The new kids on the block have wasted no time making themselves feel right at home.
After winning the Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 3B title last year, Comox Valley United men's soccer team earned promotion to Div. 2 for the 2013-14 campaign. The step up was made even more challenging when United had to play their first two Div. 2 games on the road.
But the local side was more than equal to the challenge. They defeated defending Div. 2 champ Cowichan United 3-0 in their Sept. 8 opener then blanked Lakehill United 2-0 on Sept. 14 and are currently sitting atop the Div. 2 table.
United will be looking to keep their hot start going this Sunday when they host third-place Westcastle SSFC (1-0) in their home opener. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Valley View, and the team invites the public to come out and watch some of the top men's soccer on the Island.
On Sept. 8, Tom Butcher, Gokhan Avcil and Brandon Bergh bulged the ol' onion bag for United while Mack Zirkl posted the clean sheet against Cowichan. On Sept. 14, Darren Bergh and Phil Ludwig were the goal scorers against Lakehill, with Zirkl once again unbeatable between the posts.
United received a silver in last year's Challenge Cup and finished in the final four of the Provincial Cup. That experience should stand them in good stead as they prepare to host Westcastle this Sunday.
"It will be a true test against an opponent we haven't seen before. Our preparation will not change for this team," says player-coach Carey Cordocedo. "Being at home helps if we get the crowd support we saw last year."
Follow the United men's team on their Facebook page facebook.com/CVUnitedSoccerMen.