While Canadian men’s soccer is suffering at the top end with a reeling national side that is in a free-fall, things are generally sturdier at the grass-roots level.
But not always.
Sooke provided one of the most interesting storylines, not to mention the most raucous fan atmosphere at home fixtures, the past several seasons in the Vancouver Island Soccer League Division 1. But the upstarts from Sooke were unable to carry the momentum forward and the club has folded, dropping the VISL’s premier circuit to nine teams from 10.
The collapse was so complete that Sooke will not even field a team in Division 2 this season but will have teams in Divisions 3 and 4.
“We’re OK with that. It strengthens the top division a bit,” said VISL executive president Vince Greco.
The two best Sooke players were hot commodities with Cowichan FC scooping up striker Steve Scott and Saanich Fusion grabbing Mike Moon.
That means two of the Big Three teams, which also includes Bays United, got stronger in a 2013-14 season which is heading into its second week.
Cowichan FC, led by playing-coach and former pro Tyler Hughes, and Jess Winters on defence and Joel Wilson in goal, is again the dominant team in the league at the back end and will be tough to score on. They proved that in a 4-0 season-opening victory last weekend against the Lakehill Reds.
The always-dangerous Scott looks to be the missing piece of the puzzle up front for Cowichan.
The Fusion, meanwhile, have the most complete and talented midfield in the league and showed it by crushing Castaways FC 6-0 in its league opener last week. The Fusion are young and fast but with a healthy contingent of veterans such as Patrick Nelson, Cooper Barry, Gord Elliot and goalkeeper Ryan Hulstein to provide stability and guidance.
The defending Jackson Cup champion Bays United look to be in the most trouble to start the season because of injuries. Greg Fiddick, the league’s best midfielder, broke his ankle last week in the season-opening 2-1 victory against Gorge FC, while Jordie Hughes, the league’s leading scorer last season, is still out from an injury suffered in the Victoria Highlanders PDL summer season.
The Bays’ depth will certainly be tested early.
“With two of their top guys out to start the season, [Bays head coach] Rich Fast certainly has his work cut out for him,” said Greco. “But they will still compete.”
If Greco had to predict a dark horse for this season, it would be Nanaimo United.
“It all depends on how they have done before they get their [Vancouver Island University Mariners] players when the college season ends in November,” he said.
Nanaimo got off to a good start with a 4-0 season-opening triumph over the Prospect Lake Lakers.
The second week of the VISL Division 1 season features three games today with Vic West playing Lakehill at 4 p.m. at Braefoot Park, Gorge FC visiting the Lakers at 7 p.m. at Prospect Lake, and Bays United battling Castaways at 8 p.m. at Finlayson Park.
The Fusion and Bays will host Fraser Valley teams in the Pacific Cup — pitting Island squads against Fraser Valley premier sides — while Vic West and Nanaimo open their Pacific Cup play in the Valley. The first round goes Sept. 28.
