Vic United getting set to defend (TC)
Monday April 21, 2008
Sharie Epp, Times Colonist
Published: Monday, April 21, 2008
Ben Hooker knows most of the top soccer players in Victoria, but you never know.
In case there's a player or two the Victoria United coach hasn't met yet, the Pacific Coast Soccer League team is holding open tryouts tomorrow and Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Belmont Secondary School.
"I just want to make sure no one has slipped through the cracks on me," Hooker said, referring to recent tryouts for the Under-21 squad, when 18 newcomers showed up.
United survived an erratic season last year, to win both the regular season and playoff titles in the 10-team PCSL. While Hooker would obviously like to repeat the victories, he doesn't plan to endure the same revolving roster of players.
The trials and tribulations started early in the '07 season, when several players who spent the winter with Gorge FC, opted not to play in the summer. Then Hooker was called on to take over as coach two games into the schedule. At the time, he thought a .500 season would be looking pretty good.
"I was a player, captain, coach, the whole shebang," Hooker said, adding the team was also beset by injuries.
In the end, some 43 different players had worn United jerseys through the three-month season. By the time the team had won a lot of close games and pulled together to win the Challenge Cup, only three or four players who had started the season were around to finish it.
"I had to laugh at it all, because it's the only way I could stay sane."
The team also suffered from lack of fan support when their home games were moved to Hampton Park to make way for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup at Royal Athletic Park.
"The Under-20 was great for soccer in Victoria, but it was tremendously hard on us," Hooker said, looking ahead to a much more reasonable year, which has started with a new and improved website: www.victoriaunited.com.
"It's had a ton of hits."
United expects several of their key players to return full-time -- such as Paul Vandenboomen and Patrick Gawrys of Gorge -- and they'll be back on familiar stomping grounds at Royal Athletic, along with perks such as the national anthem and player introductions.
"This year we're going to be a lot more professional."
Considering how United overachieved somewhat last season, expectations are high this time around. Hooker, who played 90 minutes a game last year thanks to the short bench, plans to spend more time in his role of coach, although the 28-year-old considers it more of a management position. Most of the players already bring superior knowledge and skill.
"It'll be more player management than teaching them something they already know," said Hooker, who'll be continuing the team's high-rolling, offensive style of play. They scored 50 goals in 18 games last season, which was 10 more than the next closest team.
"We'll be passing it around, it'll be pretty soccer to watch," Hooker said, looking for new players to come out and "shock" him with their prowess this week. "I'm just really excited to start tryouts and just get going on this team.
"I'm just looking to bring quality soccer players to Victoria United."
United opens the season at home on May 10 against the Vancouver Whitecaps Prospects. Season tickets -- nine games for $40 -- are available at Soccerworld and All Sports.
Victoria United open the 2008 regular season at Royal Athletic Park against the Vancouver Whitecaps Prospects on Saturday, May 10. Season tickets are now on sale for only $40. Buy your tickets at AllSports or Soccerworld or CLICK HERE for more information.
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