Despite a season of ups and downs, Sooke Celtic FC showed they can run with the top dogs when the pressure of a push for a playoff spot rises.
The team came away with a 2-1 victory against Vic West FC on Dec. 13, handing Vic West its first defeat in two years of Division 1 play in the Vancouver Island Soccer League.
Ketil Eckardt and Genat Garat, with the winner, scored for Sooke Celtic in the hotly contested match that went down to the wire.
"It felt good to do what no other team has been able to accomplish in the last two seasons," said Celtic assistant coach Pete McKay. "It shows we can knock off anyone when we play our best. The fact it was an away game made it even sweeter for the boys, and it was a great way to head into our winter break."
Although Celtic FC, in its first year of Division 1 play, is currently in seventh place, two wins and a tie in its last three games before the winter break sets the stage for an opportunity to climb back into playoff contention.
"We're only four points out of qualifying for the provincials," McKay said. "We also have guys coming back from injury and others returning to town, so the team will be firing on all cylinders for the rest of the season."
Sooke Celtic FC has three games and the Jackson Cup on the horizon, beginning with a game against Victoria Highlanders on Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at Starlight Stadium in Langford. The next home game is against Lakehill Victorian Painters on Friday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. at The Log, where the team's rabid fan base always provides an extra boost.
The top four teams in the division, plus both teams that make it to the Jackson Cup final will qualify for the provincials.
