VANCOUVER, WA—Vancouver Victory FC produced a 5-1 win over Lane United of the PDL on Saturday night April 18 at McKenzie Stadium. “I am pleased with the growth in this group over the last few weeks,” says Victory head coach Aaron Lewis. “We have been able to create stretches over the last few games where we have played at a high level. Our challenge currently is lengthening those stretches throughout each game, while we seek sharpen ourselves further on both sides of the ball.”

MATCH PHOTOS: See galleries from Bradley York and Karl Girardi.

588 fans enjoyed the spectacle under gorgeous sunny skies. The Victory outshot Lane 21-8 and had the match in hand before half time. It was a historic night for the Evergreen Premier League as the Victory became the first EPLWA side to beat a PDL one in the league’s short one-plus seasons.

Lewis hopes for more. “This group of players have shown an eager attitude to learn and grow as a unit throughout this preseason. Their effort and enthusiasm have helped build a solid foundation to our season, and We look forward to competing for points next week in Yakima.”

Timur Zhividze put the Victory up 1-0 in the 26th minute. Then Borce Atanasov headed a ball home at 31 minutes to double the advantage. The Boys in Blue were boosted just before halftime when Alex Nimo got one to make it 3-0 at the break.

There were three cautions in the contest (two for Vancouver). After the break the Victory kept on scoring. Ian Schmimandle made it 4-0 in the 53rd minute. Vancouver’s final goal came fairly early on, in the 56th minute. It was notched by Alberto Casas. An 87th minute goal from Lane United made the final score 5-1.

The match is a nice confidence-booster for the Victory, who now switch over to EPLWA play with a road trip to play Yakima United FC at Marquette Stadium on Sunday April 26 at 1 PM. Last year the two sides produced the “EPLWA Match of the Year” in a 5-4 Vancouver win at McKenize. V2FC won 2-1 last season in Yakima. The next home match for Vancouver comes Sunday May 10 against Bellingham United at 2 PM at McKenzie Stadium.