At home and abroad, the newest version of the Peninsula College Pirates’ men’s soccer club is figuring out how to win.

Peninsula kicked off their 2009 preseason on Aug. 23 with a tie and a win against NWAACC rivals in a pair of scrimmages in Port Angeles.

In game one, the Pirates got a score from freshman Jibril Gude off a header sent from a cross by fellow rookie Aaron Funderburk in the second half, but Whatcom also got a score in the half for a 1-1 tie.

In game two, sophomore Sam Greely found the net off a header from a crossing shot by freshman Bobby Catania.

"These were both scrimmage games and gave us a chance to see everybody play and put people into positions that we might have not seen them in," Peninsula coach Andrew Chapman said.

After the scrimmages and a game against the University of Victoria, the Pirates left for a tour of games in Ireland. On Sunday, Aug. 30, Peninsula out-scored Villa FC in Waterford. Carl Determeyer scored the opening goal for Peninsula off a Lucas Costa assist. After Villa FC tied the game, Peninsula got the clincher when Bobby Catania got the ball to Costa who also made good from 25 yards out with just a minute left in the contest.

The Pirates remain in Ireland for the week, taking on Waterford United on Sept. 2, Carlow FC on Sept. 4 and Trinity University on Sept. 5.