League 1 BC Women’s Soccer Preview: Victoria Highlanders host Altitude FC

by Juan Benites

Victoria Highlanders FC (0-3-0)

5th in BC League 1 Standings

Goals For: 3

Goals Against: 11

Goals Leader: Cody Kiara Kilbey (2 Goals)

Assists Leader: n/a

Altitude FC at Victoria Highlanders FC – June. 12th, 5:15pm kick-off @ Centennial Stadium 

 This Sunday (June 12th) the Victoria Highlanders will face Altitude FC at Centennial Stadium. The Highlanders, still chasing their first points of the season, hope that the combination of having home field advantage, along with the return of some experienced players, will help them be successful this weekend. Meanwhile, Altitude FC will also be eager to put some points on the board as they too are yet to register a win in League 1 BC this season. 

Quotes: Highlander’s Olivia Swinton  

On the expectations for the weekend and the match up with Altitude…

 “Altitude I know is quite a physical team, we will have to come out strong and hard. We are new to playing with each other, however, with the system of play we use will defeat many teams once we learn each other’s playing styles. This weekend we will be looking to out play and out compete our opponent.”

 On the advantages of playing at home at Centennial Stadium …

 “Big advantage playing on our home pitch. Our fans, atmosphere and community make an incredible difference. Knowing we have their support at the games pushes us to play harder to make our hometown proud.”

 On what the group will need to do in order to pick up points this weekend…

 “We have done a really great job coming together given the short timeline we have played together. This weekend we will have to capitalize using our system of play while enhancing each other’s strengths. I have no doubt in my mind we can come out with 3-points this weekend.”

Player to watch: Mara McCleary

 A Canada West All-Star, Mara McCleary joins the Highlanders as a veteran defender with loads of experience. She is known for her ability to win ariel duels, fearless tackling, and composure on the ball. Playing 4 years with UNBC at the USports level and a summer with Vancouver Island FC in the WPSL, Mara is certain to play a crucial role in this Highlanders defence and is definitely a player to watch all season long!