The VIU Mariners will open the PACWEST soccer season with matches against Capilano and Langara Sept. 18 and 19. (Northfield Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Boots on the Ground

VIU soccer returns to the pitch in Nanaimo

Sep 17, 2021 | 4:57 PM

NANAIMO — Nearly two years after winning silver medals at CCAA nationals the VIU Mariners soccer program is back on the pitch.

The men’s and women’s sides return to PACWEST game action Sept. 18.

Men’s captain Shun Takano said he’s happy the long hiatus is over.

“I really wanted to be out there with my teammates but I couldn’t. I’m excited to see our young guys step up and carry the team.”

Fifth year veteran Taylor Arbour has high expectations for the current VIU roster.

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“We’re hoping to go all the way. Last time (2019) we went to the national final and with the team we have right now hopefully we can achieve the same level and even a little bit further.”

Women’s goalkeeper Melanie Osborne was a member of the 2019 women’s side which also won the PACWEST.

Staying healthy is paramount to her goal of being the top goalkeeper in the league.

“VIU has had a reputation for the past six or seven years of winning that top keeper spot. I’d like to continue that tradition.”

Osborne said from a team standpoint winning gold at nationals is the end goal.

“That’s a natural step in our minds because we placed second the last time we competed there. But we’re just trying to focus on the process of getting there.”

2021 will be a shorter than usual nine game season with Douglas, Langara and Capilano the other teams participating.

The regular season will conclude on Oct. 23 with provincials the following weekend.

The CCAA Nationals are slated for Nov. 10-13 with the men’s event going on in Calgary and the women’s tournament in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Opening weekend of the PACWEST season will see VIU visit Capilano on Sept. 18 and host Langara at the NDSS Turf Field starting at noon on Sept. 19.

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