Brent Mutis
CapU sport info
They did all they could in the season's final game, earning a 2-0 home win over the Langara College Falcons, but the Capilano Blues didn't get the assist they needed on the PACWEST scoreboard so the postseason is out of reach.
Capilano got a first-half goal from Luca Martinelli on a free kick and added to it in the second half with Sebastian Cirotto's sixth of the year for their first win over the Falcons this season. Unfortunately, the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners came from a goal down to defeat the Douglas College Royals 3-2 in Coquitlam Sunday, giving the Mariners 13 points in the PACWEST standings to Capilano's 12.
That result means, for a third-straight season, there will be no PACWEST playoffs for the Blues.
Capilano was full credit for Sunday's win, taking care of their end of the bargain. Ultimately, a three-game losing skid in the middle of the schedule could not be overcome.
Blues coach Steve Millar and his players can take some solace in major progress over last season's winless campaign. A almost entirely new team, with no fourth- or fifth-year players, displayed a competitive streak that made them a difficult side to face.
First-year Blues Alex Lopez, Andrew Cerqueira, captain Tommy Millar, Riley Marshall, Brandon Lecce and Cirotto should return a year more seasoned in 2024 and along with veterans Martinelli, Adam Majuerae, and Luke Frith, should make Capilano an even better team.
