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Chilliwack men guarantee playoff position

A win and tie in weekend action has Chilliwack's Pacific Coast Soccer League men looking forward to the Challenge Cup tournament.

Chilliwack's Pacific Coast Soccer League men head into playoffs with a ton of momentum.

Undefeated in eight, the local lads haven't lost since late May. They ended the regular season last weekend, taking four of a possible six points from Penticton and Kelowna.

Chilliwack hosted Penticton's Pinnacles on Saturday, battling the visitors to a 1-1 draw. Kyle Rawlek had the lone goal for the locals. The six-foot-six centre-back got his head on a Connor MacMillan cornerkick, directing the ball past the Penticton keeper.

Seventeen-year-old Chilliwack keeper Jon Vugteveen continued his stellar play, making several solid stops to preserve the draw.

Sunday's game pitted Chilliwack against a sad-sack Kelowna United squad (0-13-0) still looking for its first point of the season. The home team unexpectedly trailed 1-0 at halftime, but with the wind at their backs, they took over in the final 45.

Striker Jordie Leib drove by a couple Kelowna defenders to get Chilliwack on the board. Minutes later, Jason Staiger gave his team the lead, tipping a Leib cross into the Kelowna net. Midfielders Nick Haywood and Dawson Lindahl added insurance markers in a 4-1 win.

Chilliwack started the season 0-2, and halfway through the year sat seventh in the eight-team league. Since losing 1-0 to Victoria United May 26, they've gone 5-0-2 to finish the regular season slate at 6-3-5. They're currently third overall, and know they'll place no lower than fourth overall. The top four make the playoffs, which means Chilliwack has guaranteed themselves a spot in the Challenge Cup Tournament, taking place July 27-28 at Coquitlam's Town Centre Stadium.

Get more info at pcsl.org