An impressive season back in the top flight keeps getting better for the Richmond FC Hibernians.
After earning promotion to the Vancouver Metro Soccer League’s premier division, the senior men’s club compiled a solid 10-3-9 record to finish sixth in the 12-team table. It was good enough to earn a berth into the Provincial Cup playdowns and the Hibernians have made most of the opportunity.
Facing VMSL regular season and Imperial Cup champion West Vancouver FC, Richmond came up with a huge 1-0 win on Friday night.
The result gives the locals home field advantage for their quarter-final match Saturday (6:30 p.m.) at Minoru Oval with EDC FC Burnaby and marks the first time they have advanced beyond the round of 16.
The Hibernians pulled off the upset with some terrific work in midfield and along the back four to limit their powerful opponent to just one quality scoring chance that was turned away by goalkeeper Jason Roberts.
The game winner came in the 78th minute as Lucas Barrett broke away from his check and volleyed home a cross from Peter Chivers. It was Richmond’s first win against West Van in three tries this season — falling 2-0 and 3-0 in previous league matches.
“It was actually a good match-up for us,” said head coach Craig Burnham. “They are a big and physical team and so are we. All the pressure was on them and none on us. In one of those earlier games we were no where near full strength and played a number of young guys. When it comes down to one 90 minute game, anything can happen.
“Our defending was exemplary. We were very tight in the midfield and the same along the back. Really, the majority of the game was played between the 18-yard boxes. They are also very dangerous on free kicks from 30-yards out and in so we knew we had to be discipline and not give them opportunities.”
The Hibernians will now face another upstart team that finished two points behind them in the league standings but made an impressive run to the Imperial Cup final to earn their Provincial Cup berth. EDC FC Burnaby opened with a 3-0 win on the Island against Victoria West.
“They are a smaller team that relies on its speed and quick passing to create opportunities,” added Burnham. “They don’t like the physical play and we have had some intense matches with them.
“Right now, are guys are pretty relaxed and excited about the opportunity in front of them.”
Corner kicks...
A pair of teams from the Richmond Adult Soccer Association remain in the Provincial “B” Cup hunt. The Richmond Athletics doubled Mundiavocat 4-2 in overtime to earn a quarter-final date with Langley United on Friday (8 p.m.) at Minoru.
The Jugadores are also in the final eight after edging the South Delta Royals 3-2 in penalty kicks. They now travel to Point Grey Secondary on Saturday to take on the Meralomas.
In women’s Provincial “B” Cup action, the Richmond Devils continued their fine season with 3-1 home field win over Dashmesh United. They now head to the Island for a quarter-final date with Victoria West. Richmond F.C. is also headed to the provincial capital for its “A” cup match with the Victoria Athletics.
