VICTORIA, BC- The UFV Men’s soccer program took to the field this Saturday, in their first spring season match of the 2010 campaign. They battled the hosts of the Keg Spring Cup for 90 minutes, but fell to the University of Victoria Vikes, 3-1.
The first goal came at the 5th minute mark, as the Vikes put the Cascades under early pressure and notched a quick lead 1-0. The home team continued to press into the Cascades final third, and managed to slot another past the visiting side in the 21st minute to extend their lead, 2-0. After the early two goal lead for the Vikes, the Cascades regrouped and left the half with positives to build on. The final shot total after 45 minutes was 11-3 in favor of UVic.
The beginning of the second half saw the Cascades under extended pressure, as they continued to receive a flurry of shots from the UVic strikers. This resulted in the Vikes’ largest lead on the day, as they capitalized in the in the 59th minute, going ahead by a score of 3-0.
Although it looked to be a frustrating day for the Cascades, a spark was ignited in the 81st minute. After putting the Vikes on their heels deep in their end, the Cascades won a corner kick that was played beautifully into the box. The ball was headed on at the near post by first year Giordan Payne, sending the Vikes keeper scrambling and unable to stop Payne’s effort. After the final whistle, the final score stood 3-1 in favor of the Vikes.
“It was our first game together this year,” commented team captain James Giebelhaus. “It was good to get out and play with each other and begin the battle for positions. We can take a lot out of this weekend and see the caliber of teams that we will be up against this fall.”
With a young squad and a short bench, the Cascades proved there are lots of strengths within the team to build on for the upcoming season. UFV finishes off the weekend Sunday at noon versus the Trinity Western Spartans in the consolation final of the tournament.
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