League 1 BC Men’s Soccer Preview: Double Header Weekend for Highlanders FC

Victoria Highlanders FC (0-0-1)

4th in BC League 1 Standings

Goals For: 2

Goals Against: 2

Goals Leader: Cody Gysbers & Javier Sagaste (1 Goal)

Assists Leader: Kensho Ando (1 Assist)

Victoria Highlanders FC at Varsity FC – June 4th, 1:00pm Kick-off @ Thunderbird Stadium 

On Saturday, June 4th, The Victoria Highlanders men will be heading over to Thunderbird Stadium to take on Varsity FC. With only one game under either team’s belt, there’s not an awful lot to split these two teams. Highlanders, with a solid performance against the Vancouver Whitecaps U19’s will be going into the match with one draw, while Varsity FC see themselves sitting third in the standings with one win.

Quotes: Highlander’s Anthony Preston

On the mindset going into this game after a strong showing against the whitecaps…

“The mindset after the game against the whitecaps is definitely positive, knowing that we played well as a team and controlled the game, but we also know that we need to be more clinical in our finishing and better at seeing games out if we’re going to get the results that we want in this league.”

 On what to expect from Varsity FC…

“We can expect a very skilled, physical, and experienced team that won’t give up goals easily, and will punish our mistakes.” 

On what the Highlanders need to do to be successful in the match…

“To be successful in this game we’ll have to have good repossession and win the ball high up the field as well as control the tempo of the game. We will also need to use the full depth of our bench, seeing as this weekend is a doubleheader against two quality teams.”

Player to watch: Cody Gysbers

A veteran member of this Highlanders team, Cody Gysbers has shown early on that he will be a crucial member of their backline. A calm and composed central defender, the Victoria product plays a pivotal role in both the team’s ability to play out of the back, as well as keeping the group accountable when defending. Cody’s leadership and understanding of the game will be key in the highlanders match up with the always dangerous Varsity FC.

Whitecaps FC U19 at Victoria Highlanders FC – June 5th, 4:00pm kick-off @ Centennial Stadium 

The Highlanders return to Centennial Stadium! With a short turnaround time for the Highlanders, the group will have to refocus their energy as they host the Whitecaps FC U19’s in their first home game of the season. After having 3 points slip through their fingers in their opening game against the Caps, this Highlanders group will be hungry to grab a victory in front of their home crowd at Centennial Stadium!

Quotes: Highlander’s Javier Sagaste  

On the excitement of playing the first home game of the season at Centennial Stadium..

“Playing at home in front of our fans and community is always exciting. Centennial is a great stadium and the supporters will make it an incredible atmosphere.”

On what they need to do differently this time around to get the result they want… 

“In terms of changing our approach to the game, I don't think that we need to change much. We have to continue to improve our system one game at a time and trust in one another on the field.”

On the role the fans and supporters will play during the game and what it means to the players… 

“Fans and supporters play a significant role. Fans do so much more than just boost their players' confidence, it is impossible to state everything they do. Victoria Highlanders have an awesome community of fans and supporters which the players are all excited to play for on Sunday.” 

Player to watch: Issac Koch  

Anyone who is familiar with university soccer in Canada is sure to know the name Isaac Koch. The U SPORTS and Canada West All-Star joins the highlanders after an incredible season with the University of Victoria, playing a pivotal role in the teams Canada West Championship this season! Fast, technical, and an eye for goal makes Isaac a serious attacking threat in BC League 1, and a player to watch!