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

Victoria Highlanders FC (0-1-0)

7th in BC League 1 Standings

Goals For: 1

Goals Against: 5

Goals Leader: Sophie Miranda (1 Goal)

Assists Leader: n/a

 Victoria Highlanders FC at Varsity FC – June 4th, 3:15pm Kick-off @ Thunderbird Stadium 

After a challenging opening game against a strong Whitecaps side, the Highlanders women are looking for a big bounce back against Varsity FC this Saturday! A talented group with a great mix of experience and youthfulness, this highlanders team knows that they have what it takes to get the job done.

Quotes:

Highlander’s Paige Payne

On the groups mindset after a challenging opening game against the Caps…

“Our group has stayed positive while continuing to use a growth mindset to reflect on our first match. We know that we will be challenged in this league, and we are preparing mentally and tactically to retaliate and show our strengths in the upcoming weekends.”

On what to expect from Varsity FC…

 “As with any team in this league, we know that Varsity FC will have many talented players. We expect a high paced and physical battle, and we are prepared to use the references we’ve been working on over the past few weeks to find success.”

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

 “To be successful in the upcoming matches, we need to ensure that we are playing with purpose by using what we have learnt in practice and from our opening game. We have smart and talented players and I’m more than confident if we stick to the script, we will find success.”

 Player to watch: Katie Kraeutner

With experience at the National Youth Level, U20 National Team, University Level, and most recently professionally with Fotballget Fart in Norway, Katie is certain to be a staple in the midfield for this group in their inaugural season. The New Westminster native is known for having exceptional technical ability and vision, making her the perfect piece of the puzzle for this Highlanders midfield.

Whitecaps FC U19 at Victoria Highlanders FC – June 5th, 2:00pm kick-off @ Centennial Stadium 

 The wait is over! Your Highlanders women will be playing their first home game of the season on Tuesday, and this match has redemption written all over it. After a difficult first game against the Caps U19’s, this Highlanders team will be eager to have another shot at them, and what better place to do that than our very own Centennial Stadium! Depth will play a key role in this match up as the Victoria Highlanders will be playing the Caps less than 24 hours after their game against Varsity FC on Saturday.

Quotes: Highlander’s Mary Nicholls

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

“Really excited for our first home game of the season! I can’t wait to play at our home stadium and continue to grow women’s soccer on the island. To have access to a league of this level will help the soccer community grow throughout the years.”

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

“We need to play more as a team and trust each other more. If we can do that, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to put up a good fight against the whitecaps. Another thing we need to improve on is our quality in the final third. In our recent game against them we had many chances but just couldn’t capitalize on them.”

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

“The fans and supporters of the highlanders will be Important to help us constantly keep the energy of the crowd up and hopefully the team can feed off their energy to get the result we want.”

Player to watch: Kiara Kilbey

A Canada West All-Star, Kiara Kilbey is an attacking player that is sure to get Highlanders fans off their seats! The Victoria native is no stranger to Centennial Stadium, having played five successful seasons with the University of Victoria Vikes, registering 26 goals in her USports Career. With speed, creativity, and a nose for goal, there is no doubt that Kiara will be a player to watch all season long!