Cascades defense played great in the victory over TWU today.
Abbotsford, BC…The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s soccer team defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans, 4-2, this afternoon at Bateman Park, in Abbotsford, BC. Today’s UFV win splits the season series between these Fraser Valley rivals; TWU took the first game on September 6th, 2-1. This puts the Cascades in third place in the Pacific Division of Canada West, (3-3-0) five points up on fourth place UNBC Timberwolves. The Cascades are looking for their first post-season berth in their eight-year history in the CIS.
The Cascades dictated the flow of the first half by controlling the midfield early in the match. UFV’s hard work forced numerous TWU turnovers in their box, eventually leading to the referee awarding a penalty kick for rough play in the 24th minute. Justin Sekhon, Abbotsford, BC put the Cascades on the board as the second year midfielder’s penalty kick sailed past TWU goalkeeper Andrew Hicks, Surrey, BC. The TWU offense regained its footing, Spartans forward Jerome Lou, Surrey, BC tied the match in the 40th minute. At halftime UFV had seven shots on goal, TWU had two.
The second half started off with a bang as the Cascades increased the pressure on the Spartans defense. Another infraction in the TWU box led to Sekhon’s second successful penalty shot in the 48th minute. TWU would answer back with a goal from defender Kalem Scott, Comox, BC, in the 52nd minute. The second Spartan goal ignited the Cascades, and UFV came alive on both sides of the ball.
Second-year forward James Najman, Surrey, BC, found the back of the net in the 64th minute courtesy of Sekhon to put the green machine up 3-2. Connor MacMillan, Chilliwack, BC, would seal TWU’s fate in the 73rd minute. In the second half UFV had four shots on goal, TWU had two.
The Cascades Mark Village, Abbotsford, BC was again very steady in UFV’s net, Village earns his first victory against TWU in his four year career.
“I am very proud of the team today. They played 90 minutes and showed Canada West we will compete for a post season berth this year,” said a very happy UFV head coach Alan Errington, on his team’s two-goal victory.
The Cascades “player of the game” was Sahib Phagura, Abbotsford, BC. The second year Business major controlled the tempo of the Cascade defense and held the powerful TWU offense to few shots on goal during the game. “I am very pleased with Sahib’s (Phagura) progression as a defensive leader for our young team,” remarked Errington.
The Cascades men’s soccer team will be at home at Exhibition Field in Chilliwack, BC Friday, September 27and 28, as they host the UNBC Timberwolves in a regular season weekend series.
Courtesy of J Mah
TWU 1 1 = 2 (1-5-0)
UFV 1 3 = 4 (3-3-0)
Scoring
First Half
25th Minute UFV J Sekhon (Penalty Kick)
41st Minute TWU J Lou
Second Half
48th Minute UFV J Sekhon (Penalty Kick)
52nd Minute TWU K Scott
65th Minute UFV J Najman (J Sekhon)
74th Minute UFV C MacMillan
Goalkeepers:
UFV: Mark Village Saves: 0 GA: 2
TWU: Andrew Hicks Saves: 4 GA: 4
Shots on Goal:
UFV: 12 TWU: 4
Corner Kicks:
UFV: 11 TWU: 6
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