Victoria Highlanders News Release -- www.victoriahighlandersfc.com
Thursday, July 4, 2013
VICTORIA, B.C. -- Victoria Highlanders FC (8-1-2) travels to Washington on Saturday to take on the Crossfire (6-3-2). The Highlanders can clinch a playoff berth with a victory and would be just one point away from clinching the division. Washington must win each of its last three regular season matches in order to maintain contention for the playoffs.
The two teams first met just over a month ago on June 8th at Royal Athletic Park. Play was fairly even, but the Highlanders outshot Washington 16-11 and walked away with a 2-0 victory. Washington goalkeeper Spencer Richey made four saves on the day but couldn’t stop Jordie Hughes in the 36th minute when he tapped in a rebound off a shot by Brett Levis. In the 79th minute, Andrew Ravenhill drove a low cross that found Levis’ foot and he was able to put it away for the two goal lead. Victoria’s keeper Elliot Mitrou matched Richey’s four saves to be awarded the shut-out. The shut-out was preserved by defender Ryan Ashlee in the 84th minute when he made a miraculous sliding block after a miscue of Mitrou.
Victoria has gone six matches undefeated. They have scored less than two goals only once this season and their offence is going on all cylinders. The Crossfire lost last week’s game to Kitsap Pumas and are now in “do-or-die” mode. Saturday’s match should feature a lot of emotion as the regular season is down to the last three games for both teams and every point has playoff implications. This weekend could both secure a bye in the playoffs for the Highlanders and end Washington’s playoff hopes.
Come join us for the Highlanders last home game of the regular season on Saturday, July 13th, when we take on the Portland Timbers U-23s at 7 p.m. at Royal Athletic Park. Get your tickets here.