Nanaimo United knocked one team out of first place last week and could conceivably knock another team out of first place this week.
The city’s Div. 1 Vancouver Island Soccer League team tied Cowichan FC 1-1 on Saturday at Merle Logan Field, and is preparing to face Gordon Head on Friday (Feb. 3), also on home turf.
United coach Scott Davison said in the draw with Cowichan, his team was able to take some control after getting outpaced early and falling behind 1-0.
Scott Newlands’ header 20 minutes into the second half knotted the score.
“Both teams had chances to score and win it late in the game,” said Davison.
United (6-6-3) has upped its training and expects to be ready for the challenge of facing Gordon Head (12-2-1).
“They’re one of the better ball movement teams in the league so we’re going to need to be able to run with them and match that in order to come away, at least, with a draw,” Davison said.
The coach said his players look forward to facing the best of the VISL, especially at this point in the 2011-12 campaign when they’re playing at a high level.
“Now that we’re facing these top teams at the end of the season, we feel ready,” Davison said. “Cup’s yet to come and that’s always a great time and a chance for us to show what we’ve got, but prior to the end of league it’s nice to play spoiler.”
GAME ON … United and Gordon Head play Friday at 7 p.m. at Merle Logan Field. Nanaimo’s Div. 1 men will also be at home on Sunday to face Prospect Lake (3-9-2) in a 2 p.m. start.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
