LAFC notches first victory

 

A much-needed win over the visiting Victoria Highlanders on a drizzly Sunday afternoon at MAP helped Langley Athletic avoid an 0-4 start

 
 
 
 
Langley Athletic FC's Brayden Gant rose up to get his head on the ball against the Victoria Highlanders in Pacific Coast Soccer League action Sunday afternoon at McLeod Athletic Park.
 

Langley Athletic FC's Brayden Gant rose up to get his head on the ball against the Victoria Highlanders in Pacific Coast Soccer League action Sunday afternoon at McLeod Athletic Park.

Photograph by: Troy Landreville , Langley Advance

A must-win scenario four games into their season?

That was the pickle Langley Athletic FC players found themselves in Sunday afternoon at McLeod Athletic Park.

A loss to the visiting Victoria Highlanders would have dropped LAFC's record to a dreary 0-4 in Pacific Coast Soccer League play.

However, under a steady drizzle, Langley's senior men's side found its form while notching its first-ever PCSL victory with a solid 2-0 shutout of the Highlanders.

"We needed that. We finally found our rhythm," LAFC head coach Pat Rohla said. "I think on the day it showed we are a good team, and we can be a good team when we play with a little bit of energy and a little bit of urgency and confidence."

LAFC snapped a scoreless tie with a pair of second-half markers.

Brayden Gand found the net on a penalty shot and Mitchell Rohla finished off a pretty passing play.

At halftime, Rohla urged his players to keep pressing, and results would come.

"But they have to prove it to themselves rather than hear it from the coach," Rohla said.

Victoria United 4, LAFC 0

Saturday afternoon at MAP, LAFC lost 4-0 to powerhouse Victoria United, which remains unbeaten and on top of the league table with a 4-0 record.

Patrick Nelson tallied twice for the visitors.

LAFC's season continues this Saturday, May 26, when the local lads visit Victoria's Hampton Park for a rematch with the Highlanders.

How LAFC fares in this game depends on which version of the squad shows up, Rohla said.

"It's difficult to gauge," Rohla said. "We're playing in a very good league, with seasoned players, and we have a young team."

sports@langleyadvance.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Langley Athletic FC's Brayden Gant rose up to get his head on the ball against the Victoria Highlanders in Pacific Coast Soccer League action Sunday afternoon at McLeod Athletic Park.
 

Langley Athletic FC's Brayden Gant rose up to get his head on the ball against the Victoria Highlanders in Pacific Coast Soccer League action Sunday afternoon at McLeod Athletic Park.

Photograph by: Troy Landreville , Langley Advance

 
Langley Athletic FC's Brayden Gant rose up to get his head on the ball against the Victoria Highlanders in Pacific Coast Soccer League action Sunday afternoon at McLeod Athletic Park.
Langley Athletic FC's Mitchell Rohla celebrated his team's second goal against the Victoria Highlanders.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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