PACWEST Game of the Week
The Quest Kemodes visit the VIU Mariners
For the second time this season the VIU Mariners (4-1-1) and Quest Kermodes (2-1-1) will duke it out in the PACWEST men’s soccer Game of the Week on Saturday.
In their first meeting on September 16 the Mariners went into Squamish and shutout the Kermodes 2-0 behind goals from Shun Takano (22nd minute) and Jordan DeGraaf (90th minute).
Perhaps more impressive was the stifling defensive game the Mariners played allowing just one shot directed towards keeper David Turkstra. That shot didn’t come until the second half.
Since that win the Mariners have gone 1-1-1 and are coming off the 3-3 tie with the Douglas Royals last weekend. They would score a thriller in the 90th minute to pull even off the foot of Govinda Innes.
“Looking forward to playing Quest,” says Mariners head coach Bill Merriman. “I have the upmost respect for their coach Alex Elliott. He’s a young coach that studies the game and has his team playing a system to win. The Kermodes have some players like Ahmed Kamel and Trent Lebans that are offensive threats that need attention. For our team we will need to stay patient and finish our chances, we have a lot of fire power but we have to try and put teams away early that will be the key.”
The Kermodes on the other hand have won two straight since their meeting with the Mariners via the shutout. Sam MacDonald has been simply outstanding in the back to back wins stopping all 13 shots directed his way. Offensively Ahmed Kamal has scored two goals in their last two wins.
Playing at VIU has not been a fun experience for the Kermodes. Last season they lost both games on the Island, each by a single goal. As a matter of fact they have never won at VIU. They’ve stolen just two points in seven visits, collecting ties in 2015 and 2013.
“It’s always exciting to travel to VIU,” says head coach Alexander Elliott. “The past few years have offered a few competitive and exciting matches, and were looking forward to what is circled as a big game on our schedule.”
Kick off on Saturday is set for 2:30pm at Merle Logan Field.