Victoria Highlanders FC are pleased to announce the re-signing of Mitchell Popadynetz, pending USL League and BC Soccer approval. Popadynetz, entering his third season with the Highlanders, is the sixth addition to Thomas Niendorf’s 2019 USL League Two team.
The midfielder returns to the Highlanders after appearing in 13 matches with the black and gold during the 2018 season. In those 13 matches, Popadynetz amassed 914 minutes and two goals while patrolling the midfield. This year will mark the third season with the Highlanders for the Nelson, BC native as he previously played for the squad during the 2016 season before having a quick stint with division rival TSS Rovers. His adaptability and consistency on the field were big factors when it came to re-signing with the club.
“Mitch had very consistent performances for us last year,” added Niendorf. “He is versatile and can do a job in numerous positions on the field. He has good feet, he is a tireless worker and has a great mentality. Mitch is a player you can really trust when he is on the field.”
The third-year Highlander boasts an impressive collegiate resume. The 2018 campaign saw him appear in 14 matches with the Thompson River University (TRU) Wolfpack, and in those matches he posted a stat line of three goals and 11 assists. In his rookie year in 2013, then a member of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds, he helped his club capture the U Sports National Title. The accolades didn’t stop there as 2017 saw the versatile midfielder named the Canada West Men’s Soccer Player of the Year and U Sports First-Team All Star.
The Highlanders start their season at home against Lane United on Friday, May 10th, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at Centennial Stadium.
