The Mid Isle Highlanders were taken by surprise last week in their season opener. They won’t let that happen this Saturday (May 21) in their home opener.
Ladysmith’s new Pacific Coast Soccer League premier men’s team takes on Victoria United that day at Forrest Field, the town’s new turf facility.
Coach James Merriman said last Saturday’s 5-1 road loss to the Vancouver Thunderbirds was a “wakeup call” for the team.
“It’s getting into spring/summer and everybody’s kind of just been floating in and out of training…” he said. “Now we know exactly what type of league we’re in, we know the level of competition that we’re going to be playing every weekend.”
Merriman will make changes to the lineup and he promised more demanding training this week. Mostly, though, he wants his players to adopt a new attitude.
“I don’t think it’s a skill thing,” said the coach. “I think we have enough good players to compete in the league. We just have to get a little bit more serious and obviously come in better prepared.”
Even though the Mid Isle Highlanders are based out of Ladysmith, they hope the attraction of high-calibre, fair-weather soccer will inspire Nanaimo sports fans to make the drive.
“We’re hoping for the soccer community to come out and support the team and see what the league is all about,” Merriman said. “I think it’s a very high level and people are going to enjoy it. We’re hoping to get a good crowd out to support us and maybe push our team a little bit more.”
GAME ON … The home opener Saturday is at 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults. Youths get in for $2, or free if they’re wearing a soccer jersey or T-shirt … Jordan de Graaf scored the first goal in club history.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
