After a successful road trip to Kenora, Stonewall United returned to Manitoba Major Soccer League Division 3A action Wednesday with a shortened lineup.
United keeper Steffan Hillock makes a save. Hillock opened the season with back-to-back clean sheets
United hosted Elmwood at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex in a crucial match, with the two teams separated by just a single point in the standings.
Elmwood opened the scoring and held on for a 1–0 win, earning three points to leapfrog Stonewall in the Div. 3A standings.
“We’re one play away from winning that game and one play away from losing,” said United’s Matt Olnick. “Unfortunately, we’re on the losing side.”
With the loss, United dropped to sixth in the division and now hold a 4-4-3 record through 11 regular season matches.
The defeat further tightened the race for the six-team playoff bracket. Stonewall now sits level on points with 313FC, who trail only by goal differential but have played one more game.
Despite the pressure, Olnick remains optimistic.
“Once we get our regulars back, and especially coming off this big weekend, I think there’ll be a bigger push,” he said. “We’ve got a few games in hand that need to be rescheduled, and those will help. We control our own destiny. If it’s a six-team playoff push, I don’t see how we don’t make it. I like where our team’s at. We’re strong front to back — especially with Steff (Hillock) between the pipes. It’s there for the taking. We just have to go out and get it.”
United will aim for a timely win Thursday at home against Bandits FC. The two clubs last met in May, with Stonewall earning a 3–0 victory.
Bandits are also looking to climb back into contention and currently sit five points behind United for the final playoff spot.
Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. Thursday at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex.
