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Powell River soccer club ready to face tougher teams in higher division

Villa faces champs to open season
Powell River Villa midfielder Jake Kenmuir
ROSTER READY: [Centre] Powell River Villa’s star midfielder Jake Kenmuir [red] earned Vancouver Island Soccer Division 3A MVP honours last season. The soccer club opens its VISL Division 2 season at home on Saturday, September 15, at 1:30 pm. David Brindle photo

Few expect Powell River Villa SC to dominate the upcoming Vancouver Island Soccer League season as the team did last year when it won Division 3A with a record of 14 wins, 2 losses and one tie.

That record advanced Villa to Division 2 for 2018/2019, where competition will be of higher calibre.

“We’re excited to play in Division 2 and get the season going,” said head coach Chris McDonough. “We have some stiff competition.”

Villa opens its 18-game schedule on home turf at Timberlane Park on Saturday, September 15, against last year’s Division 2 winners Victoria Lakehead. Game time is 1:30 pm.

McDonough said his team has improved.

“We have good energy and a good vibe around the team,” he added. “Our training sessions have been great.”

Former Bundesliga player Greg Smith, who joined Villa last season, worked on conditioning with players in the off-season.

“The fitness level is what we need for Division 2,” said McDonough.

Villa played one exhibition game in preparation for the season, beating Upper Island Riptide youth team 2-0 on September 8.

“It wasn't so much about the result as it was about trying out new players in different positions and some different strategies,” said McDonough.

Some Riptide players will be available to Villa this season.

“We have an arrangement that when players are available and healthy we'll have opportunities to permit them,” added McDonough.

Players added late last season included defender Chris Fisher, forward James Timothy and Russell Pielle. McDonough said three or four more youth players could be added.

Forwards Tim Wriglesworth, who is from Powell River and currently attends Capilano University, and Brandon Knox, will likely join the team mostly for away games.

McDonough has a veteran lineup led by last year’s VISL Division 3A MVP Jake Kenmuir, the always aggressive Kye Taylor, midfielder Nick Van’t Schip and a solid line of defenders, including assistant coach Dean Thorsell and stalwart goaltender Matt Liknes.