By Dan Marshall

VIU Mariners soccer team advances to men’s national semi final

Nov 9, 2017 | 1:37 PM

NANAIMO — It took until the 90th minute for a goal in the VIU Mariners match with the Indiens d’Ahuntsic at the CCAA Men’s Soccer Nationals.
 
Shun Takano scored on a penalty kick to give the home side a 1-0 win, and a date with NAIT from Alberni in the semi finals at Merle Logan Field.
 
VIU head coach Bill Merriman called it the drama of soccer at it’s best.
 
“Our teams, the fans, the atmosphere the score, everything put together made for a great soccer game,” said Merriman.
 
Heading into Thursday’s semi final at 5:30 p.m. Merriman says they do have a scouting report on the NAIT squad. 
 
“They have a couple of players who play in the middle of the park who are very good, they’re technically very dangerous as well,” Merriman said. “They also have a very tall player who’s good on set pieces so they’re going to be a good team.”
 
The coach commented on the pitch being in good condition Wednesday even despite four matches on the day.
 
If VIU wins on Thursday they’ll advance straight to the gold medal final on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. 
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77