The Victoria Highlanders (1-3) will try to snap a three-game losing streak this afternoon when they take on the Portland Timbers (2-1-3) in a Premier Development League soccer game at Centennial Stadium at 2 p.m.
The Highlanders added more depth ahead of the fixture by inking Canadian player Isky Van Doorne and New Zealander Fabien Kurimata, although the latter is awaiting international transfer clearance.
Calgary鈥檚 Van Doorne recently completed his fourth year of eligibility with NCAA鈥檚 Calvin College, runners-up in the NCAA Division III national finals. Van Doorne was named to the regional all-American second team as well as the playoff tournament all-star team. Prior to his varsity career, Van Doorne was involved with Calgary Foothills.
Kurimata, 20, has played for Eastern Suburbs AFC and Hawke鈥檚 Bay United of New Zealand鈥檚 Stirling Sports Premiership since 2015. He scored five goals in 28 league appearances over two seasons.
鈥淭hese signings give us some more options throughout our lineup,鈥� Highlanders head coach Dave Dew said.
鈥淭hey have shown well in team training sessions and I鈥檓 optimistic they will be able to translate that onto the pitch when is the called upon.鈥�
Today is Victoria鈥檚 fifth consecutive home match before the team contends with six straight road games.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to this weekend鈥檚 match against the Timbers,鈥� Dew said.
鈥淭he guys have had a week or so to come together and it鈥檒l be a good test to welcome Portland. With these new additions, I鈥檓 excited to see how the team performs.鈥�
