Week 2 Preview: Mariners vs Royals & Blues

The Mariners return to a two-game weekend with the Douglas Royals and Capilano Blues journeying to Nanaimo.

 Where and When

Saturday, September 25 vs Douglas Royals
Beban Park (Merle Logan) Turf Fields, 3:00 PM

Sunday, September 26 vs Capilano Blues
NDSS Turf Field, 2:15 PM

Regular season records

VIU Mariners: 1-0
Douglas Royals: 0-2
Capilano Blues: 1-0

Watch online: https://pacwest.live/

After a hard-fought 2-1 win versus Langara in Week 1, the Mariners host the other PACWEST Lower Mainland squads, Douglas College and Capilano University.

Saturday: soccer fans will be treated to a matchup of the 2019 league-leading Mariners and conference champion Royals. The Royals will be gunning for a win after starting the season 0-2 but buoyed by a late push of goals in their 4-3 loss to the Blues. With a shortened 2021 season of only nine games, banking points consistently throughout the season will be vital for both teams.

Sunday: the Mariners defence will be put to the test versus a Blues squad that scored four goals in its season-opening win over Douglas. The last match between Capilano and VIU was a 3-0 win for the Mariners that clinched the 2019 league title, thanks to goals from Hector Valdez (1) and Michael Heppelle (2)—both of whom are back with the Mariners this season.

After this weekend, the Mariners only have one remaining home date on the schedule: Sunday, October 17th versus Langara.

Players to Watch

Fifth-year midfielder Shun Takano was noticeably active all over the pitch in the season opener, including a memorable bicycle kick clear after a Langara corner. His quickness will continue to be a factor in Week 2 and throughout the season.

First-year Douglas forward Mattoe Falcone was credited with three shots on goal in the Royals' opening match versus Langara. For the Blues, Iranian midfielder Nima Moazeni Zadeh scored an incredible long-range goal versus Douglas and was named Blues Athlete of the Week.