ted Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 May the Fourth be with you! Opening day for 2013 is finally here. Come join the Lake Side Buoys for a tailgate in the parking lot 3:00 - 4:30 pm before we spank the Pussies (Kitsap Pumas to be precise). We will have a BBQ - bring something to grill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted May 3, 2013 Share Posted May 3, 2013 http://pdl.uslsoccer.com/home/715178.html The USL's very brief preview of the 2013 NW Division. Highlanders are always in tough here. Hopefully some of the new signings, graduating players, and returnees have a good season and we watch them in the final against a team from the east. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted May 6, 2013 Author Share Posted May 6, 2013 Highlanders 3 - 0 Pussys Brett Levis leads Victoria Highlanders to opening-season soccer win - Times-Colonist Highlanders Shine in Home Opener - Island Sports News Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcoatsforever Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Highlanders 3 - 0 Pussys Brett Levis leads Victoria Highlanders to opening-season soccer win - Times-Colonist Highlanders Shine in Home Opener - Island Sports News 1804. Solid turnout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted May 7, 2013 Author Share Posted May 7, 2013 1804. Solid turnout. It was a glorious sunny day with unseasonably warm weather. The stands were filled nicely and our new supporters section was better than we feared it would be. Yes, we have lost our traditional behind-the-net location thanks to the new baseball team which forced the pitch to be moved Eastward. Sadly we could not move to the West end of the pitch because the area directly behind the goal is now where second base and the infield starts. Our new location , Section 7, is OK and we are right on the touch line at the corner flag so we can still abuse keepers and now even more effectively make noise on corner kicks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munseahawk Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Yes, we have lost our traditional behind-the-net location thanks to the new baseball team which forced the pitch to be moved Eastward. Sadly we could not move to the West end of the pitch because the area directly behind the goal is now where second base and the infield starts. Our new location , Section 7, is OK and we are right on the touch line at the corner flag so we can still abuse keepers and now even more effectively make noise on corner kicks. Would that be the HarbourCats you're referring to? A creative team name to be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted May 9, 2013 Author Share Posted May 9, 2013 Would that be the HarbourCats you're referring to? A creative team name to be sure. Yep. The most common reaction has been "WTF is a HarbourCat?" Invariably the next question is "Will they last the full season?" The last franchise Victoria had (Seals) set records for attendance in the league but had the league collapse under them. This time the league looks a little more stable but no one is making long-term plans to watch this team yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Just thought I'd update this thread, the Highlanders are 3-0-0 with wins over the Whitecaps and Sounders. Riley O'Neill, Brett Levis (from University of Saskatchewan), and the always steady Hughes brothers have been stand outs so far. They had ~1400 fans out for their second home game. Hopefully they can put together a great run until they go on the road for 6 of their last 7 games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 ^ This Saturday (May 25th) should be another good result. The Lake Side Buoys are again hosting a pre-match BBQ. PM for details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 http://www.victoriahighlandersfc.com/news.php?newsid=556 Game Preview - Vancouver Whitecaps Posted on: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 The Victoria Highlanders FC are set to face the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 squad for the second time this season, Friday at 7pm. If victorious, the Highlanders will take home the Juan de Fuca Plate, a supporter-created trophy for the best Premier Development League team in British Columbia. They host the Whitecaps after facing them in Vancouver two weeks ago for their only road game of the season thus far. ... The Highlanders took the last meeting in a 3-2 decision with Jordie Hughes notching two goals and Riley O’Neill adding another. There was a scoring surge early in the second half with three goals being scored in four minutes. Jordie scored an unassisted goal in the 50’ minute followed soon thereafter by a goal for Vancouver’s Niall Cousens who was assisted by former Highlander Sasa Plavsic in the 52’. The surge was capped off when O’Neill finished a corner kick sent by Tyler Hughes in the 53’. Hughes scored again in the 81’ minute to give the Highlanders a 3-1 lead after receiving a breakaway pass by Craig Gorman. Cousens notched his second of the game six minutes later off a pass from Universtiy of Victoria Vike Cam Hundal. ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ref Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Have they won any game at all since Bridge left? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 From Highlander's twitter feed: Shaw will broadcast Saturday's match, Wednesday at 2:00pm, channel 4 in Victoria The match will also be re-broadcasted on Friday, June 14th @ 6pm It's interesting how many PDL teams are streaming games or working out broadcasting arrangements in the Pacific NW (Kitsap Pumas and Northsound Seawolves stream, Sounders U23 and Timbers U23 streamed US Open Cup games) The Highlanders are second with a 4-1-1 record behind the Timbers U23(5-1-1) with one less game played. They topped Washington Crossfire last weekend 2-0. Check out: http://islandsportsnews.net/sportsa-z/soccer/7409-highlanders-win-fourth-game-of-season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 Have they won any game at all since Bridge left? Since Ian Bridge has put more time into the UVic Vikes program, the Highlanders men (and women) have both done OK. Whitecaps Girls Elite is so far crushing the PCSL without the Surrey United Women while the men's PDL on the back of a front loaded home schedule looks competitive for the division title. After the first two games with the new coach, Simonson, the Highlanders finished very strongly though last season, with four wins in their last five games and all against playoff bound or in form competition. It's a good question whether the men's success is due to more talented players (through recruitment vs development so not as sustainable), the mostly home schedule, or the change in coaching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted June 13, 2013 Author Share Posted June 13, 2013 It's a good question whether the men's success is due to more talented players (through recruitment vs development so not as sustainable), the mostly home schedule, or the change in coaching. Not a question for anyone watching the games last year and this. The play changed drasticly when Bridge left and the results improved right away. Bridges kick and run long-ball style of play has been replaced by far more possession play. Simonson has done a great job of using the payers he inherited and adding some good players to make the possibly the strongest Highlanders team in their short history. BTW several players were brought forward from the development sides when Simonson took over. Look how Kalem Scott became a regular and fan favourite on the back line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 http://www.uslnation.com/pdl/index_dynamic.aspx?fid=16002&eid=6/21 Victoria at North Sound Link for the web stream for the Highlanders vs Seawolves on Friday June 21, 2013 at 10:30pm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 http://prepzone.kitsapsun.com/pumas/#axzz2X5GYTYjs Link for the web stream for the Highlanders vs Kitsap on Sunday June 23, 2013 at 10:30pm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Bob Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 Victoria clinched a playoff berth on Sunday. The Seattle Sounders U-23s drew Washington Crossfire 1-1; Seattle U-23 is twelve points back of Victoria with four games back left, but because of the schedule it's impossible for all of Portland U-23, Vancouver U-23, and Seattle U-23 to pass them. Victoria's currently running in first place, six points up and with very good chances of holding onto it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 http://www.vicnews.com/sports/215755131.html The Victoria Highlanders are PDL’s Northwest Division champions though the team finished on a bittersweet note with a 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers at Royal Athletic Park on Saturday. The Timbers had already helped the Highlanders clinch one night earlier with a draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps. It’s an early conclusion to the regular season schedule for the Highlanders as the Premier Development League schedule continues for another week. Only then will the Highlanders’ playoff opponent be determined. The Peninsula Co-op Highlanders women’s team extended its Pacific Coast Soccer League win streak to 11 games as it defeated the Okanagan FC 6-0 at RAP on Saturday and the Fraser Valley Action 3-0 at Tyndall Park on Sunday. The Co-op Highlanders (12-1-2) are second to the Vancouver Whitecaps (14-2-0). Seattle and Portland get the US Open Cup spots after drawing tonight, pipping the Kitsap Pumas. Congratulations to the Highlanders on their first division title in the always tough NW Division (3-MLS U23 teams, a second PDL Pro team, and a fourth USSDA academy linked team). The Whitecaps U23 and Kitsap Pumas pay at least some of their players, and Washington Crossfire has a USSDA program as well as the MLS sides. NW Division teams have done well the past 5 years (2 semifinalists to champion, 2 champsions, quarterfinalist to champion), so hopefully the Highlanders make a run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/highlanders-win-first-division-title-1.523128 Highlanders win first division title The Northwest Division title has been like a carrot dangling on a string in front of the Victoria Highlanders, but no more. For the first time in their history, the Highlanders will finish in first place in the Northwest Division of the USL Premier Development League. On Friday night, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers played to a 1-1 draw, so Portland can no longer overtake Victoria for the division title. ... The Highlanders (8-1-4) came tantanlizingly close to wrapping up the top spot last weekend in PDL play, when a victory over either the Washington Crossfire or Seattle Sounders U-23 would have clinched it. Instead, the Highlanders fought to tough draws of 2-2 and 1-1, respectively, and remained undefeated through a gruelling schedule of six straight road games. Including the Charity Shield exhibition game, Victoria played seven games in 17 days. “To come out of that road trip with three wins and three ties is pretty impressive,” Highlanders coach Steve Simonson said at practice earlier this week. “We’re inching toward the division title.” ... “To me, this year’s been such a challenge,” Simonson said. “Top to bottom, teams have taken points off each other. “There are no easy games.” ... The Highlanders downed Portland 2-0 during one of their road trips, but the Timbers U-23 are regularly among the league leaders, and won the PDL championship in 2010, capping an undefeated season. “Since I’ve been in the league, they’ve always been one of the top teams, and we always have good games against them,” Highlanders captain Tyler Hughes said. “It’s going to be a tough game, for sure.” Portland coach Jim Rilatt agreed with that assessment. Rilatt described the Highlanders as playing organized, intelligent soccer, and he loves to watch them. He also loves coming to Victoria to shake hands and have an “old home week” moment with veterans such as Hughes. “It’s great to see these guys influence the young guys. I’d have [Hughes] on any team I ever coached, because he keeps the guys around him right,” Rilatt said. “It’s enjoyable to watch him play.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Cal-i-for-nia here we come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 http://pdl.uslsoccer.com/home/741942.html Here's hoping the Highlanders can avenge the 1-2 loss to the U23 Portland Timbers at RAP two weeks ago. Four of the final eight PDL teams are Canadian, Thunder Bay Chill, FC London, and Ottawa Fury as well. Highlanders Rally Past Fusion Will face Timbers U-23s in Western Conference Final Saturday, July 27, 2013 VENTURA, Calif. -- The Victoria Highlanders FC defeated the Ventura County Fusion 3-2 after extra time on Saturday in the PDL Western Conference Semifinals. The victory pushes the Highlanders into the Western Conference Final for the first time in team history, where they will meet the Portland Timbers U-23s, who defeated the top-seeded Fresno Fuego 4-3 in a penalty shootout in the second semifinal after the two teams finished tied 1-1 after extra time. The scoring was opened early by the hosting Fusion. A foul on Highlander Riley O’Neill was waved off and the Fusion's Kennedy Chongo was able to capitalize in the sixth minute. Victoria goalkeeper Elliot Mitrou was kept busy in the first half and made a big save in the 19th minute to limit Ventura County’s lead to one. Two minutes later, on a Highlanders’ counter-attack, Brett Levis was taken down in the box and a penalty kick was awarded to Victoria. O’Neill, whose footprints were already all over the game, came in and confidently placed it into the bottom right corner of the net. With the score knotted at one apiece, the Fusion were able to put on some pressure. Fusion Defender Harrison Delbridge took a knock down in the 33rd minute and was helped off the field and was kept off due to a nagging cut. The Fusion were able to regain the lead in the 44th minute after lengthy neutral zone play as Chongo’s cross from the wing was put home by midfield John Lopez on a clean volley. Ventura County were able to take the lead into the locker room and neither team was able to come out for the second half with too much force. Tarnvir Bhandal received a caution after holding Chongo back in the 56th minute. At this point Craig Gorman came in for Cam Stokes. Two minutes later Riley O’Neill received a caution of his own. Victoria managed to hit back on the hour-mark as Levis continued to play a major role in the contest. The 18-year-old sent a blast from 25 yards out that went into the top corner to pull his side back on level terms. Chongo continued to be a threat but had his next good opportunity called offside in the 66th minute. Mitrou was taken down in the 81st minute, prompting the Highlanders Athletic Therapist to come on field to tend to the ‘keeper. Mitrou would remain in net for the remainder of the match, picking up a caution in the 88th minute for dissent. The Highlanders were unable to capitalize on a corner kick in the 90th minute and the game went to extra time. Levis broke the tie six minutes into overtime as he broke through the defense and put the ball away to give Victoria their first lead of the match. Mitrou was forced to parry a shot away in order to keep the lead just two minutes later. The first half of overtime ended without many scoring chances for either side. Ventura County came out pressing in the second half of the additional 30 minutes, but were unable to generate any real scoring chances. Victoria’s Ryan Ashlee was able to make a few key tackles to keep the lead intact as the Highlanders would maintain the lead through the remainder of extra time, sending them through to Sunday's final. ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdude Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 EDIT: Thought PDL gave a place to host. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted July 28, 2013 Author Share Posted July 28, 2013 Excellent news for us in that the other semi went to penalty kicks so the Timbers will be equally as tired for the conference final (we can hope). Funny that we went all that way for a rematch with the Timbers. BTW I understand the club has a bid ready and RAP tentatively booked for the finals if we win. EDIT: WE WON! WE WON! Kings of Cascadia now Kings of the (West) Coast after defeating Portland 1-0 in California! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClaytonA Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 http://www.canada.com/Neill+Highlanders+Final+Four/8728608/story.html There are 64 teams spread across the continent in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League. To make the Final Four counts as quite an accomplishment... The Victoria Highlanders, with Campbell River's Riley O'Neill playing a key role in the lineup, advanced to their first-ever PDL Final Four by edging the Northwest Division-rival Portland Timbers U-23 by a 1-0 count in the Western Conference final Sunday at Ventura County, Calif. The Highlanders will play the Central Conference-champion Thunder Bay Chill in an all-Canadian PDL semifinal Friday [August 2, 2013] in Austin, Texas. The other semifinal will feature the Southern Conference-champion Austin Aztex against the Eastern Conference champion Ocean City Nor'easters. ... "We also started two 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old. Plus, 80 per cent of our team is home-grown. The players really stood up for [Vancouver] Island and have shown there is good soccer here." Victoria's run to the PDL Final Four has been accomplished without a home playoff game. ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msilverstein47 Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Sunday, July 28, 2013 TAMPA, Fla. – The Austin Aztex will host the 2013 PDL Championships presented by Nike after a thrilling weekend of action saw four teams advance from the PDL Conference Championships to keep their hopes of a title alive. The Aztex will welcome the Ocean City Nor’easters, Thunder Bay Chill and Victoria Highlanders to House Park for the conclusion to the 2013 PDL season. Austin claimed victory in the Southern Conference, with more than 5,000 fans on hand at House Park over two days of competition. The Aztex defeated Mid South Division rival the Laredo Heat to earn their berth in the semifinals as Khiry Shelton had a goal and assist to lead his side to victory. The Aztex will face the Eastern Conference Champion Ocean City Nor’easters in the semifinals after Ocean City defeated the Carolina Dynamo in a penalty shootout in Saturday’s conference semifinals before recording a 3-1 victory against the Ottawa Fury in Sunday night’s final. Coming off back-to-back Mid Atlantic Division titles, this is the Nor’easters first trip to the PDL Championships since joining the league in 2003. The Victoria Highlanders will also be making their first appearance at the championships after taking a pair of well-fought victories against the Ventura County Fusion and Portland Timbers U-23s to advance as the Western Conference Champion. The Highlanders got three goals in two games from Brett Levis, both of which proved to be game-winners, as they edged out Northwest Division rival Portland 1-0 in Sunday’s final. The Thunder Bay Chill will face the Highlanders in an all-Canadian semifinal after they booked their return to the championships with a 3-0 victory against defending champion FC London on Sunday evening in the Central Conference Final. The 2008 champion is making its second appearance in the past three seasons after reaching the semifinals in 2011, and its fourth appearance overall at the championships. Fri, August 2, 2013 6:00 PM EST Victoria Highlanders FC at Thunder Bay Chill House Park 8:30 PM EST Ocean City Nor'easters at Austin Aztex House Park Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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