Highlanders host TSS FC Rovers in Sunday Rivalry Clash

Photo: Gord Rufh

VICTORIA, BC - Victoria Highlanders FC (1-3-0) host Vancouver rivals TSS FC Rovers (1-1-1) in Week 4 of the Premier Development League (PDL) regular season, May 27 (2:00 PM PST KO) at the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Centennial Stadium.

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The Highlanders look for a rivalry win this Sunday in a clash versus TSS FC Rovers. Highlanders are coming off their first win of the season with a 1-0 win on Friday versus Lane United. The match will be streamed online through the Highlanders Official YouTube channel.

VICTORIA HIGHLANDERS FC
Highlanders enter this game on a wave of momentum following their 1-0 win on Friday versus Lane United. Without a goal in their first three games, Victoria’s Cory Bent found the back of the net at 48-minutes to secure their first three points of the 2018 season.

A few standout players throughout Friday night’s clash included midfielders Marcus Campanile and Owen Pearce. The Man of the Match was Cory Bent with goalkeeper Nolan Wirth recording his first shutout of the season.

“We have to rest a little bit,” commented head coach Thomas Niendorf. “We will have a recovery session tomorrow and discuss a few things. We recognized a few technical areas to work on. With the win everything becomes a little more positive.”

TSS FC ROVERS
TSS travel to Victoria following an impressive 2-2 result in Seattle versus a strong Sounders U-23 side. Down 2-0 late in the game, a brace from Matteo Polisi left both sides with a point a piece.

TSS had a rough start to the 2018 season dropping their home opener 4-1 versus Lane United FC. TSS then rebounded beating a strong Portland Timbers U-23 side 3-1. TSS will be eyeing a big three points in Victoria this Sunday.

“They won a tough game against Portland, back from a 1-0 nothing deficit,” added Niendorf. “They will be definitely motivated, pumped up, and will come with confidence. It’s always a good rivalry between Victoria and Vancouver.”

2017 SEASON SERIES
This rivalry is a contest for the Juan de Fuca Plate. This award was claimed by the Victoria Highlanders in the 2017 PDL season. Highlanders won the first match-up 1-0 on June 23rd, at Swangard Stadium, with a single goal from Sho Goto. In the second match, TSS won by a score of 3-1 with goals from Daniel Davidson and a brace from Matteo Polisi. Victoria’s lone goal from Sho Goto.

The deciding match for the Juan de Fuca Plate was decided July 9th, at Centennial Stadium.Highlanders won by a score of 2-0 with goals registered by Victoria’s Patrick Nelson and Stuart Heath to seal the Plate. The Juan de Fuca Plate is back this Sunday at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are available for Sunday’s clash against TSS FC Rovers at Centennial Stadium at www.highlandersfc.ca/tickets. For more information, please visit www.highlandersfc.ca.

MATCH DETAILS
2018 PDL Regular Season – Week 4
Centennial Stadium – University of Victoria
May 27, 2018 – 2:00 pm PST
WATCH: Highlanders YouTube Channel

About Victoria Highlanders FC
Behind the scenes, the Highlanders organization has undergone a complete overhaul since the 2017 PDL season. A new ownership group, new logo and an unprecedented number of local partners have come together to put the club back on the sporting map. The changes are a positive step for the club, who will be aiming to rise to the top of Victoria’s sporting scene with fresh game-day activations and professional structure.

Last season the Highlanders competed in the Premier Development League (PDL). Developing a path for aspiring professional soccer players to reach the highest level. Notable players such as Brett Levis (Whitecaps FC), Jamar Dixon (Ottawa Fury), and Matt Polster (Chicago Fire) are just a few of the notable alumni that have come through Victoria’s ranks.

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