> Royals split results with Langara

Davie Wong
Sports Editor

 

Ww<« five of PACWEST soccer
action was much anticipated
for the Royals. A double-header

against the Langara Falcons headed
into the Thanksgiving weekend was
the highlight of the PACWEST, and
the Royals had the centre spot.

Game one started out with a bang
as Mikayla Hamilton blasted home a
beautiful goal four minutes after kickoff.
Sonali Dholliwar doubled the Royals
lead as she put away a rare goal at the 18
minute mark. Captain Sam Kell finished
the early game rout with a third goal
in the 21 minute, and just like that the
Royals were up 3-0 before half time.

But the score isn’t the most indicative
of performances. The Falcons had their
chances, but Alexa Gazzola, who was
playing in her first game since injury,
was strong in front of her net. Her
performance carried over into the second
half where the Falcons peppered the
Royals with shots. The Royals found their
game winner on the end of a Mikayla

Hamilton volley in the 78 minute,
their only shot of the half. At the end
of go minutes, the Royals had won a
convincing 4-o win, despite looking a
bit worse for wear in the second half.

Game two brought a much different
match. Both teams played an attacking
style to open the game, but the Royals just
couldn't seem to solve the Falcons keeper
Sierra Grieco. On the other end, Alexa
Gazzola was strong for the Royals, but the
Falcons finally found their opportunity
4o minutes in. Nicole Bell would find the
back of the net, the first of the game.

The second half was little more
than a fizzled mess as both teams ran
in hard-nosed defences. The Royals
stalled offensive and never were able
to recover, losing 1-0 to the Falcons.

On the bright side, their defence did
not allow another goal either. The loss
was tough on the team, but will surely
make them stronger. However, it’s
doesn't help them in the standings.

With their 1-1 split weekend, the
Royals are still at the top of the table
with a record of 5-3-1 and 16 points.

With three games left in the season, the
Royals look to be strong contenders for
PACWEST regular season winners.

 

WOMEN'S SOCCER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSTITUTION CONF PTS
DOUGLAS 5-3-1 16
CAPILANO 3-1-4 B
LANGARA 2-2-5 v
VIU 2-2-4 10
QUEST 1-5-2 5
MEN'S SOCCER

INSTITUTION CONF PTS
VIU 6-1-1 19
CAPILANO 6-2 18
DOUGLAS 3-3-2 u
QUEST 2-5-1 7
LANGARA 1-7 3

 

 

 

PACWEST Soccer Week 6 Preview

> Both teams face strong opponents in playoff preview

Davie Wong
Sports Editor

 

eek 6 of PACWEST soccer will

be an exciting one for both
the men and the women. The Royals
will get the opportunity to take on
the Quest Kermodes and the VIU
Mariners. With a tight table (first and
fourth are separated by six points),
every game is starting to matter.

Well, with the exception of Quest
for the women. Quest sit bottom of the
table with five points, and definitely
don't threaten the Royals. It would be
the implications of a loss that would
be concerning. With such a tight table
heading into playoffs, the 2-4 positions
are a toss-up, and the Royals definitely
don’t want to get caught up in that.

That being said, I would expect
this game to be a rest one with some
hesitation. Players like Sam Kell and
Michelle Wessa will probably play due
to their importance, but perhaps players
like Mikayla Hamilton will rest for the
upcoming match. Speaking of which, the
Royals will take on the VIU Mariners.

The Mariners have had a bumpy year,
but it’s not how you start, it’s about how
you finish. The match will have some
serious playoff vibes, as the time is near,

and this was the gold medal game last
year. Expect both teams to go all out.

I think the women will get four
points this weekend. I hope they get six
as it'll make the last week much more
exciting, but with the likelihood of a
rest game as well as a hard game in front
of them, I’m expecting four points.

Over on the men’s side, they’re
looking to avenge their loss against the
Quest Kermodes, and to upset the VIU
Mariners. Last time they played they
Kermodes, it was a rough game, but his
time should be better. The men have
found a vein of form and confidence.
That should help their offence a bit.
With Quest sitting four points below
the Royals, a win here would all but
lock in third place for the Royals.

The next game is the VIU Mariners.
The Mariners sit top of the table but the
Royals have shown that they can contest
with them. It'll bea fiery game, that’s
for sure. The biggest point that should
be emphasized here is discipline. It isn’t
the biggest deal if the Royals lose here,
but a red card could ensure one of their
key players missing out of the semi-
final match. That would be a disaster.

Expect the men to grab three points
this weekend. If it ends up being zero,
it ll be quite concerning with playoffs
right around the corner. But honestly, in
the PACWEST, anything could happen.

Photo by Falacci Johnston

  

Photo by Davie Wong