Pacific FC Launch Party

Pacific FC's Launch Party was a fantastic success, check out LSBTV's coverage of the event here:

HIGHLANDERS SIGN VICTORY SHUMBUSHO

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Highlanders are pleased to announce the signing of Victory Shumbusho, pending USL league and BC Soccer approval. Shumbusho, a forward with the UBC Thunderbirds, is the second addition to Thomas Niendorf’s USL League Two squad.

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Shumbusho joins the Highlanders after having just completed his second year with the Thunderbirds. His 2018 UBC campaign saw the Thunderbirds capture their second-straight Canada West title, while the Burnaby Central Secondary grad finished with six goals and two assists for a run of 14 points in 13 matches. While his offensive numbers are notable, he brings a well-rounded game Niendorf’s squad.

“Victory is a player who can definitely add goals to our team. He has good pace, he is powerful and he can be a real handful,” added Niendorf. “He is an attacking player with good defensive habits and willingness to do the dirty work in the game. Victory is a good character and high mentality player and fits the mould of player that we want to work with.”

Having moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Canada six years ago, Shumbusho landed in Chilliwack. From there he joined the local soccer club, Chilliwack Attack, before he was noticed by the Whitecaps Residency program in 2016.

The 2017 campaign saw him join UBC where he went on to win the 2017 Canada West Rookie of the Year. With his prowess on the ball and around the net, Shumbusho is excited to join the Highlanders for their upcoming season.

“I’m really excited to be joining the team, and coming in to work with the coaches,” stated Shumbusho.  “I’m just looking to come in, do my best, and keep developing. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the coaches, players, and the team. I’m looking forward to competing in the USL League 2 and having a successful season with Victoria.”

Welcome, lad!

The Highlanders kick off their season at home against Lane United on May 10^th, with a 2:00 p.m. kickoff at Centennial Stadium. Don’t miss out, get your season tickets for our upcoming USL League Two campaign today. For more information, visit www.highlandersfc.ca/tickets

HIGHLANDERS SIGN GOTEH NTIGNEE

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Highlanders are pleased to announce the first signing of 2019, Goteh Ntignee, pending USL League Two and BC Soccer approval. Ntignee, a forward, marks the first addition to Thomas Niendorf's 2019 USL League Two squad.

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Goteh Ntignee boasts an impressive soccer resume at the age of 16, having already won silverware and having gained experience with the Canadian National Program. He also represents the first signing of the year off Niendorf’s Pacific Elite Soccer Institute.

“Goteh is a very talented young player,” said Niendorf. “He has had a great season in the VISL and has been a real standout this year. He elevated his game in crucial moments throughout the season.”

The agile forward is coming off a Sir John Jackson Cup win with Niendorf’s Westcastle United of the Vancouver Island Soccer League in Division 1. Ntignee scored the eventual game winner in a 3-1 win over Bays United Liquor Plus and walked away with the Denny Girvin Memorial Award for Game MVP. The Kpomassè, Benin native finished his VISL season with 10 goals and capped it off as a finalist for the Ivy Lucas Trophy – awarded to the Rookie of the Year in VISL Div 1.

“Goteh plays the game with really good natural instincts. He’s extremely quick, he’s powerful, he has a great work rate, and he is a constant goal threat,” added Niendorf. “Even as a young player he can have a real impact for us. We are excited to have a young, talented player like him be apart of the Highlanders for the season and really looking forward to seeing his impact on the next level.”

Ntignee's experience includes a spell with the Canadian Program, having been invited to participate in the U-15 National ID Camp in 2017. His time at the camp included the opportunity to be a part of the U-15 National Showcase as a part of the Canada U-15 select team.

Welcome, lad!

The Highlanders start their season at home against Lane United on May 10^th, with a 2:00 p.m. kickoff at Centennial Stadium. Don’t miss out, get your season tickets for our upcoming USL League Two campaign today. For more information, visit www.highlandersfc.ca/tickets

Pacific FC welcomes Marius Røvde as head goalkeeper coach

April 10, 2019, Victoria, BC – Goalkeeper-turned-coach  has joined Pacific Football Club ahead of the inaugural Canadian Premier League (CPL) season. Røvde will provide his expertise to Pacific FC shot-stoppers Mark Village and Nolan Wirth throughout the season.

“We are fortunate to be working with someone with the depth of background that Marius brings to Pacific FC,” said Rob Friend, CEO, Pacific FC. “His experience as a player and coach puts our goalkeepers in great hands.”   

Norwegian-born Røvde, 47 played goalkeeper at the highest level in Norway, Scotland and England. He retired from play in 2007 and now holds a UEFA ‘A’ Goalkeeper Pro License. Røvde worked for Trinidad and Tobago FF for three years in the men and women’s program as director of goalkeepers and deputy technical director.

He later spent eight years as head goalkeeper coach in the MLS for Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Minnesota United FC. In that period, he also served as the Canadian U20 and U17 goalkeeper coach.

“It’s very exciting to be a part of this from the beginning and I’m honoured to be asked from ownership and the coaching staff,” said Røvde. “Everyone is in it for the right reasons and I’m very optimistic for where this team is going with all of our talent.”

During his time in Canada, Røvde’s students have included five current CPL goalkeepers and one CPL goalkeeper coach.

Pacific FC kicks off its inaugural season on April 28 against the HFX Wanderers at Westhills Stadium. Kick-off is set for 4:00 p.m. PST.  

CMNT vs French Guiana, March 2019

LSBTV reunited with The Voyageurs, Canada's national soccer supporter group, to cheer on the Men's National Team at BC Place in Vancouver. If you were there, chances are you're in our video! Check it out: