Powell River Villa extended its unbeaten streak to three games with a 2-2 tie against Gorge FC at Timberlane Park on Saturday, October 26.
“We’re very happy with the game we played this week,” said Villa coach Chris McDonough. “We played well against one of the top teams in this division and got a point. That’s a good achievement for us, and coming back from a deficit twice really shows the character of our team.”
Gorge scored first at 22 minutes in the first half. Villa scored seven minutes later, when Jake Kenmuir free-kicked the ball into the top corner of the net.
“Jake’s goal energized us,” said McDonough. “We traded a lot of chances with Gorge in the first half, and both teams were able to capitalize once.”
Gorge scored again at the 68-minute mark of the second half. “We started pushing forward with 10 minutes left,” said McDonough. “We won a throw-in deep in their end and Daniel Paul sent in a long throw. There was a scramble around the box, but eventually Richard Murphy was able to get it into the net for the tying goal at 88 minutes.”
Villa’s new strategy has led to results for the team in Division 1.
“We’ve rebuilt our identity around the defensive style of play and being good in our own end,” said McDonough. “This limits the other team’s scoring chances while generating some for us as well. It’s been working, so we’re going to continue to focus on that.”
Russell Pielle, who plays centre midfield, agreed.
“We’re just going to keep playing the way we’re playing,” said Pielle. “If we keep working together with defence first, we’ll keep getting results.”
Pielle is in his first year full-time with Villa, although he did play with the team on permit last year.
“It’s great to be with Villa this season,” he said. “It’s faster play and a more physical game, but I’m having a lot of fun.”
McDonough is happy with the way the team has come together this season.
“We’re improving every game,” he said. “This game proves that. It was a fun game for the fans to watch. The guys played well as a team and they played hard for the full 90 minutes.”
While McDonough was pleased with everyone’s performance Saturday, he gave special mention to goalkeeper Matt Liknes.
“Matt had a fantastic effort on Saturday,” said McDonough. “Whether he was down on the ground or with one hand in the air, he made some dramatic saves that helped keep us in the game.”
Villa will continue to hone its strategy for their next game on the road against Cowichan FC.
“Cowichan has won the division several times over the last few years, so they’ll be a tough opponent for us,” said McDonough. “But we are playing well, and we’re up for the challenge.”
Villa faces Cowichan on Sunday, November 3, at Sherman Road Turf in Duncan. The team is on the road the following weekend as well, facing Westcastle United on Saturday, November 9, at Finlayson Turf in Victoria.
