VANCOUVER, WA— Vancouver Victory FC are one win away (a win or a Bellingham United tie or loss) from clinching the 2016 Evergreen Premier League Championship after a 3-0 win on Sunday night July 17 before 210 fans at Harmony Sports Complex. The Victory honored main sponsor Muchias Gracias Mexican Food by wearing special yellow alternative kits for the match.
Vancouver’s first two goals came via the penalty spot. An Olympic Force hand ball call in the box was converted into a 1-0 V2FC lead in the 24th minute by Erick Urzua. In the second half a trip in the box on a run by Antonio Porreco was converted by Porreco in the 63rd minute to make it 2-0.
The Victory got a goal from the run of play in the 72nd minute when Gabe Parrish converted an assist from Igor Hubenya. 3-0 Vancouver. Marco Gonzalez got the shut out in goal for V2FC.
“Today’s performance was solid in many ways,” says Head Coach Aaron Lewis. “When we are at our best we are able to take advantage of our deep roster by maintaining a high tempo within our possession, getting at opponents quickly when they turn the ball over, and being coordinated in our defensive transisitions. We’ll plan to do more of the same this week as we try to close out the season strong.”
With the win the Victory are now 9-0-2 on the season with 29 points, 7 points ahead of second place Bellingham. Both clubs have 3 matches left to play.
Vancouver can clinch the EPLWA title on Saturday night July 23 at 7 PM at Harmony Sports Complex against the 2-time defending champion Spokane Shadow with a win.
“Every time we step on the field we try to get a shut out,” added Victory General Manager Barrett Goddard. “Holding Olympic to one shot is very rewarding. Today’s game is indicative of how we have played all season. I am really proud of the guys and we are three points from achieving our goal of the league championship.”
