Sahil Sandhu of Surrey, who played in the pro development programs of both the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps and Energie Cottbus of Germany, scored to give the Highlanders a 1-0 victory over the University of Washington of the Pac-12. The Huskies went 13-5-3 this season and made the 2013 NCAA tournament, producing two players for the MLS combine.
The Highlanders made it a sweep of the Rumble in the Rainforest tournament by later getting goals from Andy Phillips of Trinity Western University and Jermel Campbell of the University of Alberta to defeat Seattle University 2-1.
“We’re really pleased with those results because, even while our guys haven’t been together for long, it shows we’re coming together and jelling,” said Highlanders GM Mark deFrias.
“Playing two games in one day was a difficult task against [NCAA] Division 1 teams. The result against the UW Huskies was especially impressive.”
Victoria opens the United Soccer League Premier Development League season Saturday against the Kitsap Pumas at 5 p.m. at Royal Athletic Park.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, have re-signed 2012 rookie backline revelation Kalem Scott of the Comox Valley. The former two-time North Island Metro MVP, a native of Georgia, started 14 of 16 games last season for Victoria as a 17-year-old. He played in the CIS last university season for Trinity Western.
Highlanders head coach Steve Simonson described Scott as a versatile defender, adding: “Hopefully, he’ll have another good year with us and a bright future in the game.”
