Victoria United has had some ups and downs the last few years, trying to find a niche in the men’s soccer hierarchy in Greater Victoria. This year, with an infusion of youthful energy and talent, it looks like United are about to establish themselves as a challenging midway level between the Victoria Highlanders and winter teams in the Vancouver Island Soccer League.
“I’m really excited that we have as much youth as we have,” United coach Steve Scott said. “We have a core mix of veterans and experienced players, and there are some really young guys willing to buy into the season.
“A lot of guys are looking for that high level of soccer, to go to university or maybe the Highlanders next season.”
The Pacific Coast Soccer League season begins for United today, when the team travels to visit the defending league champion Khalsa Sporting Club in New Westminster. Along with premier division returnees Khalsa, the Vancouver Thunderbirds, and Coquitlam Metro-Ford, the eight-team PCSL will feature four new sides — the Surrey Eagles, EDC FC Burnaby, Abbotsford M-F Mariners, and Kamloops Heat for the 14-game regular season.
Since losing several key players, including Scott, to the Highlanders, United has struggled to regroup, faced with powerful PCSL teams drawing from a much larger player pool. The last time Victoria won the PCSL championship was 2008, and the playoffs have proven elusive ever since.
Brian Williams, who took over as team president in the winter — he joked he’s given up driving the bus — sees a brighter future in 2014. Reinventing itself somewhat, the organization no longer has an under-21 or reserve team, which means some of those players have moved up to the premier roster. As well, Highlanders coach Steve Simonson is sending along up-and-comers not quite ready to crack his tight roster in the USL Premier Development League, but still looking for high-level competition. One of them is Mark Ashlee of Victoria, a six-foot-two fullback who just completed his second year with the University of P.E.I. Panthers.
“It’s really looking promising,” Williams said. “We have so many younger guys out now. This year is more optimistic.
“Our main goal is to make the playoffs.”
To that end, Scott is hoping to be a full-time coach this season, rather than the player/coach he’s been the previous two years. Scott feels it’s much better for the team to have him on sidelines, while the veterans look after things on the pitch.
Leaders in the experienced category include Cooper Barry, and team leading scorer Paddy Nelson, as well as captain Kyle Finner.
“He holds our team together. Without him, we’d definitely not be a competitive team,” said Scott of Finner. “I’d really like to tighten up, especially on defence, and really cut down on the goals.
“If we don’t get scored on, we might win some games.”
United is also away next Saturday to play the Surrey Eagles, but the next day (May 11) the team returns to their old stomping grounds at Royal Athletic Park to take on the Highlanders in the annual Charity Shield match at 2 p.m. Victoria has their PCSL home opener on May 24 against the Vancouver Thunderbirds. Kickoff is at 2:15 p.m. at Braefoot Park, and admission is free.
