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Premier [VMSL Premier] Predictions, Results & Banter 2019/2020

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Canucks4Ever

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The "Who Cares?" bowl goes this weekend in Premier. The teams with something left to play for are busy in the Imperial Cup, leaving just one lonely fixture on the league docket for this week. I wasn't going to bother with a formal prediction but, for continuities sake...

Completely Baseless Predictions - Make Up Games

Club Inter EDC Burnaby v Burnaby Selects White Eagles
Inter are literally just playing out the string after thumping Columbus 4-0 last week. That was a death knell for the Italians while at the same time it also made the "Italian"-Chileans mathematically safe from relegation, though it is not like they were under any serious threat. Chinter now have two entirely meaningless games left to play, beginning with this match against White Eagles. On the other side of the ball, the once Serbians would likely willingly trade places with Inter. After a decent first half that saw them look as though they would finish well safe from the drop in their first year back in Premier after over a decade away, White Eagles suddenly went ice cold. It is now a dozen games across all competitions without a win for Burnaby after they were beaten 4-1 by Rovers last week and they are the only team left that Columbus can possibly catch to make it to safety. Albeit, Columbus are eight points back with four games remaining and the prospect of them pulling off three wins in those four matches is beyond remote. Still, surely White Eagles would like to muster some sort of positive result before the end of the season and with their final fixture a visit from Coquitlam Metro Ford, who will be desperate for the points in their quest to reach the Provncials, this seems like the game to do it. Their record does not inspire confidence though, and after Chinter put Columbus to the sword fairly decisively, I like their odds of doing something similar in this one.
 

Canucks4Ever

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This is the last real weekend of Premier division games. Ten teams are in action, three of which will be finishing off their schedule. In a weird twist CCB and Columbus have yet to play each other this season but now will play three times this month. From here on out there are one off and midweek games scheduled in order to get things wrapped up in time for the Provincial Cup.

Completely Baseless Predictions - Make Up Games

Columbus v CCB LFC
No doubt Columbus would happily exchange their three Imperial Cup wins for points in the league. Their 1-0 success over Croatia last week in the quarterfinals was nothing short of astonishing. Unfortunately for the Italians, none of it helps with their current relegation plight. It has been "now or never" time for Columbus for a couple of months now, but their league form has not really seen much in the way of any tangible uptick. They had a decent performance against Coquitlam, collapsing late after yet more discipline issues to lose 2-1, but, other than that, there is not much to draw inspiration from in their recent form table. They began the year getting shelled by Rino's, failed to take anything of significance from a 0-0 against White Eagles, the team they are trying to catch, they made immensely hard work of Burnaby Metro from Division 1 in the cup and then after they finally looked like a proper outfit against Strikers from Div. 1, they turn around and get waxed 4-0 by Chinter, who had absolutely nothing to play for in that game. They need at least eight points from their final four games to have any prayer of survival. It seems like very long odds. Though, perhaps they could strike a deal with CCB whereby they let them win in the Imperial Cup, moving the Surrey boys into the Provincials, and then CCB let Columbus have the six points that the two teams still need distribute. Barring some sort of back door deal such as that, it is difficult to see how Columbus get the wins they need from this or any of the rest of their matches.

Coquitlam Metro Ford Wolves v West Van
This is the final match of the VMSL season for West Van and they could be forgiven for looking past this trip to Coquitlam. They will finish either second of third in the table and they are assured of a place in the hat when the Provincial Cup draw is made April 9. They are likely much more enamored with trying to defend their Imperial Cup title, but, ironically, the will also have to go "away" to Coquitlam to do that next weekend. Fortunately for the former Trollers, the Imperial semifinals are at a neutral venue, meaning they just have to come over the bridge to Empire, rather than get all the way out to the foot of the second bridge in the Tri-Cities. While the Amblesiders are a prideful lot, this game has little to offer them in terms of upside, so expect them to give the depth guys a chance at a run out as they focus on being ready to go the following weekend. For Metro Ford, they do not have that same luxury as while they would no doubt like to focus on getting ready for a semifinal in which a win would propel them to the Provincial Cup, they do not have the luxury of already being assured of a place in that competition, meaning they need to try and get the points from this league encounter. The best news for the Tri-Cities boys is that they remain the hottest team in the league, unbeaten in 14 games now. A big reason for that is the resurgence of talisman Carlo Basso who is on a goal a game pace at the moment, though he is actually scoring with greater regularity than that currently given that he spent the first part of the season largely missing in action. West Van certainly will not be rolling over in this match, but Metro Ford have more to play for and with it being a bit of a trek for the Amblesiders on a Friday night, I would say Coquitlam are favourites to remain hot.

Rovers Hurricanes v Guildford FASA
Likely credit for this match going ahead probably goes to the VMSL for altering the rules regarding fines in Premier. The doubled the forfeit cost and, had they not done that, you would have serious doubts about already relegated FASA turning up to play this match, especially after not having a game last week. Rovers were brushed aside with ease in their Imperial Cup quarterfinal against CCB, losing 4-1, which is a situation Rovers have found themselves in all too often this season, especially since the calendar has changed to 2020. That does not bode well for their Provincial Cup prospects, assuming they can get in. That is a problem for another day though, for Soolsma and co. They showed that they can still score goals against the lesser lights in the weeks prior, beating White Eagles 4-1 and this same FASA side 7-0. A win would guarantee Rovers at least the chance to playoff for a spot in Provincials. No reason to believe it will be anything other than a similar result this time around against "Guildford".

Pegasus v Rino's Tigers
With both teams having something to play for in this one, it is the MOTW. This is the last match for Rino's in the VMSL this season after they were knocked out of the cup by Metro Ford last week. They will go off and prepare to try and go one better in the Provincial Cup this season, after reaching the final and losing a year ago. In the meantime, their dream of lifting the VMSL title is not entirely dead. They sit first place and have a two point lead on Croatia, although Cortia have two games in hand. That being said, CCB had games in hand last season and it seemed a forgone conclusion that they would win the title, and they game up short. So anything can happen and Rino's will want to put themselves in the best position possible. Peg, on the other hand look as though there season is likely to come to an end at the conclusion of their league schedule. With CCB and Columbus playing each other in next week's Imperial Cup semifinal, one of those teams is guaranteed a spot in the Provincial Cup. That means they will have to finish in the top five in the league to qualify for the post season tournament. They are currently sixth, on point behind Coquitlam and four points back of Rovers with two games remaining. The problem is that Coquitlam are in the midst of a 14 game unbeaten run, plus they too are within one cup win of qualifying for the Provincial Cup, and Rovers have essentially a free hit against FASA this week with a win putting fourth place out of reach for Peg. Add it all up and it is looking like the Horsemen are set to be on the outside looking in a Provincials once again this season. Certainly a loss in this match at their fate could be mathematically sealed. Their record against Rino's shows a pair of 3-1 losses, though both of those did come in Vancouver, so perhaps home turf in Surrey will give them the edge they need. In a real kick to the you-know-where, had they not had their late winner against NorVan ruled out for offside they would sit fifth, ahead of Coquitlam and with a much more realistic chance to catch Rovers. Funny how an entire season can sometime turn on one moment. Obviously there were plenty of other moments back in October, etc. that contributed to Peg being where they are now, but it is those moments at the end that become magnified in the mind. Rino's to complete the season sweep hear and leave Peg wondering about just how this season slipped away.

Club Inter EDC Burnaby v Croatia
Apparently Chinter decided to wait until they had nothing left to play for to get motivated. They have won their last two matches by an combined 9-0 margin and will now close out their season by trying to derail Croatia's hopes to repeat as VMSL champions. A couple of weeks ago that would have seemed highly improbable after Inter were dumped out of the Imperial Cup by a Division 1 side and Croatia were rolling. Now though, Inter are hot, they are scoring for fun and Croatia have hit a speed bump. In their four games in February, Croatia have managed just four goals. It was enough to get past lowly FASA, as well as White Eagles in the Cup, though only just. Their luck run out last week against last place Columbus and, fortunately for the Europeans, it only cost them a chance at Imperial Cup glory and did nothing to dent their title defense. Surely that kind of performance and result must have come as a wake up call to Croatia. They need six points from their final three games to retain their title, or possibly less depending on Rino's result against Peg this weekend in their final match. They play Chinter this week, then Rovers in Surrey in a game where the locals may well need the points to qualify for the Provincials and then Columbus again who will very likely already be relegated at that point, but if they have even a whiff of safety they will very much fancy their chances against a Croatia they proved they can do the business against. After what happened last season with CCB choking in their game in hand against Peg to hand Croatia the title when Peg had nothing to play for, Croatia would do well to be wary of falling into the same trap. Step one is Inter and, if they were smart, they would come out guns blazing and try to end it by half time. I back them to bounce back.
 

Regs

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Friday Night Results

Columbus 1-1 CCB
MetroFord 1-1 Trollups
Sapperton 9-1 FASA
Chinter 2-0 Croats

1583594147801.png
Top 4 is set, with the league champions still up in the air.

CCB has their work cut out for them to get into the top 6 and increase chances of getting into the big dance. Unless they make Imperial cup final, money on them being on the outside looking in at the end.

At the other end, FASA relegated and while mathematically Columbus can still avoid the drop... it ain't happenin'
 

Canucks4Ever

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CCB has their work cut out for them to get into the top 6 and increase chances of getting into the big dance. Unless they make Imperial cup final, money on them being on the outside looking in at the end.
Outside of the top 6 looking in sure. But all they have to do is beat Columbus next week to each the Imperial final.

Peg is the team likely to miss out. Gotta be top 5 now because either CCB or Columbus are in for sure. They need Coquitlam to lose to West Van in Imperial next week and then Peg have to win their last game and hope CMF drop points in theirs.
 

Sunday League Gaffer

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Outside of the top 6 looking in sure. But all they have to do is beat Columbus next week to each the Imperial final.

Peg is the team likely to miss out. Gotta be top 5 now because either CCB or Columbus are in for sure. They need Coquitlam to lose to West Van in Imperial next week and then Peg have to win their last game and hope CMF drop points in theirs.
What is the breakdown per league for provincial berths ??
 

Canucks4Ever

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Just one game on the Premier makeup docket this week, but boy is it a big one. The season is nearly done, but there is still the small matter of a champion to be crowned. It could happen this weekend, but we shall have to wait and see.

Completely Baseless Predictions - Makeup Games

Rovers Hurricanes v Croatia
Well who saw this coming? Certainly one would have to think that it has taken Croatia by surprise. A year after they were gifted the title thanks to CCB choking down the stretch, Croatia look set to pay that forward to Rino's this season. After dominant season it all slip to be slipping through Croatia's fingers at the minute. They have lost two of their last three in the league and three of their last five in all competitions. While their offensive output has been far from the hallmark of their success, but whatever attacking thrust they had carried throughout the season appears to have abandoned them entirely over the last month. They have scored just four goals over that five game stretch and have been shutout in their two most recent matches. The good news for Croatia is that, after smashing FASA 9-1 last week, Rovers no longer have anything to play for, as they are guaranteed to finish fourth, thus qualifying for Provincials. However, that hardly helped Croatia last week as they played Chinter and were beaten 2-0 despite the "Italian"-Chileans simply playing out the string. Only a win will do in this match and then Croatia will have to go on and beat Columbus as well. Anything less and Rino's will be champions. Rovers have not exactly been running the league themselves, yes, they have taken care of business against the bottom of the table, but, by and large they have struggled against the league's heavy hitters. They will certainly give this one a run out, but you have to think if Croatia can get their bleedin' act together they will let them have this one. Rino's will be waiting with baited breath, but I think Croatia salvage this one.
 

soccerstar

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Canada Soccer COVID19 update:

 

Canucks4Ever

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MWSL has cancelled the remainder of their season and cup play.

Gotta think (knowing the VMSL...) they will continue to play unless mandated otherwise by BC Soccer (who I am sure a no doubt reeling try to plan for Provincials).

Overall, yes there is no way to avoid physical contact in soccer, but it can be mitigated somewhat by removing handshakes etc. BC is currently still low risk for the spread of the disease (situation changing constantly) and soccer takes place outdoors. These are small gatherings, under the 250 person guideline issued this afternoon by BC Health officials. Additionally, with the exception of the Masters Divisions, we are talking about young, healthy individuals who, if they do contract the virus, should be expected to survive.

Playing on with the season helps people enjoy some sense of normalcy and enjoyment with their daily lives during this crisis.

However...

These are not "normal" times. There is a strong argument to be made about everyone needing to do their part to try and stop the spread and flatten the curve of this pandemic in whatever way possible. If that means cancelling the rest of the soccer season, then so be it.

It has been an extraordinary day with sports leagues shutting down essentially for the first time since WWI. Things seem to be changing by the hour, so I guess we will have to just wait and see.
 

Canucks4Ever

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Statement just released from BC Soccer: No events with over 250 people (including players, staff, tournament, league staff, etc.)

Beyond that its up to local clubs and leagues:

Outside of ceasing all events with 250+ people, BC Soccer maintains the position of empowering concerned youth district/adult league members and affiliated clubs to determine if they wish to amend or cancel their programming activity to mitigate concerns within their regions/locations. The reasoning for this is British Columbia is a large and diverse province and the fact is that not all communities and regions in BC have been impacted by the 46 cases (as of March 12) of the COVID-19. Further, in the majority of cases, there is limited public travel and individual matches are not considered “mass gatherings” (more than 250 people). Of course, we support local soccer organizations in BC that do cancel or postpone the activity they are organizing if they choose to.
 

big gk

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Statement just released from BC Soccer: No events with over 250 people (including players, staff, tournament, league staff, etc.)

Beyond that its up to local clubs and leagues:

Outside of ceasing all events with 250+ people, BC Soccer maintains the position of empowering concerned youth district/adult league members and affiliated clubs to determine if they wish to amend or cancel their programming activity to mitigate concerns within their regions/locations. The reasoning for this is British Columbia is a large and diverse province and the fact is that not all communities and regions in BC have been impacted by the 46 cases (as of March 12) of the COVID-19. Further, in the majority of cases, there is limited public travel and individual matches are not considered “mass gatherings” (more than 250 people). Of course, we support local soccer organizations in BC that do cancel or postpone the activity they are organizing if they choose to.
Binger’s army games historically bring in several hundreds of fans and zero subs so I hope they still let us play
 

knvb

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I've not heard that yet, but the VISL and FVSL are games as usual until we hear otherwise. Cup finals will have to be separated and the Banquet and AGM to be rescheduled. No pre or post handshakes

I have to think they'll pull the plug on the Mayor Cup this weekend, but not heard anything on that yet.
 

Canucks4Ever

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VMSL is postponed indefinitely.

Presumably (assuming things can get back up and running in time) only matches with Provincial Cup, league title and maybe league cup implications will get rescheduled...

Presumably BC Soccer could "extend" the Winter Season in May/June if necessary if sport resumes within a month or so.

You have to think that Nationals will go ahead in October and BC will want to have a representative. BC Soccer likely going to need to get creative on crowning a champion (maybe just a 4 team Men's and Women's A Cup???)

Who knows...
 
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