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Premier [VMSL Premier] Predictions, Results & Banter 2018/2019
- Thread starter Canucks4Ever
- Start date
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Soccer Coach
Well-Known Member
You know guys...sometimes you can be so cruel to us...
In some ways, everything that could have gone wrong seems to have gone wrong from the beginning of the season.
However, sometimes just been alive is in itself rewarding. These days, there is a tendency for "instant gratification" and "quick results".
But if there is something that soccer teaches you is that teams take very long time to build up. Nothing comes quickly or right away.
In some ways, everything that could have gone wrong seems to have gone wrong from the beginning of the season.
However, sometimes just been alive is in itself rewarding. These days, there is a tendency for "instant gratification" and "quick results".
But if there is something that soccer teaches you is that teams take very long time to build up. Nothing comes quickly or right away.
Sunday League Gaffer
Active Member
Relegation is coming quickly and so is Div.2 ... Sunderland Til I Die part 2.0. You guys should contact Netflix and try and sell the rights.
Canucks4Ever
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #425
While it looks like we are going to have to wait with baited breath right down to the wire to determine a winner at the top of the VMSL, we should have some more clarity on the relegation battle over the next two weeks. While the Imperial Cup will disrupt the schedule next weekend, some marquee fixtures at both the top and bottom have survived the shuffle, so this sets up as an absolutely crucial couple of weeks for a handful of teams. Let's hope it is entertaining for us as well!
Completely Baseless Predictions - Week 19
Croatia v Coquitlam Metro Ford
It has been quite the grudge match between Metro Ford and Inter for the sixth spot in the table as they seem to match each others results weekly. It was a pair of draws for them last week, with Coquitlam letting a late lead (and two priceless points) slip when the then league leaders West Van knicked a late equalized to make it 2-2. That was music to Croatia's ears, however, as they were able to vault into top spot with their 1-0 win over relegation threatened Guildford thanks to a late goal from leading scorer David Malamura. Having risen to the top of the table, the Europeans face a trial by fire to become champions. They play Metro Ford this week and then have their Provincial Cup place rivals Inter whenever that match gets rearranged due to the cup. They also have a must win fixture against title challengers CCB and a game against high-powered Rino's Tigers. If they win them all, they will be champions, and deservedly so! The challenge for Croatia will be doing better than they did the first time through this part of the schedule when they lost three out of four of these match up, beating only Rino's. Coquitlam are certainly in no mood to be dropping points, as any slip up on their end could cost them a spot in the post season tournament for a second consecutive year which would surely be unfathomable for the Tri-Cities boys. This one should be a fantastic tilt with lots on the line. Coquitlam has been grinding out points well of though though, so I see them getting something here. Not sure it will be all three though, so I'll say instead that they split the points for a second week in a row.
Rovers Tigers v CCB LFC
Lots of contenders for MOTW this week, but this one stands out above them all. After a pair of frustrating outings droping points very late to both Coquitlam and Inter, Rover's title defence now hangs by a thread. This game is now a must win for them to get back on track. Unlike a few of the other challengers however, winning out will not guarantee Rovers the title. They need Croatia to drop points otherwise they are doomed to finish behind them. After being the forgotten brother out at Newton for years, CCB now have a chance to demand their turn in the spotlight. Older brothers Pegasus have crumbled this season and CCB already answered their critics once this season when they beat Rovers 1-0 in their first meeting. With an, allegedly, expensively assembled band of all-stars, CCB has reached the final stretches of this season with their fate very much in their own hands. An extra game to play over Croatia and West Van, as well as head to heads with both sides over the next two weeks means this is CCB's chance to prove that they belong at the top of the table. Just like Croatia, if CCB win out they will be Champions. However, it can all but be guaranteed that local rivals Rovers have no intention of sitting idly by while that occurs. This match should be a stormer and a quick glance at the rosters indicates that this one is an almost semi professional encounter. A tough week though for Rovers to see captain Ryan Dhillon and influencial defender Karn Phagura out due to yellow card accumulation. Still the like of Nick Soolsma and Pavi Dhillon clashing with Victor Blasco and Milad Mehrabi makes this one a candidate for match of the season, never mind the week! As for a winner, this one could easily go either way. That being said, Blasco ripped Rovers apart when he was with Vic West last season in the Provincials until an injury forced him off and that game changed. I would fancy him to have further success this week. Add in the absence of Phagura and Ryan Dhillon and I think the pendulum swings towards CCB.
Pegasus v Guildford
At the bottom of the table we are reaching "now or never" time. After what can only be described as an abysmal season, Peg got a vital goal from Quinn Dawson to give them a 1-0 win over Richmond last week. For everything this season hasn't been, a win this week against local rivals Guildford would guarantee safety, at least allowing for an off season where they can reevaluate their program. Newly promoted Guildford are hardly planning to limp over the finish line though. Their first ever Premier win came against Pegasus and another three points here could be enough to earn them another season at this level. Last weekend it took a late goal from league leaders Croatia to defeat them but, more importantly, they were able to hold on mid-week to earn a point against NorVan as the two sides completed a game from before the winter break. It might not be pretty, but Guildford look like they are up for the fight. They have not entered the Imperial Cup, making it clear that their priorities lie with staying in the league. They went a perfect three for three against Peg, Richmond and Campo the first time through the schedule and if they can repeat that feat they will book another season in Premier. I don't expect this one to be a work of art, in fact, far from it, but I think Guildford will come up with the goods once more.
Richmond Hibernian v Campo Atletico
It does not get much more must win that this for the boys from below sea level. A narrow 1-0 loss to Peg combined with relegation rival Guildford earning a point mid-week means that things are starting to become dire for Richmond. Before the holidays this one would have been considered a banker, but now Campo seem to have purpose in chasing their first win of the season. A draw two weeks ago against Peg proved that the Burnaby outfit still have at least some fighting spirit in them, though demoralizing pummelings at the hands of CCB and Rino's mean that it is more than likely they will still break the 100 goals against barrier. If they were to earn their first win against Richmond it may just sink Hibs. That being said, the knife cuts both ways as Campo still have to play Richmond's relegation rivals Guildford as well. So a revitalized and motivated Campo may not be a bad thing for Richmond, so long as they get the points this week. The real showdown comes a week from now though, with Richmond and Guildford going head to head. A win this week might give Hibs a bit of a cushion, though Guildford will fancy their chances as well this week against Peg and, as mention, still have Campo to play. There are still too many permutations to go through, so it is easier just to say that a loss here would be devastating at the least for Richmond. That being said, reborn or not, Campo are still a tough horse to back. Add in the fact that Richmond are at home and I think that makes them solid favourites.
West Van v Club Inter EDC
Inter continue to slog along, going step for step with Coquitlam as the two sides battle it out to finish inside the top six and give themselves the best chance at making Provincials. West Van were luck to come away with a point after an injury leveler from Colin Phillips saved them against Coquitlam last time out and Inter will be looking to do one better this week and take all three points from the former Trollers. The "Chinter" boys benefited from some later heroics themselves in their last outing, needing a last gasp Rizal Ganief goal to salvage a point from Rovers after Inter were reduced to 10 men. Picking up points against West Van will not be easy however, as the North Shore boys saw that draw last week cost them their place atop the table. With only four games left to play the margin for error at the top is razor thin and if West Van are serious about a title challenge then this game is all but must win. They have a heavyweight encounter with CCB still to come, but that game may be academic if they cannot pick up the points here. This match is another is a terrific slate on offer this week and I expect a quality affair here as well. Inter remain somewhat one dimensional however, so if the co-best defense in the league can neutralize Mohammed Habib at the tip of the Inter spear they should have a decent chance of coming away with a result in this one. They did just that in their first meeting, keeping Habib silent and earning a 1-0 win. With the stakes even higher this time around, West Van will need to show the pedigree of champions and emerge with a win.
NorVan v Rino's Tigers
Last time these two met NorVan put in an accomplished performance, narrowly losing 1-0 to what was then the best offence in Premier. Now though, the North Shore side are seemingly coasting to the finish line. One more point would make them mathematically safe, but realistically they already are staying up in their first season back in the big time. Similarily a loss would rule out a top six finish, but even if they come up with the points, making up the ground on Inter and Metro Ford is all but impossible. On the flip side, Rino's cannot afford to be dropping points, lest they fall out of the top six themselves. The title is probably out of reach, but a win would keep that dream alive as well. Goals have been tougher to come by in the second half of the season, and losing leading scorer Erik Edwardson to a professional contract overseas won't help in that department, but Tigers did get a chance to flex their goal scoring muscle against last place Campo last week. Not much to analyze in this one; Rino's need a result and NorVan, quite frankly, do not.
Completely Baseless Predictions - Week 19
Croatia v Coquitlam Metro Ford
It has been quite the grudge match between Metro Ford and Inter for the sixth spot in the table as they seem to match each others results weekly. It was a pair of draws for them last week, with Coquitlam letting a late lead (and two priceless points) slip when the then league leaders West Van knicked a late equalized to make it 2-2. That was music to Croatia's ears, however, as they were able to vault into top spot with their 1-0 win over relegation threatened Guildford thanks to a late goal from leading scorer David Malamura. Having risen to the top of the table, the Europeans face a trial by fire to become champions. They play Metro Ford this week and then have their Provincial Cup place rivals Inter whenever that match gets rearranged due to the cup. They also have a must win fixture against title challengers CCB and a game against high-powered Rino's Tigers. If they win them all, they will be champions, and deservedly so! The challenge for Croatia will be doing better than they did the first time through this part of the schedule when they lost three out of four of these match up, beating only Rino's. Coquitlam are certainly in no mood to be dropping points, as any slip up on their end could cost them a spot in the post season tournament for a second consecutive year which would surely be unfathomable for the Tri-Cities boys. This one should be a fantastic tilt with lots on the line. Coquitlam has been grinding out points well of though though, so I see them getting something here. Not sure it will be all three though, so I'll say instead that they split the points for a second week in a row.
Rovers Tigers v CCB LFC
Lots of contenders for MOTW this week, but this one stands out above them all. After a pair of frustrating outings droping points very late to both Coquitlam and Inter, Rover's title defence now hangs by a thread. This game is now a must win for them to get back on track. Unlike a few of the other challengers however, winning out will not guarantee Rovers the title. They need Croatia to drop points otherwise they are doomed to finish behind them. After being the forgotten brother out at Newton for years, CCB now have a chance to demand their turn in the spotlight. Older brothers Pegasus have crumbled this season and CCB already answered their critics once this season when they beat Rovers 1-0 in their first meeting. With an, allegedly, expensively assembled band of all-stars, CCB has reached the final stretches of this season with their fate very much in their own hands. An extra game to play over Croatia and West Van, as well as head to heads with both sides over the next two weeks means this is CCB's chance to prove that they belong at the top of the table. Just like Croatia, if CCB win out they will be Champions. However, it can all but be guaranteed that local rivals Rovers have no intention of sitting idly by while that occurs. This match should be a stormer and a quick glance at the rosters indicates that this one is an almost semi professional encounter. A tough week though for Rovers to see captain Ryan Dhillon and influencial defender Karn Phagura out due to yellow card accumulation. Still the like of Nick Soolsma and Pavi Dhillon clashing with Victor Blasco and Milad Mehrabi makes this one a candidate for match of the season, never mind the week! As for a winner, this one could easily go either way. That being said, Blasco ripped Rovers apart when he was with Vic West last season in the Provincials until an injury forced him off and that game changed. I would fancy him to have further success this week. Add in the absence of Phagura and Ryan Dhillon and I think the pendulum swings towards CCB.
Pegasus v Guildford
At the bottom of the table we are reaching "now or never" time. After what can only be described as an abysmal season, Peg got a vital goal from Quinn Dawson to give them a 1-0 win over Richmond last week. For everything this season hasn't been, a win this week against local rivals Guildford would guarantee safety, at least allowing for an off season where they can reevaluate their program. Newly promoted Guildford are hardly planning to limp over the finish line though. Their first ever Premier win came against Pegasus and another three points here could be enough to earn them another season at this level. Last weekend it took a late goal from league leaders Croatia to defeat them but, more importantly, they were able to hold on mid-week to earn a point against NorVan as the two sides completed a game from before the winter break. It might not be pretty, but Guildford look like they are up for the fight. They have not entered the Imperial Cup, making it clear that their priorities lie with staying in the league. They went a perfect three for three against Peg, Richmond and Campo the first time through the schedule and if they can repeat that feat they will book another season in Premier. I don't expect this one to be a work of art, in fact, far from it, but I think Guildford will come up with the goods once more.
Richmond Hibernian v Campo Atletico
It does not get much more must win that this for the boys from below sea level. A narrow 1-0 loss to Peg combined with relegation rival Guildford earning a point mid-week means that things are starting to become dire for Richmond. Before the holidays this one would have been considered a banker, but now Campo seem to have purpose in chasing their first win of the season. A draw two weeks ago against Peg proved that the Burnaby outfit still have at least some fighting spirit in them, though demoralizing pummelings at the hands of CCB and Rino's mean that it is more than likely they will still break the 100 goals against barrier. If they were to earn their first win against Richmond it may just sink Hibs. That being said, the knife cuts both ways as Campo still have to play Richmond's relegation rivals Guildford as well. So a revitalized and motivated Campo may not be a bad thing for Richmond, so long as they get the points this week. The real showdown comes a week from now though, with Richmond and Guildford going head to head. A win this week might give Hibs a bit of a cushion, though Guildford will fancy their chances as well this week against Peg and, as mention, still have Campo to play. There are still too many permutations to go through, so it is easier just to say that a loss here would be devastating at the least for Richmond. That being said, reborn or not, Campo are still a tough horse to back. Add in the fact that Richmond are at home and I think that makes them solid favourites.
West Van v Club Inter EDC
Inter continue to slog along, going step for step with Coquitlam as the two sides battle it out to finish inside the top six and give themselves the best chance at making Provincials. West Van were luck to come away with a point after an injury leveler from Colin Phillips saved them against Coquitlam last time out and Inter will be looking to do one better this week and take all three points from the former Trollers. The "Chinter" boys benefited from some later heroics themselves in their last outing, needing a last gasp Rizal Ganief goal to salvage a point from Rovers after Inter were reduced to 10 men. Picking up points against West Van will not be easy however, as the North Shore boys saw that draw last week cost them their place atop the table. With only four games left to play the margin for error at the top is razor thin and if West Van are serious about a title challenge then this game is all but must win. They have a heavyweight encounter with CCB still to come, but that game may be academic if they cannot pick up the points here. This match is another is a terrific slate on offer this week and I expect a quality affair here as well. Inter remain somewhat one dimensional however, so if the co-best defense in the league can neutralize Mohammed Habib at the tip of the Inter spear they should have a decent chance of coming away with a result in this one. They did just that in their first meeting, keeping Habib silent and earning a 1-0 win. With the stakes even higher this time around, West Van will need to show the pedigree of champions and emerge with a win.
NorVan v Rino's Tigers
Last time these two met NorVan put in an accomplished performance, narrowly losing 1-0 to what was then the best offence in Premier. Now though, the North Shore side are seemingly coasting to the finish line. One more point would make them mathematically safe, but realistically they already are staying up in their first season back in the big time. Similarily a loss would rule out a top six finish, but even if they come up with the points, making up the ground on Inter and Metro Ford is all but impossible. On the flip side, Rino's cannot afford to be dropping points, lest they fall out of the top six themselves. The title is probably out of reach, but a win would keep that dream alive as well. Goals have been tougher to come by in the second half of the season, and losing leading scorer Erik Edwardson to a professional contract overseas won't help in that department, but Tigers did get a chance to flex their goal scoring muscle against last place Campo last week. Not much to analyze in this one; Rino's need a result and NorVan, quite frankly, do not.
you really built that team and with a little luck
you are right they scored 6 instead....
Canucks4Ever
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #430
Despite most of the schedule being preempted for Imperial Cup play there are still three fixtures that have survived and my goodness are they big ones. While most of the league is off gallivanting about in the cup, both the top and bottom are set for major shake-ups!
Completely Baseless Predictions - Week 20
CCB LFC v West Van
Imperial Cup aside, this is the MOTW. The finish line is nearly there for CCB, as is the culmination of a summer of heavy recruitment. CCB play the other top two side over the next two weeks, beginning with West Van this weekend, followed by Croatia. If they win both matches they will be guaranteed nothing less than a share of first place and a point from either of their final two matches would solidify them as champions. Drop points anywhere along the way and math completely changes, such is the state of the table at this late stage. For West Van this is almost a must win given CCB's game in hand and is, at the very least, a must not lose. With the pressure squarely on them it will be interesting to see how they respond on what looks set to be a miserable night weather wise away to Surrey. The North Shore boys will be hopeful that their league best defense can contain a dynamic CCB attack that has been kept off the score sheet exactly once this season in a 4-0 loss to Rino's back in October. The Surrey side have won nine straight, though one of those wins did come via forfeit, and have found results both by out gunning opponents, such as in their 4-2 victory last week against Rovers, and by grinding out win as they proved capable of in 1-0 wins over NorVan and Croatia. Their ruthless summer recruit-athon has certainly borne fruit as Milad Mehrabi (Inter), Victor Blasco (Vic West) and Yassin Essa (Pegasus) lead the team in scoring and have all popped up with crucial contributions. Nic Morello and former Whitecap Caleb Clarke are also known to pop up with a goal. With so many attacking options, it no surprise that it is tough to keep them off the board and it will be a challenge even for a resolute West Van side. If CCB can find a way to goal, which odds would suggest that they will, then it is tough to see how the former Trollers can win if they are forced to try an outgun their hosts. It is all but a championship playoff here and I expect a top quality affair. At the moment though, CCB just are not showing any cracks whatsoever so I have to think they are favourites here and West Van will need something special to put a twist into the tale.
Rino's Tigers v Rovers Tigers
Rover's loss to CCB last week effectively ended their title defense. Even if they were to win out from this point, a feat that they are certainly capable of achieving, 47 points seems unlikely to be enough to reclaim their crown. More worryingly though is the fact that their current 32 points has them hovering on the edge of the top six places, suddenly putting a Provincial Cup place in some doubt. While they do have a pair of games in hand on the top four, they are six points back of Rino's who currently occupy that fourth guaranteed berth. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that Rovers will be wanting to take a serious run at the Imperial Cup this season, the only trophy that they failed to lift last year, but, in an ideal world, they would not want to be relying on that as a necessity for qualification. While Rovers do have the aforementioned games in hand over the top four, this week's match will bring them level on games played with Coquitlam and Inter, who are occupied with Imperial Cup play and currently sandwich Rovers who sit sixth. Dropping the points here would leave the Surrey side on more or less even footing with those sides scrapping out for a top six finish down the stretch. Rino's are in the opposite situation, they are set to be the only side who have played 20 games after this weekend, which it set to become 21 when the schedule returns to league play next week assuming the forecasted snow does not derail things. That would leave the Vancouver boys with just one match remaining while the rest of the league plays on, making these points crucial. A win here would give them a nice eight point cushion in fourth place and that final guaranteed Provincial berth as well as nine points between them and Rovers in sixth. So plenty to play for then in this one. Rovers have traditionally had Rino's number including a pair of wins last seasons by a total of 7-2 on aggregate. This season though, their initial meeting was much tighter and Rovers only emerged 1-0 winners. I would expect another tight one here with neither side in their best form at the minute. Rovers have been grinding through a rough patch while Rino's have had the chance for a couple of soft toss wins against bottom half sides, so there is little to really inspire the casual observer. Rino's might be slight favourites but I expect Rovers to be a bit desperate. I'll say they cancel each other out and split the points.
Guildford v Richmond Hibernian
While the title looks set to take big step towards being decided this weekend, so to does the relegation battle. Guildford have historically treated the Imperial Cup with little regard and finally were organized enough to opt out of it fully this season. Hibs will be participating, but drew a bye in the first round, meaning that this crucial clash can proceed as scheduled. Richmond fed Campo through the wood chipper to the tune of 6-0 last weekend, which officially relegated the Burnaby outfit while moving the boys from below sea level out of the drop zone themselves, two points ahead of Guildford. This was made possible thanks to Guildford pulling a no show against local rivals Peg who beat them by that same 6-0 scoreline and in doing so made themselves and NorVan mathematically safe. That means it is officially a two horse race between Guildford and Richmond to see who joins Campo in Division 1 next season. Guildford do hold a game in hand over Hibs, but it is against Rovers who are fighting to ensure they have a chance to defend their Provincial Cup title after having all but officially failed to retain the VMSL championship. The Surrey side's other remaing matches are against Coquitlam, who are in a similar boat to Rovers as they try to qualify for Provincial after embarrassingly missing out last year, and Campo who should be a free hit but do seem key to try and win at least one match this season before departing the top flight. There is also a rumour that has reached me of Guildford potentially having filed a protest regarding the final 49 minutes of their match against NorVan. The game officially finished 0-0, but there are whispers that Guildford may be challenging the eligibility of some players who took part in the made up portion of the match as it pertains to their status from the original game day roster. For Hibs this fixture represents likely their last best chance at putting points on the board for this campaign as after this they too play Coquitlam and then Inter, who round out the trio of teams battling to be in the top six. The reverse fixture went the way of Guildford as part of their three match win streak back around the beginning of November, which stood as their only points for the season until the point they earned in the previously mentioned 0-0 draw. It looked at that point as though Guildford would go on to establish themselves at this level and perhaps pull themselves towards safety before the winter break. However, after a couple of promising performances, the wheels fell off once more for the newly promoted side. Again performances seemed to be trending in the right direction for the Surrey boys until last week's monumental collapse. Now the question is can they pull their finger out and save themselves? Even a draw here would put them in the drivers seat, giving them a chance to leapfrog Richmond when they play Campo next week. That puts the pressure squarely on the Hibs in this one, needing all three points to give themselves a cushion. I would not expect a masterpiece of top footballing to be on display in this one, but I certainly think that there is a chance for a pair of desperate sides to put on an entertaining show. This comes down to desire and mental toughness and those are a couple of qualities that have tended to escape Guildford during previous years. Other than potentially their first VMSL campaign at open level after their success at U21, the Surrey boys have showed minimal ability to deliver crucial results when they need them, particularly down the stretch come the back half of the season. It is a character flaw that would seem to belie the apparent youthful apathy of their squad and they would do well to pick now as the time to grow out of those habits. Richmond, on the other hand, still retain enough battle hardened veterans who have seen these types of matches before. I like the boys from below sea level in this one to drag themselves further towards safety.
Completely Baseless Predictions - Week 20
CCB LFC v West Van
Imperial Cup aside, this is the MOTW. The finish line is nearly there for CCB, as is the culmination of a summer of heavy recruitment. CCB play the other top two side over the next two weeks, beginning with West Van this weekend, followed by Croatia. If they win both matches they will be guaranteed nothing less than a share of first place and a point from either of their final two matches would solidify them as champions. Drop points anywhere along the way and math completely changes, such is the state of the table at this late stage. For West Van this is almost a must win given CCB's game in hand and is, at the very least, a must not lose. With the pressure squarely on them it will be interesting to see how they respond on what looks set to be a miserable night weather wise away to Surrey. The North Shore boys will be hopeful that their league best defense can contain a dynamic CCB attack that has been kept off the score sheet exactly once this season in a 4-0 loss to Rino's back in October. The Surrey side have won nine straight, though one of those wins did come via forfeit, and have found results both by out gunning opponents, such as in their 4-2 victory last week against Rovers, and by grinding out win as they proved capable of in 1-0 wins over NorVan and Croatia. Their ruthless summer recruit-athon has certainly borne fruit as Milad Mehrabi (Inter), Victor Blasco (Vic West) and Yassin Essa (Pegasus) lead the team in scoring and have all popped up with crucial contributions. Nic Morello and former Whitecap Caleb Clarke are also known to pop up with a goal. With so many attacking options, it no surprise that it is tough to keep them off the board and it will be a challenge even for a resolute West Van side. If CCB can find a way to goal, which odds would suggest that they will, then it is tough to see how the former Trollers can win if they are forced to try an outgun their hosts. It is all but a championship playoff here and I expect a top quality affair. At the moment though, CCB just are not showing any cracks whatsoever so I have to think they are favourites here and West Van will need something special to put a twist into the tale.
Rino's Tigers v Rovers Tigers
Rover's loss to CCB last week effectively ended their title defense. Even if they were to win out from this point, a feat that they are certainly capable of achieving, 47 points seems unlikely to be enough to reclaim their crown. More worryingly though is the fact that their current 32 points has them hovering on the edge of the top six places, suddenly putting a Provincial Cup place in some doubt. While they do have a pair of games in hand on the top four, they are six points back of Rino's who currently occupy that fourth guaranteed berth. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that Rovers will be wanting to take a serious run at the Imperial Cup this season, the only trophy that they failed to lift last year, but, in an ideal world, they would not want to be relying on that as a necessity for qualification. While Rovers do have the aforementioned games in hand over the top four, this week's match will bring them level on games played with Coquitlam and Inter, who are occupied with Imperial Cup play and currently sandwich Rovers who sit sixth. Dropping the points here would leave the Surrey side on more or less even footing with those sides scrapping out for a top six finish down the stretch. Rino's are in the opposite situation, they are set to be the only side who have played 20 games after this weekend, which it set to become 21 when the schedule returns to league play next week assuming the forecasted snow does not derail things. That would leave the Vancouver boys with just one match remaining while the rest of the league plays on, making these points crucial. A win here would give them a nice eight point cushion in fourth place and that final guaranteed Provincial berth as well as nine points between them and Rovers in sixth. So plenty to play for then in this one. Rovers have traditionally had Rino's number including a pair of wins last seasons by a total of 7-2 on aggregate. This season though, their initial meeting was much tighter and Rovers only emerged 1-0 winners. I would expect another tight one here with neither side in their best form at the minute. Rovers have been grinding through a rough patch while Rino's have had the chance for a couple of soft toss wins against bottom half sides, so there is little to really inspire the casual observer. Rino's might be slight favourites but I expect Rovers to be a bit desperate. I'll say they cancel each other out and split the points.
Guildford v Richmond Hibernian
While the title looks set to take big step towards being decided this weekend, so to does the relegation battle. Guildford have historically treated the Imperial Cup with little regard and finally were organized enough to opt out of it fully this season. Hibs will be participating, but drew a bye in the first round, meaning that this crucial clash can proceed as scheduled. Richmond fed Campo through the wood chipper to the tune of 6-0 last weekend, which officially relegated the Burnaby outfit while moving the boys from below sea level out of the drop zone themselves, two points ahead of Guildford. This was made possible thanks to Guildford pulling a no show against local rivals Peg who beat them by that same 6-0 scoreline and in doing so made themselves and NorVan mathematically safe. That means it is officially a two horse race between Guildford and Richmond to see who joins Campo in Division 1 next season. Guildford do hold a game in hand over Hibs, but it is against Rovers who are fighting to ensure they have a chance to defend their Provincial Cup title after having all but officially failed to retain the VMSL championship. The Surrey side's other remaing matches are against Coquitlam, who are in a similar boat to Rovers as they try to qualify for Provincial after embarrassingly missing out last year, and Campo who should be a free hit but do seem key to try and win at least one match this season before departing the top flight. There is also a rumour that has reached me of Guildford potentially having filed a protest regarding the final 49 minutes of their match against NorVan. The game officially finished 0-0, but there are whispers that Guildford may be challenging the eligibility of some players who took part in the made up portion of the match as it pertains to their status from the original game day roster. For Hibs this fixture represents likely their last best chance at putting points on the board for this campaign as after this they too play Coquitlam and then Inter, who round out the trio of teams battling to be in the top six. The reverse fixture went the way of Guildford as part of their three match win streak back around the beginning of November, which stood as their only points for the season until the point they earned in the previously mentioned 0-0 draw. It looked at that point as though Guildford would go on to establish themselves at this level and perhaps pull themselves towards safety before the winter break. However, after a couple of promising performances, the wheels fell off once more for the newly promoted side. Again performances seemed to be trending in the right direction for the Surrey boys until last week's monumental collapse. Now the question is can they pull their finger out and save themselves? Even a draw here would put them in the drivers seat, giving them a chance to leapfrog Richmond when they play Campo next week. That puts the pressure squarely on the Hibs in this one, needing all three points to give themselves a cushion. I would not expect a masterpiece of top footballing to be on display in this one, but I certainly think that there is a chance for a pair of desperate sides to put on an entertaining show. This comes down to desire and mental toughness and those are a couple of qualities that have tended to escape Guildford during previous years. Other than potentially their first VMSL campaign at open level after their success at U21, the Surrey boys have showed minimal ability to deliver crucial results when they need them, particularly down the stretch come the back half of the season. It is a character flaw that would seem to belie the apparent youthful apathy of their squad and they would do well to pick now as the time to grow out of those habits. Richmond, on the other hand, still retain enough battle hardened veterans who have seen these types of matches before. I like the boys from below sea level in this one to drag themselves further towards safety.
Canucks4Ever
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #431
CCB LFC 2-0 West Van FT
There was early drama at Newton with West Van being reduced to 10 men inside 20 minutes. A quick turnover and threw ball saw a ill conceived challenge from a West Van defender scythe down the CCB attacker who would have been clean through to goal. The visitors argued in vain that the attacker was some combination of either offside or otherwise unable to reach the ball ahead of the keeper, but Duliba had no hesitation in producing the red card. Yassin Essa would step up and curl in the resulting free kick from just outside the area. This began an uphill battle for the North Shore side on the night though, to their credit, they were up for it. Evidently CCB only know how to play one way and, in spite of cries from some players and staff to relax and keep the ball, the chance to pick a pass and go forward proved irresistible. This allowed West Van to intercept various wayward passes and maintain a decent share of possession. The teams traded attacks with West Van creating a few half chances. CCB as usual looked very threatening on the counter attack when they could get their wide men room to operate in, but were unable to extend their lead further before the break. In truth, other than some extra time in space to bring the ball out of the back, it would have been difficult to tell CCB had an extra man unless you took time to count the players.
Second half began with some heavy challenges and both teams baying for further sanctions from Duliba. Just as things were threatening to perhaps reach a boiling point, CCB took the sting out of things with a second goal. It was Essa once more who jinked his way into the middle of the park and lashed one in from just inside the area. At 2-0 and a man up this one was basically in the books and everyone in attendance pretty much knew it. West Van would continue attacking but even when they earned set pieces or other looks at goal their finishing lacked any real conviction. They continued to find a way to get a toe or a tackle in to prevent conceding any further, but there was really no belief in the side that a goal would come at the other end. Eventually the time ebbed away and CCB were able to place one hand firmly on the VMSL title.
Of note Victor Blasco was absent for CCB in this one as he continues to be linked with a move to Pacific FC in the CPL.
There was early drama at Newton with West Van being reduced to 10 men inside 20 minutes. A quick turnover and threw ball saw a ill conceived challenge from a West Van defender scythe down the CCB attacker who would have been clean through to goal. The visitors argued in vain that the attacker was some combination of either offside or otherwise unable to reach the ball ahead of the keeper, but Duliba had no hesitation in producing the red card. Yassin Essa would step up and curl in the resulting free kick from just outside the area. This began an uphill battle for the North Shore side on the night though, to their credit, they were up for it. Evidently CCB only know how to play one way and, in spite of cries from some players and staff to relax and keep the ball, the chance to pick a pass and go forward proved irresistible. This allowed West Van to intercept various wayward passes and maintain a decent share of possession. The teams traded attacks with West Van creating a few half chances. CCB as usual looked very threatening on the counter attack when they could get their wide men room to operate in, but were unable to extend their lead further before the break. In truth, other than some extra time in space to bring the ball out of the back, it would have been difficult to tell CCB had an extra man unless you took time to count the players.
Second half began with some heavy challenges and both teams baying for further sanctions from Duliba. Just as things were threatening to perhaps reach a boiling point, CCB took the sting out of things with a second goal. It was Essa once more who jinked his way into the middle of the park and lashed one in from just inside the area. At 2-0 and a man up this one was basically in the books and everyone in attendance pretty much knew it. West Van would continue attacking but even when they earned set pieces or other looks at goal their finishing lacked any real conviction. They continued to find a way to get a toe or a tackle in to prevent conceding any further, but there was really no belief in the side that a goal would come at the other end. Eventually the time ebbed away and CCB were able to place one hand firmly on the VMSL title.
Of note Victor Blasco was absent for CCB in this one as he continues to be linked with a move to Pacific FC in the CPL.
SmartCoach
Well-Known Member
Rino’s Tigers 4 Rovers Tigers o
Tony the Tiger says Great
Tony the Tiger says Great
Guildford leapfrogging Richmond with a 3-2 vicotry despite a brace from @club_i_champ !
This will come down to the wire. Advantage Guildford as they have a game vs Campo who look like they've packed it in already and also lost to a div.1 side over the weekend 3-0.
This will come down to the wire. Advantage Guildford as they have a game vs Campo who look like they've packed it in already and also lost to a div.1 side over the weekend 3-0.
Canucks4Ever
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #436
It seems all but certain that the weather will wipe out the majority, if not all, of the schedule this weekend. This was the final week of concurrent fixtures as, with cup play and make up games, the schedule is set for the blender beginning next week. Depending on how bad the snow is, if it carries into next week's cup schedule then we could see an abundance of midweek fixtures as the league tries to sort itself out in advance of Provincials. There was a chance to crown a champion in waiting this weekend, but now that looks as though it will have to wait. Still, on the off chance that some fixtures survive, and certainly the league will do everything they can to get these games played, (though we've already lost West Van against Rino's to the winter weather at Ambleside), let's take a look at how things might play out.
Completely Baseless Predictions - Week 21
Croatia v CCB LFC
The MOTW as this is the game that could determine our 2019 VMSL Champion. After an intense summer recruitment and a hot start followed by what appeared to be a return to old habits, CCB are now in a position to reach the summit with a win over Croatia. The Europeans sit fourth, but could still reach 48 points, so this six-pointer is crucial in the title race. A win for CCB would take them to 47 points which would be the highest total achievable for any of the teams chasing them. Thus, they would be guaranteed, at worst, a one game playoff for the title, while a single point from their final two matches would be enough to confirm their first place finish outright. A loss though and everything goes back up in the air. They would have a two point lead on Croatia and a three point lead over both Rino's and West Van with all the teams having two matches remaining given that West Van and Rino's have already postponed. CCB's form speaks for itself as they are without a loss since October. Though they have officially lost standout attacker Victor Blasco to his much rumoured move to the CPL and Pacific FC, they still have a litany of attacking options. Croatia were off last week, but before that had their five match winning streak halted when they lost 3-1 to Coquitlam. CCB proved the first time these sides met that they have the ability to grind out results in a 1-0 win, something that we had wondered about this edition of the Surrey side as that had rarely been a part of their previous DNA. This one is fore pretty much all the marbles, so it is disappointing that it appears as thought the snow will rob us of it. If it does go ahead, it is just impossible to bet against CCB at the moment as they truly look like they have the pedigree of champions.
Rovers Tigers v NorVan
Rovers were unaffected by the Imperial Cup last week as both they and opponents Rino's were advanced directly to the second round. Rovers may have perhaps wished that they were involved in cup play last weekend though as, instead, Rino's thumped them 4-0. That result officially ended what slim hopes Rovers may have still harboured of retaining their VMSL crown. The highest total Rovers could reach would be 44 points, which CCB have already amassed, and, given the permutations at the top with those sides clashing, it will take more than that to win the league. More concerning for the Surrey boys, however, is that their form at the minute, having taken just one point from their previous four outings, has seen them fall to sixth place, only two points ahead of Inter. This is putting their opportunity to defend their Provincial title in jeopardy as suddenly their Provincial Cup participation is now in doubt. Climbing into a guaranteed berth in the top four is beginning to look like a stretch for Rovers, which means that they will need to either reach the final of the Imperial Cup or finish in the top six and hope the cup finalists have already qualified. For NorVan their only path to the post season tournament in through an appearance in the Imperial Cup final and, judging by their draw, it is not looking like great odds. They need extra time to squeeze past Division 1 Westside last weekend and potential VMSL Champions CCB are on tap next. Fortunately the North Shore side can already consider this season a success, having guaranteed survival in their first year back in Premier. Nothing much to play for for NorVan in this one, but Rovers should be well motivated and could do with a confidence boost.
Pegasus v Club Inter EDC
This disastrous season for Pegasus likely cannot end soon enough. The Surrey boys plummeted from runners up to relegation candidates this year and, though they have confirmed their safety via a pair of wins over the other relegation threatened sides, there is really no salvaging their campaign at this point. A shock Imperial Cup run and the corresponding Provincial Cup spot that accompanies it would go someway to glossing over this horror show, though that is hardly looking straight forward either. While usually Peg would be confident having lined up lower league opposition in the second round, Division 1 promotion candidates Burnaby Metro are full of confidence and could well heap further embarrassment upon the horsemen if they are not careful. Inter, meanwhile, are locked in a three-way battle to finish the season among the top six and are currently the odd team out, sitting seventh. Discipline is also an issue for "Chinter" at the moment, with three players suspended, including their influential talisman and leading goal scorer, Mohammed Habib. It stands to reason that the "Italian"-South Americans should be able to find enough to win this match, but, if Peg feel like being real spoil sports, they might well be able to take advantage of an understaffed Inter. Of course neither of these side shy away from the extra-curricular activities either meaning there could be a decent amount for the officials to keep track of and that could add a twist to this one as well. A bit of a wildcard here, but if Inter are motivated and can put Peg behind early, they should emerge from this match with the much needed points.
Richmond Hibernian v Coquitlam Metro Ford
Well Hibs have certainly stepped in it now. Relegation rivals Guildford got the points in their massive head to head clash, edging the boys from below sea level 3-2 and leapfrogging them in the standings. That means Richmond will need to get something out of their last two matches to have any chance of avoiding a second relegation in six seasons. As Hibs will likely have noticed, coming back up at the first time of asking is not as easy as it was last time they took a sabbatical from Premier, with teams like Columbus, Westside and NorVan averaging a couple of seasons down at the lower level. More concerning is the fact that Guildford still have to play Campo meaning that it is likely Richmond will need something from both their remaining matches, probably at least four points. In fact, if games go ahead this weekend, the relegation race could well be settled. If Hibs lose this one Friday night and Guildford win on Saturday it is all over. The boys from below sea level certainly are not catching any breaks with their schedule, as they have to play Coquitlam and Inter who are both battling to get into the Provincial Cup. Coquitlam have climbed to fifth and are well in control of their own destiny, still having to play three bottom teams in Richmond, Guildford and Pegasus before what could potentially be a massive and decisive encounter with Rovers. They have been grinding out the results of late, earning eight point over their last four matches, and certainly look to be up for this battle. Dropping point to Richmond would be potentially lethal to their chances, though Richmond are surely to come with everything they have got as it is last chance saloon time for them.
West Van v Rino's Tigers
PPD
Guildford v Campo Atletico
While their fate has been sealed, Campo are at least making overtures about playing for next season already. Trying to use these final matches as a foundation to build off of ahead of next season would certainly be more meaningful if they are able to pick up a win sometime before the campaign ends. This match against relegation threatened Guildford would seem likely to be their best remaining chance, but you would have though that when they played Richmond last time out in the league and, instead, they got thrashed 6-0. Not helping matters was a 3-0 loss to Division 1 Burnaby Metro in the Imperial Cup last week, in a match where the lower league side looked very comfortable. Guildford will be determined not to join Campo and immediately return to Div. 1. Despite seeming to drift in and out of this season, Guildford have snatched the points when it matters most and now are in the driver's seat to stay up. Off field issues surrounding player commitment and coaching changes have dogged this side throughout the year, but, if they can manage to survive, perhaps they can retool for next year and try to really establish themselves at this level. A win in this match is all but certain to guarantee that chance, and will mathematically confirm their safety if Richmond lose Friday night. The Surrey side will be hoping the snow stays away and they can put this all to bed over the span of 24 hours. Being at home, with everything on the line and playing the worst team in the league, surely they can find the necessary motivation to get this one over the line.
Completely Baseless Predictions - Week 21
Croatia v CCB LFC
The MOTW as this is the game that could determine our 2019 VMSL Champion. After an intense summer recruitment and a hot start followed by what appeared to be a return to old habits, CCB are now in a position to reach the summit with a win over Croatia. The Europeans sit fourth, but could still reach 48 points, so this six-pointer is crucial in the title race. A win for CCB would take them to 47 points which would be the highest total achievable for any of the teams chasing them. Thus, they would be guaranteed, at worst, a one game playoff for the title, while a single point from their final two matches would be enough to confirm their first place finish outright. A loss though and everything goes back up in the air. They would have a two point lead on Croatia and a three point lead over both Rino's and West Van with all the teams having two matches remaining given that West Van and Rino's have already postponed. CCB's form speaks for itself as they are without a loss since October. Though they have officially lost standout attacker Victor Blasco to his much rumoured move to the CPL and Pacific FC, they still have a litany of attacking options. Croatia were off last week, but before that had their five match winning streak halted when they lost 3-1 to Coquitlam. CCB proved the first time these sides met that they have the ability to grind out results in a 1-0 win, something that we had wondered about this edition of the Surrey side as that had rarely been a part of their previous DNA. This one is fore pretty much all the marbles, so it is disappointing that it appears as thought the snow will rob us of it. If it does go ahead, it is just impossible to bet against CCB at the moment as they truly look like they have the pedigree of champions.
Rovers Tigers v NorVan
Rovers were unaffected by the Imperial Cup last week as both they and opponents Rino's were advanced directly to the second round. Rovers may have perhaps wished that they were involved in cup play last weekend though as, instead, Rino's thumped them 4-0. That result officially ended what slim hopes Rovers may have still harboured of retaining their VMSL crown. The highest total Rovers could reach would be 44 points, which CCB have already amassed, and, given the permutations at the top with those sides clashing, it will take more than that to win the league. More concerning for the Surrey boys, however, is that their form at the minute, having taken just one point from their previous four outings, has seen them fall to sixth place, only two points ahead of Inter. This is putting their opportunity to defend their Provincial title in jeopardy as suddenly their Provincial Cup participation is now in doubt. Climbing into a guaranteed berth in the top four is beginning to look like a stretch for Rovers, which means that they will need to either reach the final of the Imperial Cup or finish in the top six and hope the cup finalists have already qualified. For NorVan their only path to the post season tournament in through an appearance in the Imperial Cup final and, judging by their draw, it is not looking like great odds. They need extra time to squeeze past Division 1 Westside last weekend and potential VMSL Champions CCB are on tap next. Fortunately the North Shore side can already consider this season a success, having guaranteed survival in their first year back in Premier. Nothing much to play for for NorVan in this one, but Rovers should be well motivated and could do with a confidence boost.
Pegasus v Club Inter EDC
This disastrous season for Pegasus likely cannot end soon enough. The Surrey boys plummeted from runners up to relegation candidates this year and, though they have confirmed their safety via a pair of wins over the other relegation threatened sides, there is really no salvaging their campaign at this point. A shock Imperial Cup run and the corresponding Provincial Cup spot that accompanies it would go someway to glossing over this horror show, though that is hardly looking straight forward either. While usually Peg would be confident having lined up lower league opposition in the second round, Division 1 promotion candidates Burnaby Metro are full of confidence and could well heap further embarrassment upon the horsemen if they are not careful. Inter, meanwhile, are locked in a three-way battle to finish the season among the top six and are currently the odd team out, sitting seventh. Discipline is also an issue for "Chinter" at the moment, with three players suspended, including their influential talisman and leading goal scorer, Mohammed Habib. It stands to reason that the "Italian"-South Americans should be able to find enough to win this match, but, if Peg feel like being real spoil sports, they might well be able to take advantage of an understaffed Inter. Of course neither of these side shy away from the extra-curricular activities either meaning there could be a decent amount for the officials to keep track of and that could add a twist to this one as well. A bit of a wildcard here, but if Inter are motivated and can put Peg behind early, they should emerge from this match with the much needed points.
Richmond Hibernian v Coquitlam Metro Ford
Well Hibs have certainly stepped in it now. Relegation rivals Guildford got the points in their massive head to head clash, edging the boys from below sea level 3-2 and leapfrogging them in the standings. That means Richmond will need to get something out of their last two matches to have any chance of avoiding a second relegation in six seasons. As Hibs will likely have noticed, coming back up at the first time of asking is not as easy as it was last time they took a sabbatical from Premier, with teams like Columbus, Westside and NorVan averaging a couple of seasons down at the lower level. More concerning is the fact that Guildford still have to play Campo meaning that it is likely Richmond will need something from both their remaining matches, probably at least four points. In fact, if games go ahead this weekend, the relegation race could well be settled. If Hibs lose this one Friday night and Guildford win on Saturday it is all over. The boys from below sea level certainly are not catching any breaks with their schedule, as they have to play Coquitlam and Inter who are both battling to get into the Provincial Cup. Coquitlam have climbed to fifth and are well in control of their own destiny, still having to play three bottom teams in Richmond, Guildford and Pegasus before what could potentially be a massive and decisive encounter with Rovers. They have been grinding out the results of late, earning eight point over their last four matches, and certainly look to be up for this battle. Dropping point to Richmond would be potentially lethal to their chances, though Richmond are surely to come with everything they have got as it is last chance saloon time for them.
West Van v Rino's Tigers
PPD
Guildford v Campo Atletico
While their fate has been sealed, Campo are at least making overtures about playing for next season already. Trying to use these final matches as a foundation to build off of ahead of next season would certainly be more meaningful if they are able to pick up a win sometime before the campaign ends. This match against relegation threatened Guildford would seem likely to be their best remaining chance, but you would have though that when they played Richmond last time out in the league and, instead, they got thrashed 6-0. Not helping matters was a 3-0 loss to Division 1 Burnaby Metro in the Imperial Cup last week, in a match where the lower league side looked very comfortable. Guildford will be determined not to join Campo and immediately return to Div. 1. Despite seeming to drift in and out of this season, Guildford have snatched the points when it matters most and now are in the driver's seat to stay up. Off field issues surrounding player commitment and coaching changes have dogged this side throughout the year, but, if they can manage to survive, perhaps they can retool for next year and try to really establish themselves at this level. A win in this match is all but certain to guarantee that chance, and will mathematically confirm their safety if Richmond lose Friday night. The Surrey side will be hoping the snow stays away and they can put this all to bed over the span of 24 hours. Being at home, with everything on the line and playing the worst team in the league, surely they can find the necessary motivation to get this one over the line.
Canucks4Ever
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #439
Shat out of going as it was too cold, but wish I had gone! Been told it was a complete unraveling by CCB. Jhutty got sent off for a second yellow, CCB bench go nuts, bench player gets sent off, game delayed for 5 to 7 minutes as ref gets into it with bench. Finally restarted then Reynolds sent off for a second yellow for CCB. CCB apparently asked for game to be called. Ref said no! Malamura brothers got the goals.
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