2019 Year in Review

Here's what being a soccer supporter on Vancouver Island looked like in 2019.

2019 Annual General Meeting

Annual General Meeting Announcement

         This is an official notice and invitation to our Annual General Meeting for 2019, to be held at the Greater Victoria Public Library, Saturday, December 14^th starting at 4:00 PM. Members of the Lake Side Buoys are entitled to nominate and vote for the Board of Directors that will govern the society for the next year, as well as vote on any special agenda items that the Board will present. This year, the Board would like the membership to ratify a new Constitution and By-Laws.

         Directly following the adjournment of this meeting, a pub crawl will commence. Dressing in club colours is highly encouraged.

          If you are unable to attend and would like to vote by proxy, you can designate any member of the Lake Side Buoys as your proxy simply by letting them know, and so that we’re all on the same page, let the board know by emailing  before December 12^th.

          The current Board of Directors for the Lake Side Buoys Society are:

          President:  Jason Armond

          Vice President:  Ted Godwin
          Secretary Treasurer:  Allison Armond (not running for re-election)
          Director:  Xavier Ouellette
          Director:  Adam Kostanuick (not running for re-election)
          Director:  Blake McStravick
          Director:  Ryan Arrowood

          During the nominations and elections portion of the meeting, there will be a brief interval where nominations can be made, though we’d prefer nominations be done via email prior to the meeting. Nominations must be made by members in good standing for members in good standing. Self-nomination is allowed. If there are competing nominations for a position, each nominated candidate will have 1 minute to address the group if they so choose before ballots are cast. Nominations can be made for members in absentia, provided that this is done in advance and that the candidate being nominated has communicated their acceptance of the nomination to the Board prior to the meeting.

          Any questions you have concerning the AGM or the new Constitution and By-Laws can be directed to .

A Moment of Silence

On September 19th, Pacific FC fan and friend of the Lake Side Buoys, Jacob Michael "Jake" Noseworthy passed away suddenly.

He was 22 years old.

In remembrance of him, we dedicated the 22nd minute of the October 2nd home game to him with a rare moment of silence.

We will remember Jacob for his passion and enthusiasm for the beautiful game and his contributions to sports journalism.

Ticket Donation Drive

Hello Lake Side Buoys and fans of Pacific FC,

As the inaugural Pacific FC season winds down, we would like to celebrate the club, the season, and ourselves with an act of charity.

As you probably know, season tickets include a pair of ticket vouchers, good for any match. Many people have not yet redeemed these, so we are conducting a ticket donation drive to allow some deserving folks from our community to attend a match. The tickets we gather will be distributed to the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society, a non-profit organization that offers services to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families on Vancouver Island.

What's more, Pacific FC has connected us with a sponsor that will be matching our ticket donations. That means that each voucher you donate will allow *TWO* people to attend the game!

If you would like to participate, please follow [this link] for instructions.

The deadline for participation is October 5^th.

Thanks,

Lake Side Buoys Board of Directors

The matching tickets are coming from a corporate donation program funded by these groups, we'd like to give them our sincere thanks:

• Listco Landscape & Irrigation
• Engle & Völkers Vancouver Island
• Custom Pro Exteriors
• Eric Kerr of Johns, Southward, Glazier, Walton and Margetts LLP

Jonesing for Answers at the PFC Townhall Event

Have a beer with Ryan Arrowood and Pacific FC Executive VP of Operations, Brad Norris-Jones as they chat about various game-day topics.

Week In Review, August 19th 2019

We decided to switch up our text format with something more videoish. Let's check in with Pacific FC and how they're doing with the CPL Fall Season!

Week In Soccer Review, July 26th 2019

This week in Vancouver Island Soccer... Canadian Premiere League: Pacific FC managed to climb up two spots on the table to 5th place after a decisive 3-1 win at home vs. HFX Wanderers in front of a rowdy home crowd. With Summer going full blast here on the Island, we're heading into a long drought of home game action as Pacific FC returns to Westhills on August 24th. Until then, we look forward to cheering them on from the pub as they try to scoop up points on the road. PFC's next match at Valour FC is on Wednesday, July 31st. 2019 Canadian Championship: Of course, the big news coming out of the CanPL this week was all about the Voyageurs cup. The 3rd qualifying round saw intense action between some of Canada's top professional teams, and the Whitecaps. In the three final leg matches this week, Montreal came out ahead of York9 FC with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. Ottawa Fury FC is moving ahead after defeating HFX Wanderers FC in a thrilling 5-4 aggregate scoreline. And finally, proving to everyone that Tommy Wheeldon Jr. doesn't know how to lose, the Whitecaps failed to impress the 50 people who showed up to BC Place to watch Cavalry FC finish off Major League Soccer's most beleaguered team with 1-2 on aggregate. The semi-final round of the Voyageurs picks up again on August 7th with Fury taking on Toronto FC and Calgary likely making an impact against Montreal. Pacific Coast Soccer League: The Victoria Highlanders Reserves had an amazing weekend, with back to back wins and clean sheets against Kamloops and Khalsa Sporting Club, with a 6-0 and 5-0 goal fest respectively. These two final wins of the regular PCSL season cemented the Highlanders at the top of the table, tied with points with FC Tigers Vancouver but coming out ahead with a 12 goal lead on goal difference. The Highlanders won the league, but they're not done yet. Tomorrow starts the Challenge Cup competition, which for the first time in quite a few years is hosted here on Vancouver Island at Centennial Stadium on the lovely grounds of the University of Victoria. The Challenge Cup is a simple 4 team competition format with the semi-finals double header on Saturday and the finals on Sunday. The Lake Side Buoys will be headed to Centennial for both days, be sure to head to the Centennial parking lot for an informal tailgate starting before noon. This will be the last live local soccer we get to enjoy for about a month, so come out and SUPPORT LOCAL SOCCER! And now you're all caught up.

Week in Soccer Review, July 17th 2019

This week in Vancouver Island Soccer...

Canadian Premiere League

It was another 2-3 loss at Westhills on Saturday against Spring Season runners-up, Forge FC. We’re only two games into this half of the season and this latest result drops Pacific FC all the way to the bottom of the Fall Competition table at 7th place. It’s interesting to note that Pacific has managed to score 4 goals in their last 2 games, but still let 6 goals in. Hopefully head coach Silberbauer sees this as a need to change up his defensive game moving forward.

The top three spots are the same as they were during the Spring Season, with Cavalry, Forge and Edmonton leading the league.

Pacific FC faces York9 tonight away. The Lake Side Buoys will be cheering them on from the Yates Street Taphouse in Downtown Victoria. Our next home game is this Saturday at 3PM at Westhills Stadium against Halifax.

USL League 2, Northwest Division
It was pretty clear that the loss of multiple players had a massive detrimental impact to the Victoria Highlanders as their final three games saw them chasing the game instead of dominating it as they mostly had all season up to that point. This last weekend had back to back games vs. Calgary that had Victoria flying back home without a single point to show for it. Their first matchup on Friday saw some of the best action from this team after the roster shakeup with a very tight 2-3 scoreline. The following game on Sunday, however, made it obvious that the Highlanders had nothing left to play for and ended up getting played off the pitch with a loss of 3-nil.

With regular league play concluded, the final Northwest Division table shows the Highlanders at 4th place on the table. Calgary Foothills FC comes out on top again and will go on to defend their title as league champions from last season.

It’s always remarkable to see how competitive the Northwest Division is, with the table shuffling every week and the division leader usually being decided in the final game or two. It’s a testament to the quality of talent we can foster here in the Pacific Northwest.

Pacific Coast Soccer League:

A rough weekend for the Highlanders Reserve team saw back to back losses on the road against PSC Tim Horton Pinnacles and Okanagan FC. This coming weekend has the Highlanders playing their final two games as they take on Kamloops Wolfpack on Saturday and Khalsa Sporting Club on Sunday, both at home.

The Highlanders are currently second on the table, trailing 3 points behind table leaders FC Tigers Vancouver. Hopefully they can shake their current losing streak and get back into the form they had earlier in the season. It’d be nice to finish strong and gear up for the Challenge Cup, which, according to my math, the Highlanders are guaranteed to be in even if they throw their next two games.

And now you're all caught up.

Week in Soccer Review, July 12th, 2019

This Week in Vancouver Island Soccer... Canadian Premier League: Our Cavalry rematch last week saw Pacific FC starting off the Fall Season of the CPL with a loss at home, which puts us in 5th place on a brand new table with zero points. The Fall Season has considerably more games in it than the Spring Season, which means the latter half of this year will be more of a marathon than a sprint. Accumulated injuries will be defining factors over, not just Pacific FC's potential success, but other clubs as well. Pacific FC will take on Spring Season runners-up Forge FC tomorrow at Westhills Stadium, kickoff is at 3 PM. In addition to regular league action, this week we were also treated to a few surprising matches in the Canadian Championship. In historic firsts for the league, teams from the CPL challenged two clubs from the MLS in what turned out to be tightly contested draws, undoubtedly surprising those who assumed that the MLS teams would easily outplay the new upstarts. USL League 2, Northwest Division: With the Juan de Fuca Plate on the line, the Victoria Highlanders took on the Vancouver TSS Rovers at home last week, but came up short. This is likely due to a grand total of 5 of our players departing the club shortly before the match, some of whom had been instrumental in our season's successes up to that point. We wish our lads who are moving on to greener pastures all the best... Even if some of us wish they could've stayed for just one more game. The roster shakeup likely also contributed to a 1-2 loss away to Sounders U-23s over the weekend. With two more games away at Calgary remaining for the regular league, and the Highlanders having slipped down the table to 3rd, our hopes of a post-season are looking bleak, but not impossible. Seattle, who currently enjoy the top spot on the table, would have to lose their final game and the Highlanders would have to win their final two matches vs. Calgary to come out on top. Stranger things have happened. Pacific Coast Soccer League: The Victoria Highlanders reserves in the PCSL suffered their first defeat of the season to FC Tigers Vancouver last week, dropping them to second place on the table. It's entirely possible for the Highlanders to regain their position as they have 3 games in hand over the Tigers with only a 3 point difference. With 4 games left in the regular season, it's looking extremely likely that the Highlanders reserve team will be seeing some post season action. In the PCSL, the top 4 teams from regular league play go on to compete in the Challenge Cup, a grueling two-day affair that can be fairly entertaining. It's also a tournament that we've never won, though we have come close. Women's Premier Soccer League, Northwest Conference: The Vancouver Island FC's season came to a close with their final game at home which ended in a 3-1 win over Vancouver TSS Rovers. This landed them with 18 total points for the season, setting them comfortably in second place in the conference behind Seattle Sounders Women, with a record of 6 wins, 2 losses and 0 draws. Not a bad inaugural season! We're looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish next year. And now you're all caught up.

Canada Day Tifo 2019

Did you catch our tifo display on Canada Day at Westhills Stadium? If not, check it out here:

Supporters' Choice Player of the Year Award 2019

The Lake Side Buoys Supporters' Choice Player of the Year Award for 2019 was awarded to Victoria Highlanders player Shun Takano! Stick around after the presentation for an interview with Takano.

Week in Soccer Review, July 2nd 2019

This Week in Vancouver Island Soccer... Canadian Premier League: Pacific FC decided to go out with a bang by beating Spring Season Champions Cavalry FC at home 3-1. Cavalry didn't bring their best team and instead opted to give some of their younger players some minutes, but the win at home did a lot for struggling Pacific's morale. This decisive win bumped Pacific FC's final spot in the Spring Season to 5th place, with poor Valour FC winning the Spring Wooden Spoon, should that ever be a thing. (it should totally be a thing) We don't have to wait long for more CPL action, as the Fall Season starts on Saturday (3 PM) with a rematch at Westhills Stadium against Calgary once again. This time, one would imagine Tommy Wheeldon to field his best team hoping to get an early start on the new season. We'll be hoping that lightning will strike twice and we'll be sending the Cavalry in full retreat back to Alberta with zero points. Be sure to drop by our tailgate, starting at noon! USL League 2, Northwest Division: It was a decent week overall for the Victoria Highlanders as they made their way down the Oregon Trail, taking on Timbers U23s and Lane United. VHFC managed to scoop up 3 points from the Timbers with a 2-0 scoreline, with Ngabo Shumbusho coming away with a brace and Trevor Schneider with a clean sheet. Just two days later, on Sunday, the Highlanders dropped points to Lane United in a tight 1-0 loss. However, this puts the Victoria Highlanders at the top of the Northwest Division standings with 19 points, tied with Lane United but still coming out ahead on games won. The Highlanders' final home game is this Friday at Centennial Stadium, kickoff is 7:15 PM. They'll be facing TSS Rovers in the final leg of the Juan de Fuca Plate competition, which will be awarded after the game. In case you haven't been following that, the Highlanders lead the competition on a 1-0 aggregate. Because of away goal rules, a nil-nil result, a draw or better for the Highlanders would bring the plate home to Victoria. Also, as it's the last home match, the Lake Side Buoys will be presenting their Supporters' Choice Player of the Year Award! Who is the award going to? Go to the game and vote for your favorite player! WPSL, Northwest Conference: The ladies of Vancouver Island FC played Eugene Timbers FC Azul on Sunday, picking up all three points in a 4-0 shutout. This puts them on a four-game winning streak that has them sitting at third place in the very competitive conference with 15 points. Seattle Sounders Women ran away with the table with 7 wins and 1 loss netting them 21 points, well ahead of second place Spokane SC Shadow's 15 points. (And VIFC's 15 points) VIFC plays their final game at home this Saturday at Goudy Turf Field at 12:15 PM against the Vancouver TSS Rovers. A win here would lock in Vancouver Island FC's second place spot in the conference and give us some bragging rights over the Rovers. If you're headed to Westhills on Saturday anyway for Pacific FC, why not arrive early, get better parking and make it a double header? Pacific Coast Soccer League: You thought I forgot about the Highlanders' PCSL team, didn't you? Though it's not a league for spectators, I do like to keep an eye on it. Victoria's Reserve Highlanders team is currently at the top of the table, tied on points with FC Tigers Vancouver. That situation won't remain that way however as the Highlanders have 3 games in hand over their second place rivals. I'm smelling some playoff possibilities! Who wants to head over to Vancouver and be threatened with arrest for bringing a drum to a football match again? Anyone? And now you're all caught up.

Week in Soccer Review, June 24th 2019

This Week in Vancouver Island Soccer...

Canadian Premier League: It was a week of ups and downs here on the island as Pacific FC pulled off a 2-1 win on the road against Valour FC on Thursday, followed by a 3-1 defeat versus underdogs Edmonton FC at home on Sunday in front of a packed Westhills Stadium. It was apparently a weekend full of upsets as Cavalry FC recorded their first loss of the season to Forge FC on Saturday. After capturing 3 out of a possible 6 points this week, Pacific FC slid further down the table landing at 6th place in a four-way tie on points, barely beating out York9 FC because of total accumulated wins. Cavalry FC remains on the top spot but Forge FC is only two points behind, which makes the race for Spring Season champion a very tight one. Speaking of which, Pacific FC's next game is this Canada Day Monday against Cavalry FC at Westhills Stadium, a match that could decide who comes out on top for the Spring Season. USL League 2, Northwest Division: Pacific FC wasn't the only team with highs and lows this week as the Victoria Highlanders FC played back to back games with Calgary Foothills FC, losing 4-1 on Friday. After a few days to reflect on the match they came back to Centennial Stadium on Sunday to record Victoria's first ever victory against Calgary with a stunning 2-1 win. Special thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lake Side Buoys for drumming, cheering and launching pyro for Sunday's game while most everyone else was over at Westhills Stadium. Splitting the points with Calgary means that the Highlanders are now in second place in the Northwest Division, tied on points with Lane United FC with accumulated wins as the tie-breaker. Important to note, however, is that the Highlanders continue to have two games in hand over every other team in the division. This weekend the Highlanders will be heading down the Oregon Trail, battling the beleaguered Portland Timbers U23s (who are now tied at the bottom of the table on points with the Rovers) on Friday, followed by a match versus Lane United FC on Sunday that's sure to be as chippy as usual. Let's hope the home sides have some streams available for us. WPSL, Northwest Conference: The Vancouver Island FC took a break this week, no matches were scheduled. They're now solidly at third place in the conference, 3 points behind Seattle Sounders Women and Spokane SC Shadow who are tied for first. Their next and penultimate home game is scheduled for this Sunday at 12:30 pm at Goudy Turf Field. And now you're all caught up.

Jonesing For Answers, June 2019

We met up with Brad Norris-Jones at Centennial Stadium during a Victoria Highlanders match and asked him three questions while enjoying some craft beer.

Week In Soccer Review, June 17th, 2019

This Week in Vancouver Island Soccer...

Canadian Premier League: The good news is that Pacific FC no longer has the worst form of the league! That title now belongs to FC Edmonton as they come onto a 4-game losing streak. The bad news is we slunk further down the table this week, landing at number 6, just one point up from the aforementioned bottom dwellers, FC Edmonton, who have a game in hand on PFC. As we're getting closer to the end of the CPL Spring Season, it's clear that Pacific FC has some thinking to do if they want to have a different outcome during the Fall Season. It's unfortunate that a lack of squad depth and a crisis of injuries has left the team a shell of what it could have been for its inaugural season, with only 5 points and as many goals after 7 games played. Cavalry FC continues to run away with the league, with the full count of 18 points from the 6 games they've played. Forge FC is trailing close behind in second place with 16 points but Calgary still has two games in hand to rack up additional wins. It'll be a busy week for the Lake Side Buoys, with a Pacific FC viewing party on Thursday at the Yates Street Taphouse (5PM) and a home game out at Westhills Stadium on Sunday. Come out for our Sausage Fest Tailgate, starting at 11am! USL League 2, Northwest Division: The rest of Vancouver Island Soccer is far more cheerful, as last Sunday saw the Victoria Highlanders FC put on a show that fans won't soon forget. With a 6-0 scoreline that included a brace each for Daniel Davidson and Goteh Ntignee, the visiting Portland Timbers U23s left Centennial Stadium without a point to show for it. Simon Norgrove picks up a clean sheet for his work in Victoria's net, and it must be mentioned that despite allowing 6 goals in, the Timber's keeper Wilson made some amazing saves (including a penalty save which rebounded and was capitalized on by some quick thinking Highlanders) that probably kept the scoreline from going into the double digits. Check out the action in this highlights reel:

This win places the Highlanders on the second place in the competitive Northwest Division, a single point behind 2018 Champions Calgary Foothills FC, though VHFC still has two games in hand over the league leaders. Lane United FC is tied with us on points, but we squeak by them barely on goal difference. The Portland Timbers U23s have had an utterly dismal season, languishing at the bottom of the table with only 5 points after 9 games played. As if our viewing schedule wasn't tight enough this coming week, the Highlanders return to Centennial Stadium on Friday at 7:15pm AND on Sunday at 2:00pm in an all-Calgary clash weekend. WPSL, Northwest Conference: Vancouver Island FC picked up back to back wins over the weekend, grabbing 6 points which rocketed them up to the top of the table, tied for first place on points with Seattle Sounders Women. Their first home game on Saturday at Westhills Stadium against the Westside Timbers saw a 2-1 scoreline and a small contingent of Lake Side Buoys cheering for the home team. The following day on Sunday saw them competing against OSA XF and picking up a tight 1-0 victory. The ladies only have two remaining games to their inaugural season and they'll be taking some well deserved time off before then. VIFC's next home game is on Sunday, June 30th at the Westhills-Stadium-adjacent Goudy Turf Field where they'll take on the Eugene Timbers FC at 12:30 PM. And now you're all caught up.

LSBTV - SO MANY GAMES

Today on LSBTV, we sit down with Ted Godwin and Ryan Arrowood to talk about all the upcoming games we're planning on watching while we SUPPORT LOCAL SOCCER, including games from the Canadian Premier League, Canadian National Teams, USL League 2 and the Women's Premier Soccer League, all of which have representation here in Victoria.

Week in Soccer Review, June 10th 2019

This Week in Vancouver Island Soccer...

Canadian Premier League:
Pacific FC got a break this week, their next game is this Saturday at 9AM. They'll be looking to pick up their second win this season against standings bottom feeders, York9 FC. Be sure to be at the Yates Street Taphouse to watch the game with the Lake Side Buoys and grab a good breakfast while you're there!

USL League 2 Northwest Division:
It was an exciting weekend for the Victoria Highlanders as they managed to pull off a smash and grab for all three points at Swangard on Friday, their first away game of the season. The Highlanders were awarded a penalty with Victory Shumbusho setting it cleanly in the back of the net. And speaking of nets, a big shoutout to Trevor Schneider for making his keeper debut this season. The Rovers made him work hard for his clean sheet.

This was also the first leg of the Juan de Fuca Plate competition, but with only a 1-0 win, victory is not certain for Victoria as the competition is based on aggregate. The win propelled the Highlanders up to the second place on the table, briefly. They now sit on the third spot behind Lane United and Calgary. VHFC is only 4 points behind division leader Calgary with THREE games in hand. 

Pacific Coast Soccer League:
We haven't talked much about the Victoria Highlanders Pacific Coast Soccer League side this season yet but they are currently at the top of the table, undefeated with 17 points after 7 games. Their playoff chances are looking pretty good.

WPSL Northwest Conference:
Vancouver Island FC had a great weekend, beating ISC Gunners FC 5-3. VIFC currently rests 4th on the table with their next match being played at Westhills Stadium for their home opener on the 15th vs. the Westside Timbers.

And now you're all caught up.

Vancouver Island Review, June 3rd, 2019

This week in Vancouver Island Soccer: Canadian Premier League: We had a weekend that would be better soon forgot as Pacific FC loses to HFX Wanderers FC on the road, sinking Pacific FC down another notch on the table to 5th place. Pacific FC currently has the worst form of any CPL team, with 3 out of the last 5 games as a loss, and taking only a point each of the remaining 2 out of the last 5 matches. Cavalry FC continues to ride high on the table with Forge FC hot on their tail scoring 13 points to Calgary's 15. Cavalry has 2 games in hand over Forge, however, so I don't expect those teams to remain close for long. Poor York9 FC continues to drag behind the rest of the pack with only 3 points after 5 matches. USL League 2, Northwest Division: Centennial was a demoralizing place to be over the weekend as the Victoria Highlanders suffered their first loss of the season. The score line, 3-0 to frenemy Lane United, comes complete with a perfectly executed long ball own goal from Highlander Aly Adib in second half stoppage time, who lobbed the ball into the home net while trying for clearance. The Highlanders take up the 4th slot on the tight Northwest Division table with 2 games in hand over the top two teams, Calgary Foothills FC and Lane United FC respectively. With only a four point difference between 4th place Highlanders and 1st place Foothills, it's vital that the Highlanders brush off this loss and move forward. Their next game vs. TSS Rovers at Swangard on Friday will be critical to regaining their form and it will be the first leg in the Juan de Fuca Plate competition. Women's Premier Soccer League, Northwest Conference: Vancouver Island FC had a quiet week with no games played, however, there was plenty of movement up and down the table. Seattle Sounders Women and Spokane SC Shadow are on the top tied on points, with Seattle squeaking out ahead on goal difference. Of course, all eyes are looking to Saturday the 15th when Vancouver Island FC makes their home game debut at Westhills Stadium as they take on the Westside Timbers who are in a 5-way tie on points with PacNW Women, TSS Rovers, Vancouver Island FC and OSA XF.

And now you're all caught up.

Standings Roundup, May 27th 2019

This Week in Vancouver Island Soccer:

Canadian Premier League:
The CPL standings haven't moved much as there weren't many league games played. Cavalry FC remains undefeated at the top of the table with all 15 points from their 5 games played. (they also did well in the Voyageurs cup but we won't talk about that)

Pacific FC remains in the 4th slot with 5 points after 5 games, holding steady despite being 1 point behind the next slot up (Valour) and one slot above the next slot down (Edmonton). We might want to keep an eye on Edmonton, by the way, they've played 2 fewer games than most everyone else and they're right behind us.

USL League Two:
The Northwest Division saw intense action this week as the Victoria Highlanders climbed up to the 3rd slot, taking 7 points in their undefeated run of 3 games. Calgary Foothills remains in the first place position with 10 points after 4 games. The Highlanders have played the least so far, with most teams having played 4 matches and the Rovers having played 5.

The Portland Timbers U-23s are limping through the season with four losses after four games, only having scored once while allowing 14 goals in. Our Juan de Fuca Plate rivals, the TSS Rovers, aren't looking as tight defensively as they did last season with 2 losses, 1 draw and 2 wins after five games. I'm feeling very confident about our chances to bring the plate back home this year.

Women's Premier Soccer League:
In our West Region, Northwest Conference, Vancouver Island FC is now in 3rd place with 3 points after 2 games, defeating Seattle Sounders Women yesterday at the same time the Highlanders outplayed Seattle's U-23 men's team. The top 4 teams in the conference all have 3 points and are only separated by goal difference, which puts our team within striking distance of the top spot.

And now you're all caught up.

Pacific FC Opening Match Review - LSBTV

Have a pint with LSBTV host Ted Godwin and Lake Side Buoys Game Day Experience Coordinator, Ryan Arrowood as they chat about the first two league games Pacific FC has ever played.

Our Statement of Values

In preparation of drafting and releasing a membership Code of Conduct in the very near future, the Board of Directors has released the following statement of values for our supporters' group:

The Lake Side Buoys are supporters of local soccer and welcome all who cheer #FortheIsle. All supporters deserve respect.

We condemn speech or actions that are discriminatory including those that are racist, sexist, or homophobic.

Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue, or humiliate. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a supporters group.

These things divide us as supporters and have no place in our game. The Lake Side Buoys policies and practices must reflect our commitment to the dignity, equality, and respect of all supporters.

Lake Side Buoys Tifo for Pacific FC Opening Day

The Lake Side Buoys set the bar pretty high for opening game day tifo in the Canadian Premier League. Here's a behind-the-scenes video on how they did it.

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.

BUY TICKETS NOW

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:

Get to Know Marcus Haber

LSBTV stopped by Pacific FC's training camp to chat with Marcus Haber about life, soccer and the Island.

Photo Gallery - Victoria Highlanders FC U18 Futures vs. Whitecaps U-23s

The Victoria Highlanders U18 Futures squad met the Whitecaps U23s at Westhills Stadium for a preseason friendly early today. Amid the rubble of the massive stadium renovation project, the Highlanders managed to pull away with a decisive victory, scoring the only goal of the game in the final minutes despite a solid run of defending from the visiting Whitecaps.

LSBTV was in attendance at Westhills Stadium for the Victoria Highlanders FC Futures vs. Whitecaps U-23s friendly match, here are some photo highlights:

Pacific FC Returns to Training with Draft Picks, Trialists in the Mix

***PRESS RELEASE***

Pacific Football Club returns to training, Mar. 12 at Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence. This week’s training will see the trio of Pacific’s UBC draft picks Thomas Gardner, Nick Fussell and Zach Verhoven, as well as a number of trialists joining training in an attempt to crack the club’s inaugural roster. 

Below is the week’s confirmed trialists. Please note that trialist appearances during training sessions will vary. 

Mamadi Camara

Age: 23

Position: Forward

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec 

The 23-year-old forward was drafted 46th overall by San Jose in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. Camara comes from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Born in Guinea, Africa, Camara grew up in Montreal and is a Canadian citizen. In 2018, he was named United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year. 

Elie Gindo

Age: 23

Position: Centre Back

Hometown: Surrey, BC 

The towering centre back turned heads at the CPL Open Trials late last year, receiving an invite following the event. Island soccer fans will be familiar with his play, having made appearances with the Highlanders over the past two seasons. 

Shun Takano

Age: 23

Position: Winger

Hometown: Chiba, Japan 

The midfielder captured the 2017 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Nationals and during the tournament, Takano was named Most Valuable Player. He was also a finalist for Sport BC’s College Athlete of the Year. 

Ryan McCurdy

Age: 28

Position: Centre Back

Hometown: Belfast, Northern Ireland

 McCurdy captured a championship with Bill Merriman’s Vancouver Island University Mariners in 2017. The Belfast native also paired up with fellow trialist Elie Gindo on the back line of the Highlanders in 2017, where he also served as captain. He was a member of League1 Ontario’s Kingston Clippers in 2016. 

Chris Merriman

Age: 28

Position: Defender

Hometown: Nanaimo, BC 

Merriman captained his father’s VIU Mariners side to a CCAA National Championship in 2017 and is the third member of the championship-winning team who will be vying for a spot on the Pacific FC roster this week. 

Jake Ruby

Age: 18

Position: Defender

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Ruby was 16 years old when he made his debut in the Canadian youth program in 2016 with coach Paul Stalteri. Ruby represented Canada at the 2017 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Championship in Panama. A consistent player throughout the ‘Caps development program, Ruby started all 26 of 27 games for the U-16’s. 

Cam Hundal

Age: 26

Position: Forward

Hometown: Terrace, BC 

Hundal is well-known in the Victoria region, having captured a U SPORTS National Championship with the University of Victoria Vikes in his rookie season. The 26-year-old carries a number of accolades from his five-year, varsity career at UVic, with National Championship MVP, Rookie of the Year (2011) and U SPORTS Player of the Year (2016) among the most notable.

Sean Keith

Age: 22

Position: Defender

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada 

Son of Victoria soccer legend Simon Keith, Sean Keith featured for the famed American High School Bishop Gorman. Played for Lake Tahoe Community College and FC Tucson of the USL League 2, formerly of the Premier Development League. 

Cem Seven

Age: 20

Position: Defender

Hometown: Martingues, France 

The French defender will make the trip to Canada to vie for a position with the Canadian side. Seven made 12 appearances for Oudenaarde in 2017-18, collecting 238 minutes.

ABOUT PACIFIC FOOTBALL CLUB
Founded in 2018, Pacific Football Club brings professional football to Vancouver Island. Playing out of a renovated, 6000-seat Westhills Stadium in Langford, the club will provide an outlet for Canadian soccer players to compete at the professional level of the sport on home soil. Fans will be able to enjoy the thrilling, fast-paced sporting atmosphere associated with the sport when the Canadian Premier League season kicks off in April 2019.

For season ticket information: https://pacificfc.canpl.ca/pacific-football-club-ticketing

ABOUT THE CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
Canadian Premier League (CPL) is Canada’s professional men’s soccer league set to debut on April 27, 2019. Playing in world-class and unique venues, and partnering with strong community-led ownership groups, the CPL is a league for Canadians by Canadians that will bring professional soccer to communities coast-to-coast.

For updates and more information, please go to CanPL.ca.Connect with us on Twitter: @CPLsoccer and #CanPL