The VIU Mariners welcome PACWEST for soccer provincials, as both the men and women's teams look to qualify for their respective national championships. (Matt Carter/VIU)

By Alex Rawnsley

soccer provincials

Nationals qualification on the line as VIU Mariners host PACWEST championships

Oct 28, 2023 | 6:13 AM

NANAIMO — It’s crunch time for the VIU Mariners soccer teams as they look to book a spot at the CCAA soccer national championships.

VIU hosts the PACWEST provincial championships at q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium beginning Saturday, Oct. 28, with both the men’s and women’s teams playing in semi-final action on Saturday, looking to qualify for the provincial finals held Sunday.

Men’s coach Kevin Lindo said a win Saturday qualifies the team for Nationals in Windsor, ON next month, via at least a wildcard berth. However, getting there will be tough after what he said was a “rough season” where the team underachieved week to week.

“We brought in some young guys and some returnees who haven’t played in a while and it’s just taken us a while to gel but I think the last few weeks we’ve seen a lot of positives in terms of overcoming adversity and really coming together as a team.”

The men’s team, who went 4-7-1 in the regular season, will play Langara with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final against Douglas College, who won the regular season.

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Lindo said the team is showing all the signs of peaking at the right time, with some excellent work ethic creating several quality chances in recent games.

Injury setbacks, however, haven’t helped with star striker Vasilis Bagiopoulos fracturing his foot midway through the season, while international recruit Louis Goldbrunner broke his clavicle a day before the season while riding his bike.

Both however could still play a role this weekend with Goldbrunner being a “breath of fresh air” recently, while Bagiopoulus is a game-time decision.

“Some leaders have really stepped up, Michael Heppelle, Ben Chamberlin, and Travis Brown, also a captain. Some guys have really stepped up to the plate and brought their youngsters with them as well, that’s what we’ll be counting on this weekend.”

Heppelle and Brown both earned PACWEST all-star nominations for their work this season.

The men kick off in their semi-final match against Langara at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.

For the Mariner women, it’s also a case of transitioning and missing out on some key opportunities.

Bobbie Taylor’s team went 3-6-3 through the regular season to finish third and will take on Douglas College at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in semi-final action.

Taylor said the squad is going into the weekend with a very strong headspace, recognizing the ‘must-win’ nature of their game.

“We’ve definitely faced some adversity throughout the season, letting a significant lead slip by or starting a little bit flat on the day. I think all those experiences have contributed to a very resilient team and a very adaptable team, which I can proudly say they are and they’re very coachable.”

The off-season was one of considerable turnover for the team, losing five main players including multi-time CCAA player of the year Cara Dunlop.

Other’s however have stepped up, including midfielder Saki Meshida who won the PACWEST player of the year award this season.

Hannah Rose was also named an all-star, while Jami Hartwich shared the rookie of the year award with a player from Douglas College.

Taylor calls Meshida the “spine of the team” and will be a big key to the Mariner game plan if they’re to unseat Douglas College and advance to Sunday’s final.

“We just need the execution in the final third, which is what it comes down to. They had a goalie that’s played standout games against us. We’re ready to be a lot more assertive and courageous in the final third, we’ll find it.”

The CCAA women’s national soccer championships are being held at Holland College in PEI beginning Nov. 8.

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