Highlanders Affiliates Look For Strong 2020 VISL Finish

VICTORIA, B.C. – As the calendar flips over to 2020, the end of the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) is quickly approaching. With a third of the season left to go, and two Highlanders’ affiliate teams competing for top spot in their divisions, it is time to look at the season-to-date for Division One team Westcastle United and Division Two squad Victoria Highlanders FC.

Westcastle United

Current Record: 7-6-0 (27 Points)
Position in Div. 1 Table: 2^nd 
Top Scorer: Keenen Colley (12 Goals)

After a successful 2019 season which saw the Thomas Niendorf-coached squad finish with an 11-3-4 record and win the Sir John Jackson Cup, the 2020 Westcastle United team looks towards another strong finish. With five matches left to play the squad sits second in their table with 27 points, tied with third-place Gorge FC but with a game in hand, and are just six points back of the division-leading Lakehill FC.

Keenen Colley (12 Goals) and Sean Young (Five Goals), both members of the Highlanders’ 2019 USL League Two First Team, are the team leaders for goal scoring on the season thus far. Colley is the leading goal scorer in VISL Division 1 with the second highest scorer just a goal behind. Meanwhile, Sachdev Grewal leads Westcastle with five clean sheets, and sits second in the Division for most clean sheets behind current leader, Darian Achurch of Cowichan FC.

Victoria Highlanders FC

Current Record: 11-0-2 (33 Points)
Position in Div. 1 Table: 2^nd 
Top Scorer: Mahdi Hammoud (19 Goals)

The Highlanders also enjoyed a successful 2019 campaign, one which saw them claim the VISL Daily Colonist Trophy as the winners of Division 2. They currently sit in second place, one point behind the division-leading Comox Valley United squad, with an 11-0-2 record (33 points). The Highlanders also boast a division-high 60 goals for and have record a goal differential of 43.

Mahdi Hammoud (19 Goals) and Dieu-Merci Michel (16 Goals) have become a dynamic offensive force in the division as they lead the Highlanders as well as Division 2 in goal scoring. Hammoud has recorded at least a brace in five of his team’s 13 games to go with two hat tricks, a four-goal, and five-goal match. Michel, meanwhile, has potted a brace in six games this season with three hat tricks. This is the second straight season that Hammoud has recorded 19 goals in a VISL season. 

“Both teams have had good seasons up to this point. They both have the opportunity for top spot in their respective tables and are playing with a team-first mentality,” stated Highlanders and Westcastle United head coach Thomas Niendorf. “Development is always the focus with these teams, and we have seen a number of players grow and mature as the season has unfolded. With Westcastle we have several players from the Highlanders First Team that have brought a strong work ethic and mentality into this season. The Division Two team has a young core of players, and they have shown that they can play the game the right way and have shown a strong work ethic on and off the field. We are looking forward to the rest of the season and to seeing these players continue to develop.”

For more information on the Victoria Highlanders and their affiliates head to www.highlandersfc.ca. If you’re looking for more information about the Vancouver Island Soccer League head to their main website at www.visl.org.