VANCOUVER, BC – Coming off a strong first week of matches, League 1 BC enters its second week and sees the TSS Rovers make their first trip up to Kamloops to face Rivers FC. For Rivers, it gives them a chance to build on a draw for their men and a win for their women; meanwhile, both TSS sides look for their first victory.
Rivers got a stellar crowd out for their first matches last week against North Vancouver’s Altitude FC, and will hope for a similar attendance on Sunday. However, on the pitch, both clubs will look to take an important step in the second week of the 12-game season.
After the first round of games, here’s how the standings look. Only Varsity has taken a win in the men’s division, while the top of the women’s division sees four clubs tied at three points, only split by goal differential.
Women’s Match – 4:30pm PT
Rivers FC is the most intriguing club on the women’s side of League 1 BC. While last week saw them write history with teh league’s first-ever clean sheet, they had Varsity’s Dakota Beckket on loan with them, who also played midweek with Varsity.
Rivers could have a significantly different lineup for their match this weekend and facing a TSS Rovers side that is flush with U SPORTS talent; they could be in tough. However, while Rivers undeniably have the determination in front of their home fans, the Rovers may be a step to good.
While TSS couldn’t get the job done last week, losing to Unity 2-1, they had a lot of positives, particularly in the second half, as the team began buying into head coach Chelsey Hanneson’s systems.
Kirstin Tynan is one of the stronger goalies in the league and will be tough for Rivers to beat; at the same time, the Rovers have dynamic midfield/forward players in Isabella Mussolini, Raya Atwhal, Aislen Streicik, and Bella Roque.
The odds-on favourites in this one have to be the Rovers, but playing at home could prove an advantage for Rivers. Either way, Rovers v Rivers is fun to say.
Men’s Match – 2:00pm PT
This should be a fun one. With some of the best players in U SPORTS on Rivers FC, such as CBU’s Charlie Waters, and high-quality players throughout the Rovers lineup, this may be one of the classics.
While only two teams make the BC Day League 1 Final, both teams have a chance at being there with the quality in their rosters. After tough, hard-fought draws in the first week, both enter hungry for a win on Sunday.
TSS had a great chance to win last week against 10-man Unity, but couldn’t finish their chances, however, playing a man-up allowed them to create and control the game’s pace, making them comfortable in attacking areas.
Meanwhile, Rivers had to fight to the end to grab a last-kick penalty goal and a draw against Altitude.
On Sunday, Rivers will be missing Aziz Youseff after he picked up a red card last week for a high challenge. However, after just coming off the bench, he won’t be too missed just yet, despite being on of the most skilled players on the team.
With Daniel Sagno, Charlie Waters (Valour FC CPL Draft pick) and CPL original Jose Hernandez, Rivers certainly has the known quality to win on home turf, but will be up against a challenging Rovers side that has an established rhythm under veteran head coach Will Cromack.
On paper, this match seems destined for a draw but will provide a good gauge of where both clubs are at still in the early stages of teh short season.