It was a mixed bag of results in the heat out in Langley last weekend, as Rovers split points with Langley United.
Women’s Team
Langley United 0-3 Rovers
Back in April, in our second game of the season, Langley United handed our women a 2-1 defeat at Swangard and so vengeance was on the cards. That was their most recent win of the season and so coming into this one, we knew they would be hungry for a result.
The game began open and fast, but it wasnt until the 45’ that the deadlock was broken. Claire Ye scored her second on the season (her first was also against Langley) with a shot that appeared to have bounced from the inside of the left post, across the face of goal and off the right post an out. However, the eyes of the astute referee saw it bounce behind the line before spring out again, and we went into the dressing room with a well earned lead.
The second half saw us playing our usual style of playing out of the back off the commanding feet of Erin van Dolder and through the reliable Sofia Feramo in midfield who was supported by the buzzing energy and creativity of Delana Friesen, Nina Louis and Katlyn Cerny in midfield. After a pair of subs in the 73’, Erin Bhandal stepped on to the pitch and scored a beautiful team goal at 84’ and then another at 90+4 to lock the game away. It was a performance brimming with confidence and decisiveness and set us up well for the next stretch of three games, all against team that sit above us in the table
Men’s Team
Langley United 3-0 Rovers
Coming into this match Langley we found ourselves in a tight cluster of teams at the top of the table. WInning would have opened up a five point lead.
As in the women’s game, the first half was cagey and hard fought, but this time it was Langley who took the lead at the half.
The second half featured a relentless Langley attack, including the buzzing Brody Thomas who scored at 76’. Our attack wasn’t able to mount a comeback and Thomas scored again late to complete the 3-0 win and take Langley to first place in the league.
Our route to the League 1 BC title gets tougher despite the fact that midweek both Burnaby and Langley dropped points in a Wednesday night 1-1 tie. Both teams now sit above us. We sit three points off top spot with a game in hand, but, as the tie breaker hinges on head-to-head results, we need Langley to drop points in order to reclaim top spot. Every game matters now and the remainder of the season is set to serve up some tasty and important match ups.
