Things have become pretty clear, and almost all the details have been sorted out after 2 games were played this past weekend in the Island League’s top amateur flight, Division 1.
The 2 re-scheduled games and their results:
-Saturdays first game had Cowichan travel to Powell River and face Villa at Timberlane Park.
The 9th place team gave the defending Division champions a run for their money, but it ended in another draw, a 0-0 draw.
Fittingly, it has been the story of the 2019/2020 season.
Matt Liknes had the shutout for Powell River, while Darian Achurch added another shutout to his totals as well.
The result of this game left Powell River in 9th spot, and in the relegation zone for the season.
-Saturday evening had Bays Utd travel to Langford and face Juan de Fuca at Westhills Stadium.
Because of the draw earlier in the day, the pressure was off JDF to try to find safe ground as they were in safe territory.
Still up for grabs was the possibility of 6 time Div 1 goal scoring champion Patrick Nelson earning his VISL record growing 7th title.
He had his opportunity, but finished with 2 of 3 goals needed, Bays defeated JDF by score of 4-1.
Joining Patrick and his 2 goals, were Ryan Ashlee and Chris Peereboom. Adding the single for JDF was Ethan Emile.
Here are the standings which are pretty close to being final.
As mentioned, Powell River now joins Mid Isle in the relegation zone.
The Bays win almost guarantees them a BC Soccer Provincial Cup berth.
Cowichan will need to win defeat Nanaimo to tie Bays on points.
Both their wins amounts would be the same, their head to head record and goals for and against are the same, so it would go down to the next criteria – FIFA Fairplay points.
At first glance, it would appear that Bays has less points, so they would be ahead of Cowichan.
Time will tell.
Goal scoring wise, here is what the leaderboard shows. Not set in stone yet, but also pretty close.
And the final big stat of the year – the Keeper shutouts which is currently tied between 2.
Achurch will have 1 final opportunity to take the outright lead in the Cowichan game vs Nanaimo at month end.
Back to Jackson Cup semi finals next week, as well as the Tony Grover MAsters Cup, and George Pearkes Challenge Cup semis too.
Hope to see you at the park, supporting grass roots soccer – your community players and teams.
Vince Greco
VISL Executive Director