Photo by Eric Wilkins
Men’s and women’s teams secure Sunday wins
By Michael Sopow, Contributor
Last weekend (September 13-14) the Douglas College Royals’ men’s and women’s soccer teams played their fourth and fifth games of the season. Both squads had strong showings, with the women’s squad—a dominating presence so far this season—continuing their current undefeated run with two wins, taking down the Vancouver Island University Mariners on Saturday before defeating the Capilano University Blues. The men’s team lost a closely fought game on Saturday, but revived their spirit with a convincing win on Sunday over Capilano.
Sunday’s women’s game started off with good offensive pressure from both sides of the field as both teams eagerly looked for a win in the day’s match. In the early moments of the game it was hard to distinguish who had the upper hand as with each moment played it seemed to be a back-and-forth game, both teams having unsuccessful chances on either end of the pitch. The first half of the game the Royals began to pick up the game’s pace with some great offensive pressure in the Blues’ half, having many great chances but being unable to capitalize on them. The Royals’ defensive efforts were also notable as they stood firm under the Blues’ efforts to score while keeping the ball circulating to their offensive players, creating numerous chances.
As a spectator, you could see the drive of both side’s players to win as the match continued after a hard-fought, but scoreless, first half with both teams getting right back into it. The Royals once again began to take to the offensive against the Blues with some great speed and agility. This continuation of the pressure generated by the Royals eventually led to a goal by Douglas College’s Hayley Melvin in the dying minutes to take the lead 1-0, and the ensuing victory.
The Royals’ men’s soccer team started their game with a similar feel as both teams instantly began to push hard right from kickoff. In the first half, the game was seemingly close with both sides having many chances at goal, though within no time, the Royals began to shift the pace of the game. In the 33rd minute, great team perseverance and the individual offensive efforts of Mark Baldisimo led the Blues to concede the first goal of the game.
Soon after, another goal was scored by Jadin Sandhu as they went up 2-0 before the end of the first half. Following the half, the Royals continued to look as strong as ever with another goal in the 57 minute by Mark Baldisimo as they secured what already seemed to be a solid victory over Capilano. As the game came to a close, the Blues managed to score a penalty kick off of a handball, but the sparks were quickly put out as the Royals proceeded to score another goal late to add salt in the wound. Final score: 4-1 Douglas College.
