by Glen Gibbs Peak Sports Home field is usually a big advantage in the world of sports, but Brooks Turf field hasn’t been particularly good to Powell River Villa.
In a game that covets time and space, visiting teams with more experienced and larger players have won out over Villa’s youth and speed so far this year on the smaller pitch resulting in two straight losses.
While the field may be small, the view was spectacular and weather perfect when Villa and Castaways FC2 from Victoria took to the field at 5:15 on Saturday evening.
This start time is preferred by Villa in an attempt to defray expenses by hosting fans and visiting teams at its clubhouse after the game.
“It works out great for us,” reported coach Jamie Zroback.
What didn’t work out great for Villa was the loss of Kye Taylor for the third consecutive week.
He was to return from suspension for this game, and expected to shore up the midfield, but he suffered a groin injury during practice on Thursday that kept him out of action.
His injury was a big blow to Villa who, without the services of most of its veterans, would look to the youngsters to step up their game.
Urgent requests went out to several out-of-town veterans but the only one who could make the trip this time was Daniel Paul.
The game started tentatively for both sides with most of the play taking place between the 18-yard lines.
Castaways’ first goal came at 16 minutes on a free kick that sailed in from about 40 yards.
The ball was deflected by Villa keeper Doug Rivera but it didn’t make it over the bar and bounced out to a Castaways striker who promptly headed it into the net.
Villa responded to the goal with a burst of energy and pressure on the Castaways defenders but couldn’t seem to find a way clear to the goal.
Villa’s aggression forced a couple of free kicks but the Castaways side was very methodical in blocking and clearing any threats through to the half.
In the second half Castaways got right to work on its insurance goal and after a significant push succeeded in adding to its lead.
It happened nine minutes in when a striker broke free and stroked a perfect shot into the lower left corner passed Villa’s Matt Liknes.
Castaways settled into defensive mode with the two-goal lead and pretty much stymied Villa’s attack through to the final whistle.
The final 2-0 score was a good reflection of play on the field, but beyond the loss an injury to Villa’s Paul was more serious.
With just five minutes to go in the match, he ran across the pitch to execute a sliding tackle on the sideline.
In an attempt to protect himself from the concrete curb that surrounds the pitch he jammed his leg awkwardly and lay on the pitch writhing in pain.
Paul, who has had surgery on his other knee in the past, stayed out for the remainder of the game and will have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to determine the extent of the damage.
“It was awful to see him in so much pain,” said Zroback, “and we hope it’s not serious.”
Villa has a two-week road schedule ahead and play next in Victoria on October 9 against winless Bays United FC2.
