VIU Soccer Athletes of the Week - September 14-15

Congratulations to Emma Thornton and Matt Coburn: VIU soccer Athletes of the Week for September 14-15!

Emma (Nanaimo, BC) has emerged as major part of VIU's offensive game in her second varsity season and had a hand in VIU's two tie games in Week 2. Her play led to VIU's sole Saturday goal, as her hard shot from in close was stopped by not contained by the Douglas goalkeeper—leading to a Mariners goal two seconds later. Emma also scored VIU's first goal against Capilano on Sunday, a solo rush where she broke in between two Blues defenders and calmly slotted the ball into the left corner of the net. She tied for the team lead in counting two shots on target in the game. Head coach Bobbie Taylor said that Emma is "having a breakthrough season with an excellent two-way game."

Matt (Nanaimo, BC), a fifth-year defender,  was a rock on VIU's backline as he never left the pitch in Week #2 of the PACWEST season. He was a dependable duel-winner and responsible for zone clearance late in the win over Douglas as his ability to defend in the air gave the Royals forwards no chance at running on to any long balls sent his direction towards the VIU net. On the other end of the pitch, he pressed up took three shots (one on target) in Sunday's game at Capilano. "Matt was a huge presence over the weekend and led the team from the back," Mariners head coach Kevin Lindo said. "His dedication to the team on and off the field is crucial for us this season."

For more information, contact Matt Carter, VIU Mariners Communications & Sports Information Coordinator.