PCSL

FIRST ANNUAL VICTORIA CHARITY SHIELD A HUGE SUCCESS!

July 12, 2009

Victoria, B.C. - The first annual Derby match between Victoria United FC and Victoria Highlanders FC was a great success, declared representatives from both clubs after the game on Thursday night. With the Highlanders beginning their first season in the United Soccer League’s PDL Division, the idea of an annual Derby match between the two cross-town clubs was a natural.

Before a crowd estimated at more than 500, the two teams traded opportunities but no goals in the first half. Victoria United earned credibility as they kept the Highlanders off the score sheet for the first 60 minutes. The mis-firing Highlanders had 11 shots on goal, compared to 2 taken by United. After a wholesale line-up change in the second half, the Highlanders finally broke through in the 61st minute. Former United star Steve Scott sent a cross from the corner flag onto Lennart Dobravsky, who neatly headed it off the top crossbar and into the United goal. Ten minutes later, Dobravsky took a great pass from Craig Robertson (yes, another former United star) and drilled his second home. The third goal of the night came from Corey Sanford, off a Steve Scott setup. Final score, 3-0 Highlanders.

“Our boys played well tonight,” commented United Head Coach Eddie Mukahanana. “We gave them a good run for their money, but let down a little toward the last 15 minutes. We showed that we could play with them, and it’s a shame that we were unable to capitalize on our chances. The Highlanders used a number of their Reserve team players in the second half as well, giving them fresh legs when it counted.”

“This was a terrific game for us,” an enthusiastic United President Bill McCreadie said. “All of our boys played very focused soccer, and I am delighted at how well we are working together at this stage in the season. With only two players back from the 2008 PCSL League and Challenge Cup Champions team, the 2009 version of Victoria United is serving notice that their future is looking better each time they step on the field.”