Highlanders Down TSS FC Rovers in Massive Rivalry Win

Photo: Gord Rufh

VICTORIA, BC - Victoria Highlanders FC (4-7-0) grabbed a massive three points versus Vancouver rivals TSS FC Rovers (4-5-1), June 29, at UVic’s Centennial Stadium to move up from the bottom of the table.

Victoria’s Christopher Rushworth was awarded a penalty at 84-minutes. Captain Callum Montgomery stepped up to take the penalty, slotting the ball away to grab an all important three points.

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Following a road trip south of the border, the Highlanders returned to UVic’s Centennial Stadium looking to grab an all important three points versus Vancouver rivals TSS FC Rovers. Having dropped the two first meetings, this match was a must win.

At 5-minutes Victoria’s Mackenzie Cole kicked the game off by challenging the visiting back line finding a chance in the box. However, TSS’ backline were quick to close down the man in form. TSS responded instantly going the other way and finding a header that was sent just over the home net from six yards.

TSS came into the game looking to control much of the play. At 32-minutes Highlanders had a free kick from the edge of the 18-yard-box snuffed out by TSS ‘keeper Andrew Hicks.

The two sides went into half on equal terms.

Highlanders entered the second half looking to take the game to TSS and grab the first goal of the night. Despite the increased pressure from the local team, TSS found a way through with some great build up play ultimately, cut out by Victoria’s backline.

At 79-minutes a freekick was won by TSS winger Aidan Moore. The shot was sent into the hands of Victoria’s ‘keeper Nolan Wirth. The game came to a head at 84-minutes when recent addition to the game, Chris Rushworth was fouled inside the box winning a penalty for the home team.

At 85-minutes Highlander’s Captain Callum Montgomery stepped up to take the penalty, slotting the ball away in the bottom right corner of the net to find the winner. Not only was this a massive rivalry win for Victoria but this opens up the second place spot for playoffs.

Following this win the Highlanders travel south of the border this weekend to take on MLS affiliates Seattle Sounders U-23 and Portland Timbers U-23 looking to move farther up the standings.

The Highlanders return to Centennial Stadium for their last game of the PDL season Saturday, July 14 to face Oregon side, Lane United FC. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m. PST. For more information,  please visit www.highlandersfc.ca.

Scoring Summary
VHFC: Montgomery (85’)
TSS: None

Cautions
VHFC: Montgomery (54’), Campanile (90’)
TSS: Polisi (28’), Vong (84’)

Victoria Highlanders FC
Wirth (GK); Hall (Smith 82’), Montgomery, Schaale, Heath; Bartolillo (Popadynetz 60’), Shores, Gysbers (Koch 65’), Hundal (Sturrock 75’), Cole (Rushworth 75’), Walter

TSS FC Rovers
Hicks (GK); Varela, Skinner, Guilherme; Polisi, Edwardson, De Graaf (Vong 60’), Rahiem (Metcalfe 52’), Sagno (Verhoven 64’), Soolsman, Polisi (Moore 71’)

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