVSL. Play resumes in most leagues the weekend of January 8-10. Thanks again to Devon Rowcliffe for his contributions this year!
Friday, December 18
Fraser Valley Soccer League, Premier Division
Langley United vs. Aldergrove United, Wolloughby Turf West, 9:00 PM
The first half of the season has produced a captivating four-way race for the top of the FVSL. The story continues on Friday night, as Langley United will try to leapfrog into 1st place with a win over #2 Aldergrove. They’ll still need the leaders PMO Lordco Gunners to drop points to West Van FC on Saturday (another good match, btw…6:00 pm at Port Moody Town Centre), and it’s certain that this weekend won’t solve anything. But, title races like this makes for great football! The two teams drew 1-1 on the Spetember 11 opening weekend & were postponed on October 31.
Vancouver Metro Soccer League, Premier Division
Richmond FC Hibernian vs. Pacific United BCT, Minoru Park (turf #3), Richmond, 9:00 PM
Although FC Tigers-Vancouver Rino’s have surely been condemned to finish bottom of the Premier Division and be relegated, the second relegation victim is far from certain, with five sides within three points of each other. Perennial yo-yo club Richmond Hibs (13 points) hope to avoid yet another dance with the divisional trap door, and this weekend they host Pacific United of Surrey (13 points). A win would be a huge boost to either club’s hope for safety from the drop.
Saturday, December 19
Vancouver Metro Soccer League, Division 2B
Vancouver Strikers vs. Rino’s Fury, Jericho Park Turf, Vancouver, 4:00 PM
Rino’s Fury are the run-away leaders of Division 2B, nine points ahead of second-place Vancouver Strikers. However, if the Strikers win this westside derby, as well as the match they still have in hand, Rino’s lead would be reduced to a mere three points. Conversely, a win for Rino would (temporarily) put them 12 points ahead and essentially gift them the division title. Rino’s are still undefeated this season, but will home advantage be enough for the Strikers to prevail?
Vancouver Metro Soccer League, Division 3A
SU Extreme vs. Lobbans FC, Cloverdale Athletic Park (grass #2), Surrey, 2:00 PM
The Division 3A title race is one of the best in VMSL this season, with four clubs tightly contesting the top. Intriguingly, these four clubs face each other this weekend—SU Extreme (fourth-place) host Lobbans FC (second), while West Coast Saints (first) are at home against PCOV Europa (third). Lobbans will need a win to keep chase of leaders West Coast Celts, as well as to prevent being leapfrogged by PCOV Europa and SU Extreme. None of the four sides are undefeated, and victories would prove hugely beneficial to title aspirations.
Fraser Valley Soccer League, Division 4A
Langley FC Sentinel vs. Langley Utd Highlanders, Willoughby Community Park (turf #2), Langley, 9:00 PM
First-place hosts second in this Langley derby, as two clubs scrap to move up from the FVSL’s basement division. Langley FC have 40 points, while United have 36. A win for the home side would increase their division lead to seven points, while a victory for the Highlanders would put them just one point behind the leaders. A crucial match for determining which club will earn the title.
Sunday, December 20
Vancouver Metro Soccer League Premier Division
Surrey United Firefighters vs. Langley FC, Cloverdale Athletic, 2:00 PM
A well-matched Sunday afternooner closes out the VMSL Premier League for 2015. Only four points separate 4th place United and 6th place Langley. A win for both is important to keep them close to the leaders as we get closer to sorting out Provincial Cup spots. United won their first meeting of the year on October 2, edging the home side 1-0 in Langley. This match is being played on a grass pitch, so check the weather and watch for field closures before you head out!
BC Soccer Web Feature Matches returns on January 4th, 2016. Have a safe and happy holiday season!