It all comes down to Thursday for Stonewall United.
The Manitoba Major Soccer League Division 3A club will have their season on the line when they face YFC FC in round one of the playoffs at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex in Winnipeg.
It’s win or go home, with the winner advancing to meet the Richmond Kings in the semifinals on Sept. 30.
United have plenty riding on the match after missing the postseason last year and dedicating this season to making it back.
Kickoff Thursday is scheduled for 8 p.m.
“It’s week 21 so to speak,” said United’s Matt Olnick. “We’ve played 20 games, and we just have to go in there with the mindset of wanting to play next week. We’ve got to win to do so, so play our game, have fun, keep it simple and play smart soccer, and the results will come.”
United and YFC split their season series, with YFC winning 2-1 on May 29 at Buhler Recreation Park. United responded with a 5-4 victory on Aug. 17 at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex.
YFC enter the match as slight statistical favourites, finishing third in the regular season while United placed sixth after a thrilling playoff push that came down to the final week.
United, however, are confident in their chances.
“I think the first game, losing 2-1, we were still kind of getting our bearings of where everyone was going to play and where everyone was suited best. In the second tilt with them, we were clicking on all cylinders. It was a back-and-forth game, but it showed a lot of resiliency and a lot of different players contributing. We were able to come back against one of the top teams in the league,”said Olnick.
“Not only beating YFC but Richmond and (CA) River Plate — we’ve been able to take down some of the tougher teams in the division, so we’ve got to stay confident. We’ve won our last four games in a row here, so we’re going in with a little momentum, which is nice.”
The other round one match on Thursday also kicks off at 8 p.m. at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex, with fourth-ranked Dunvegan Castle facing fifth-ranked Elmwood.
The winner advances to meet top-ranked CA River Plate in the other semifinal on Sept. 30.
All Division 3A playoff games will be held at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex.
