In just a few days, the Selkirk Strikeforce will finally get to start what they’ve prepared all season for.
Last week the Strikeforce wrapped up their 20-game Manitoba Major Soccer League Division 3B regular season.
All summer they sat in one of six postseason spots after opening the year with a 4-0 start in May and June.
Last Tuesday they dropped a close contest with third-ranked TDS, falling 3-2 at Shaughnessy Park Field, which officially concluded their regular season.
The loss left them with a 10-7-3 record and secured fourth place in the division, earning one of six playoff berths.
A key to their regular-season success was a balanced attack and defence. They finished with 54 goals for (fifth) and 44 goals against (fifth) for an overall plus-10 rating.
Team leaders Devin Racicot, Evan Bedard and Aaron Bell all ranked among the league’s top 20 scorers, combining for 27 goals. Racicot paced the club with 11 in 11 matches.
The trio, along with the rest of Selkirk’s forwards, will be counted on heavily when the Strikeforce face another high-powered offence in the opening round this week.
Their opponent is fifth-ranked WSP FC, who closed the regular season as one of the league’s hottest teams, riding a five-game winning streak. WSP finished with an 11-9 record.
A major factor was the play of Gareth Williams, who scored 16 goals in 18 games — third-most in the division.
Aside from Williams, WSP’s offensive production was similar to Selkirk’s, though the Strikeforce boasted slightly stronger defensive numbers.
The two clubs split their regular-season meetings, with Selkirk winning the most recent matchup 1-0 on July 14 at Buhler Recreation Park.
This time, there will be no margin for error. The winner advances to meet top-ranked Maples FC in the semifinals, while the loser is eliminated.
The postseason is single-elimination, with all matches played at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex in Winnipeg.
Strikeforce and WSP FC will open the playoffs with one of two first-round matches Thursday night at Ralph Cantafio. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m.
