Highlanders Fall 3-0 to Varsity FC
Varsity FC proved to be the more clinical team on Saturday, June 4th at Thunderbird Stadium, as they beat the Highlanders 3-0 in the second game of the season for both sides.
The first half proved to be a bit of a chess match, as both teams had their fair share of the ball and scoring chances. Highlanders’ goalkeeper, Trevor Schneider, was called into action early as Varsity FC forward, Victory Shumbusho, created a chance out of seemingly nothing. A few moments later, the Varsity FC goalkeeper made himself big against the cracking strike of Highlanders midfielder Anthony Preston, stopping what looked to be a certain goal.
The back and forth continued for much of the first half, with both keepers doing well to keep the score locked at zeroes. However, that all changed at the half-hour mark as veteran forward, Caleb Clark scored off a Varsity counterattack that was sprung from a blocked shot just seconds earlier.
The Highlanders, trailing 1-0, continued to push and tried to equalize before half time. They would come very close when Highlanders’ fullback, Loic Benquet, beat his defender down the line and found Anthony Preston on the cut back just twelve yards from goal. Preston hit it well, but the Varsity FC defender did even better to make a last-ditch block and to keep them in the lead going into the half.
Despite some tactical adjustments and personnel changes from the Highlanders in the second half, the experienced Varsity FC side showed their strength and were able to increase their lead in the 79th minute off a Highlanders mistake that Varsity substitute, Nick Fussel, punished them for. With numbers forward chasing the game, the Highlanders would concede a third and final time in the 84th minute as Bradley Richardson saw himself through on goal and rounded the Highlanders keeper before slotting it home.
The Highlanders will look to quickly refocus their energy as they head home to play against the Vancouver Whitecaps U19’s tomorrow, Sunday June 4th in their first home game of the season!
Next Match Details:
Victoria Highlanders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps U19
Date: Sunday, June. 5th
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Centennial Stadium (Home)