Highlanders Return to Centennial Stadium For Rivalry Clash

Photo: Gord Rufh

VICTORIA, BC - Victoria Highlanders FC (3-7-0) host Vancouver rivals TSS FC Rovers (4-4-1) in Week 9 of the Premier Development League (PDL) regular season, June 29 (6:35 PM PST KO) at the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Centennial Stadium.

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The Highlanders return to their home stadium this Friday to face rivals TSS FC Rovers. Highlanders are coming off a three point road trip south of the border where they faced Lane United FC and Portland Timbers U-23 . The match will be streamed online through the Highlanders Official YouTube channel.

VICTORIA HIGHLANDERS FC
Highlanders are coming off an exciting road trip down the Oregon Trail, taking on Lane United FC and Portland Timbers U-23. Despite going down a goal early on versus Lane, an equalizer from Francesco Bartolillo and a second from Chris Rushworth sealed all three points for the Highlanders.

Following this hard fought win, the Highlanders faced a strong Portland Timbers U-23 side in Salem, Oregon in another exciting matchup. Portland’s Blake Bodily had a great game scoring a brace to take a 2-0 lead over the visitors.

Despite another goal from Bartolillo to cut the lead in half the Highlanders were unable to find an equalizer in their second match of the weekend. Victoria arrived back to the Island turning their sights to Friday’s rivalry clash versus TSS FC Rovers at Centennial Stadium.

“After a challenging road trip, we used the week to recover but at the same time to prepare for our next game,” commented Highlander’s Head Coach Thomas Niendorf. “We are all looking forward to the game and want to perform well for our fans and club.”

TSS FC ROVERS
TSS travel to Victoria looking to get back to winning ways following a 5-1 defeat versus division leaders Calgary Foothills FC.

TSS have had a turnaround season, currently sitting in second place and a spot to qualify for playoffs. The Burnaby based team have been enjoying their second season in the league with some great results such as a 1-0 win versus Foothills at home.

TSS look to grab three points to continue to cement their position in second place and to make a run for playoffs. TSS standout players over the 2018 season have been Daniel Sagno and the Polisi brothers, Marcello and Matteo to name a few.

2018 SEASON SERIES
The 2018 PDL three game series between the two rivals is known as the Juan de Fuca Plate. The best of three takes home the coveted Plate. In two closely fought matches, TSS came away victors, ultimately claiming the Juan de Fuca Plate.

On Sunday May 27, 2018 at Centennial Stadium, TSS came away with a 3-2 win following a sending off for the home side. TSS goals were registered by Eric De Graaf, Connor Glennon, and Thomas Gardner. Victoria’s two goals were scored by Cam Hundal and Cory Bent.

On Sunday June 3, 2018 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC TSS came away with the victory with a brace from Zach Verhoven. Despite a late goal from Victoria’s Captain Callum Montgomery the Highlanders were unable to find an equalizer.

Tickets are available for tonight’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 9
Centennial Stadium – University of Victoria
June 29, 2018 – 6:35 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.