There were lots of smiles on Sunday as Powell River Villa opened their season at the new and improved pitch.
They welcomed Victoria’s Fusion FC to Timberlane and after 90 minutes of up and down action settled for a 1-1 tie and a single point.
There were so many positives on Sunday that Villa organizers would have been happy with any result, but to return to Timberlane and see many long-absent fans on the sidelines was a big relief.
The game started out quite scrambly which is normal given the new faces and limited action thus far for both teams.
Fusion FC is a name in the division, a blend of players from Juan de Fuca, Cordova Bay and Gordon Head FC1 and FC2, while Villa has seen six or so veterans leave to make room for younger players.
After a first half of fairly even play, neither team was able to put the ball into the net, but 10 minutes into the second, Fusion opened the scoring on the dreaded own goal.
A flurry of action in Villa’s box resulted in a clearing attempt by Joel Harry that careened off a player and bounded by surprised keeper Matt Liknes into the net.
Villa got to work after the goal and started to bring the game to Fusion. Ten minutes later, they evened the score 1-1 on a goal from determined striker David Bertrand.
He was Johnny-on-the-spot when the ball was put into the Fusion box and bounced around until he could put his foot on it.
“He was in the right spot at the right time,” said Jamie Zroback, Villa manager. “It was nothing spectacular, but his hustle paid off when he put the ball in the back of the net.”
Nothing spectacular but the fact that Villa has players like Bertrand who are willing to drive to the net is something that will make them or break them this season.
Hard work and physical play has been the forte of Villa throughout the years and it is gratifying to have leaders like Bertrand, Kye Taylor and Zroback showing the youngsters how it’s done.
Villa continued to press for the winning goal and came close when Zroback missed a header just wide. But perhaps their best chance came when a penalty kick was awarded, then taken away.
“There was a handball in the box,” said Zroback. “We set up for the shot, but the referee went over to the linesman and they called the play offside instead of the penalty shot. Apparently there was a player in the offside position when the ball was passed so the call was reversed.”
That might have been the only disappointment of the day though as for the most part Villa was extremely pleased with the pitch.
“Todd [Phillips] and I were much more relaxed,” Zroback said. “You’re not rushing down the hill with equipment and signage, it’s a beautiful pitch and it’s a great time returning to Sundays.”
Player coach Taylor agreed but said, “it’s going to take awhile to get used to the grass after playing so many games on the turf.”
The only knock on the pitch conditions was the length of the grass. “Hopefully they can get that down a notch for next week and really make it run fast,” Taylor said. “Without any moisture on it, it was like playing on a long shag carpet.”
Other than that, everything else such as concession, bleachers and change rooms were in full use so hopefully fans get a sunny day to take in a busy day next week.
On Sunday, September 16, there’s a flurry of activity with the official opening of Timberlane and games featuring youth soccer, over 35’s and Villa versus Gorge United FC at 1:30 pm.
Chip shots
Villa and youth soccer will once again make use of the soccer centre across the road from Timberlane. Both organizations will benefit from the close proximity of the facility and players and fans are encouraged to gather there after the games.
