Adrian MACNAIR
Abbotsford News
The Abbotsford Mariners launched a season-high three-goal offensive output against the Tacoma Tide last Sunday, but it wasn’t enough for the victory, as defensive lapses resulted in coughing up four goals and the game.
It was the third loss of the young season, accompanying two draws, putting the Mariners in a tie for last place with the Washington Crossfire in the Premier Development League Northwest Division.
“From an attacking perspective, we were obviously delighted with the three goals,” said head coach Ian Knight, but added defensive blunders were like “shooting ourselves in the foot.”
Midfielder Adriano Negri and strikers Sasa Plavsic and Danfi Parker scored for the Mariners in the loss.
A day earlier Abbotsford had fought to a 1-1 draw with the North Sound SeaWolves, who also have yet to find the win column this season.
The Mariners will play the Portland Timbers at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, in Abbotsford’s Bateman Park. The Timbers are coming off a record-breaking 20-0-0 season last year en route to winning the PDL Championships, though they are in third place this year.
On Sunday at 6 p.m., they will face the league-leading Kitsap Pumas, who are 6-0-1 and have averaged more than two goals per game. That game is also at Bateman Park.