Earning promotion in soccer is a big step up for any team. The challenge, especially in the first year in the higher division, is not slipping back down the ladder.
After being promoted to Div. 1 of the Vancouver Island Soccer League last season, Comox Valley United has successful ensured their spot in the top tier of the men's league again next year.
United wraps up its 18-game regular season Saturday in Victoria against Castaways FC. Win, lose or draw, Comox Valley will not move up or down in the standings as they have solidified sixth place in the 10-team division.
They sit four points back of fourth-place co-holder Bays United and Nanaimo United and are five points up on seventh-place Westcastle United.
Saturday's season finale should provide United a solid chance to notch another 'W' in the win column as they are up against 10th place Castaways, who have just one point on a 0-16-1 record this season. Comox Valley beat Castaways 4-1 for their first Div. 1 win on Sept. 28, 2014.
The local lads will also be looking to keep fine-tuning their game as they have a date with Tier 1 champions Cowichan FC on Feb. 14 in the first round of Jackson Cup play.
This past Saturday, United avenged an early-season 2-0 loss to Vic West FC by defeating the third-place Wests 1-0 in Victoria. Clay Fauchon netted the game's only goal while Mack Zirkl earned team MVP honours in posting his third shutout of the season (tied for third in the division).
It was United's second straight strong showing in an away game against a top-three Div. 1 team; last Saturday they were edged 2-1 on a late goal by second-place Saanich Fusion.
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