The Royals Are Crowned

Story by Matt Carter - VIU Athletics

The Douglas Royals are the 2023 PACWEST women’s champions following a 3-1 win over the Capilano Blues in Nanaimo on Sunday afternoon.

The game was played under beautiful weather for soccer under the sunshine and nine degrees at kickoff.  Capilano started with steady buildups while the Royals looked to counterattack down the wings, looking to spring Christine Singh and Anna Klaver-Valdez.

The opening goal went to the Royals in the 24th minute. Blues goalkeeper Megan Thitchener and Klaver-Valdez collided in the box when chasing after a loose ball. The referee pointed to the spot and Douglas’ Pak Tung Tsang froze the keeper on the penalty kick and scored to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.

In the 30th minute, Capilano had a glorious chance as Mya Fraser launched a shot from distance, but Douglas keeper Vanessa Chung made a diving stab to deflect it away from the top corner.

The Blues kept up considerable pressure through the 30-40th minutes, but the Royals backline held steady.

In the second half, the Blues came out firing and an outstretched Chung punched away a dangerous high shot at the crossbar in the 48th minute to preserve the lead. The rebound fell in front of the goal, but the Royals were able to make a quick clear.

The fans were also fired up, with Royals fans banging plastic buckets as drums and the Blues fans waving blue signs and wearing blue and white face paint.

The Royals picked up steam in the 60th minute, testing Thitchener with a long shot that she tipped over the bar. On the ensuing corner kick, the ball deflected back to Jessica Lau in the middle, and she fired a rocket into the top corner of the net for a 2-0 Royals lead.

In the 75th minute, the Royals got a third goal for insurance as KIaver-Valdez flew down the right wing and fired a cross to the front of the net which deflected in off the goalkeeper’s hands.

In the 86th minute, it looked like Capilano would get some life as they were awarded a penalty kick, but Chung made a low diving save on a shot by PACWEST’s top striker Alanah Dulong.

Capilano’s Lauren Grey added a goal in injury time, but the Royals held on for the win and the Conference title. They advance to the CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship in Summerside, PEI, November 8-11.

Players of the game: Julia Peyton for Capilano, Pak Tung Tsang for Douglas

All-Stars

Top Goalkeeper and MVP: Vanessa Chung, Douglas

Top Defender: Pak Tung Tsang, Douglas

Top Midfielder: Anysley Hurtado, Capilano

Top Forward: Anna Klaver-Valdez, Douglas