May 31 Game Report: At Whitecaps and Rise FC

No points were brought back to the island this weekend, but the squads are more prepared than ever for the second half of the season. Nanaimo has now competed against all other 8 teams in the league, and have learned a lot. The teams are meshing and starting to get into a groove. What will the next 8 weeks bring?

Jade Dillabough

WOMEN’S GAME

Rise FC proved to be a fierce opponent - the ladies put their best cleats forward, but conceded four goals. Goalkeeper Milena Ramirez was voted the athlete of the game by the ladies and made some incredible saves. Ramirez gave us an insight on how the game went down:

We arrived quite late so it was a rushed warm up. I think that’s why we had so many injuries and substitutions in the first half. The result was disappointing but we are ready to reconvene and excited to go at it again next week and hopefully get a better result.

Milena Ramirez at the home game against Unity FC.

MEN’S GAME

“Unfortunately, we had a rough start and couldn’t contain Whitecaps and control the tempo of the game. We got punished for this and found ourselves two goals down. However, we scored an excellent goal and really rallied towards the end of the first half and put in an excellent second half,” commented men’s coach Kevin Lindo. 

Whitecaps snagged two goals within 30 minutes of the starting whistle, but our lads rallied and scored in the 39th minute. Nanimo’s defense won the ball back in their own end, and passed to an awaiting Niklas Hallam in the midfield. He tore down the middle of the field, dribbling across half the pitch, successfully weaving around an oncoming Whitecaps player. He passed the ball to Suka Behery, waiting on the left wing, who crossed it to an incoming Gabe Altomere. Declan Brown was expertly positioned in the box, facing Altomare. In tiki taka fashion, Altomare one-timed the ball to Brown and charged forward. Brown immediately recognized the play and bounced it back to him. With his forward momentum, Altomare launched the ball into the top right corner. The keeper had no chance.

Gabe Altomare during Nanaimo's home game against Unity FC.

The Whitecaps managed to snag another goal, but so did Nanaimo. Ryder Skokla came on with 15 minutes left in the game and made his mark on the final score. In the final minutes of extra time, Skolka capitalized on a bouncing ball in the box. Despite having two defenders on him, Skolka managed to face the net and one-time the chaotic ball past the keeper. He broke down the play for us:

Coming on with 15 minutes left, I just wanted to bring lots of energy and make an impact. The goal came off a ball Suka whipped in from the wing, Paddy made a perfect flick header into a dangerous area, and I was able to use my body to get a clean shot off. Felt great to see it hit the back of the net and get my first League1 goal. Coach Kevin has been working with me on my presence in the box, so it’s awesome to see that pay off in a game.

Ryder Skolka on the attack during Nanaimo's home game against Kamloops FC.

“There are still improvements there to be made so we’ll focus on the positives. We are creating many more chances and are a more solid unit despite the shaky start. We look forward to next week's challenge,” coach Lindo reflected.

STAY TUNED

The squads are back at home next weekend and are up against Altitude FC. Altitude is the top team in the women’s league and sits mid-pack on the men’s side. For now, the teams are back on the island, training and watching the recording of this past weekend’s game, and are getting ready to put on a show for you. 

See you next weekend!

United!