OPL: Premiership Report

The Premiership Division is Division 1 in the Okanagan Premier League and this year is the sixth season. Holders from last year HDC Kelowna City had a slower start to this season but since have found themselves on a run of five straight victories to claim share of the lead. Last time out City came back from 2-nil down early in the second half to rally to beat rivals Kelowna United 4-2 in a courageous effort. First team coach Bret Depner is delighted with the heart the team displayed in the comeback. That put them into a deadlock with Kelowna United F.C. who have had a strong season thus far. United has bolstered their squad from previous seasons with well-rounded depth. They're giving themselves the best shot at their first OPL title.

Another story this season is expansion side Real Unidad, spearheaded by longtime player in the OPL, Christian Artavia knew that he would be able to give his side a great chance this season with many new young players. Unidad poses to be one of the fastest teams throughout the OPL and threaten greatly on the counter attack. The depth of their squad is another strength for Artavia who have no problem putting the ball in the back of the net. As mentioned Unidad is also on 24 points level with both City and United with five matches to go in the regular season.

Another expansion side in the Premiership with not as favourable results, the Okanagan Wanderers have started to find some form within the team over the last three fixtures before the break, they have two wins. The adjustment required to transition to Super-8 style football from the traditional 11 v 11 format was a tall task from the outset for Wanderers but they have found some flow recently.

Amazingly the bottom three teams in the Premiership are all tied on six points. Okanagan F.C. who are the youngest team in the league have been making teams work for their results. They will no doubt continue improving into the latter stages of the season. Orchard Valley F.C., a club who has been a part of the OPL since inception, has been hit and miss with their performances so far this season. All three of the bottom table teams will surely carry some confidence forward into the final game weeks to find some favourable form in time for playoffs.

As the league resumes on January 13th, look out for Match of the Week at 10:00pm on Monday where Kelowna United F.C. host Real Unidad. The winner will keep at least one hand on first place in the table. It's still anyone's league running into the final five matchdays.