The UFV Cascades wrapped up their second win of the season tonight against the UBCO Heat in Kelowna. First-year striker Monika Levarsky grabbed a goal and an assist for the Cascades in the 2-0 victory, once again justifying coach Rob Giesbrecht’s decision to use her in his starting lineup. The win was the Cascades’ first road victory of the season, as well as their first victory by a two-goal margin. They improve to 2-1-0 on the season, while the Heat fall to 0-1-2.
“We struggled in the early stages of the match,” said Giesbrecht, “looking a bit disjointed and having issues getting the ball forward. Then Tristan Corneil scored an absolutely brilliant shot from 45 yards out into the top corner.”
The rocket of a shot (25th minute) was a rarity from the third-year defender, but as always in soccer it’s the quality not the quantity that counts.
“I have never witnessed one of my players scoring a goal like that,” said Giesbrecht, “and I’m not sure I ever will again. It was in a class of its own.”
The Cascades’ play improved after the goal, but they still failed to take decisive control of the game. While the Heat didn’t have a single shot on goal in the first half, UFV managed only two, and spent much of the half muddling in the midfield.
The second half was a different story as the Cascades stormed out of the dressing room and promptly changed the game. Levarsky scored her first goal at the CIS level in the 49th minute after working into position with teammate Desiree Caruso. The tally began a run of UFV chances that kept Heat keeper Christine Tallon on her toes, and teased the idea of a third Cascade marker. While the third goal was not to be, the UFV squad should be satisfied with a two-goal performance to mark a second consecutive win.
“Caruso was a force off the bench in the second half and created numerous opportunities for us to get a third goal,” said Giesbrecht. “Jade Palm was our Player of the Match. She organized us well in the back and battled hard defensively. Kayla Klim was rarely tested, but looked sharp when called upon. All in all it was a good performance, as getting three points on the road in the Canada West isn’t easy.”
Kayla Klim made one save in the shut-out.
The Cascades play again tomorrow night at 5 pm against the TRU WolfPack in Kamloops. Watch the game online at http://canadawest.tv
Comments are closed.