Ryan Watters, PACWEST Communications and Marketing Coordinator
The Douglas Royals scored the first upset of the PACWEST soccer championship after a 3-2 victory over the two-time defending champion Capilano Blues.
The Royals scored a pair of goals five minutes apart early in the game to set the tone. Nawaf Binsaleh opened the scoring at the 15 minute mark, followed by Stefan Kamner in the 20th minute. From there the Royals defence frustrated the Blues high powered offence.
In the 52nd minute Kamner scored his second of the game, a goal that would turn out to be the game winner.
Fifth year senior Nicolas Morello finally solved the Royals defence and got the Blues on the board in the 85th minute. Matt Fedak cut the lead with his first of the tournament but that as close as they would come.
Royals' keeper Ryo Mizuno stood on his head making eight highlight reel saves on route to the victory and was named the Player of the Game.
With the victory the Royals advance the PACWEST gold medal game and will face the winner of the VIU Mariners-Quest Kermodes semi.