Cowichan begins hunt for another VISL title
In a perfect world, Cowichan FC would be preparing for the Canadian senior men’s soccer championship as the first Island team to advance since Gorge FC captured four B.C. championships between 2001 and 2010. But the world is rarely perfect. That dream ended in heartbreak, and sudden-death penalty kicks, over the spring in a Province Cup 2015 semifinal loss to eventual B.C. champion EDC Burnaby.
The process begins anew for Cowichan, winners of the 100th Jackson Cup for Island supremacy last spring at Royal Athletic Park, when they begin the 2015-16 Vancouver Island Soccer League Division 1 season tonight at 7:30 p.m. against Scott Strickland’s Westcastle United at Westhills Stadium in Langford.
“Cowichan had that magical chance last season but fell just short,” said VISL executive director Vince Greco.
The veteran core, however, remains for Cowichan as it again reaches for championship glory at the Island, provincial and national levels. It is led by Paddy Nelson, who has won VISL MVP and league scoring-leader awards in his career, fellow dangerous attacker Cooper Barry and former pro and NCAA Coastal Carolina Hall of Famer Tyler Hughes, who seems ageless on the backline.
If Cowichan is veteran laden, the opposite end of the age spectrum is represented by just-promoted Vancouver Island Wave, the former Victoria Highlanders development program rep squad, which has moved up from Division 2.
“The Wave will have youth and quickness,” noted Greco.
But Gorge FC has snagged the prize recruit of the year — graduated University of Victoria Vikes star Cam Stokes. And it has paid off early as Gorge beat Westcastle in the championship final of the annual Juan de Fuca Labour Day tournament.
“That is a huge addition for Gorge,” said Greco.
The VISL Division 1 season opened with two late-finishing fixtures Friday night with Gorge FC hosting Saanich Fusion at Hampton Park and Lakehill hosting the Wave at Braefoot Park in the latter’s Division 1 debut.
Besides the Cowichan-Westcastle fixture, there are also two other openers today. Bays United Liquor Plus hosts Comox Valley United at 6 p.m. at Finlayson Field in Topaz Park. Vic West, a former dynasty hoping to continue its recent resurgence, is away to Nanaimo United on Merle Logan turf field at 7 p.m.
Cowichan and Saanich Fusion are the pre-season favourites but several other clubs look to have a chance to give them a serious push to the road to the 101st Jackson Cup.
“It’s shaping up to be a very interesting year,” said Greco.