Connor MacMillan
The UFV Cascades rolled over the UNBC Timberwolves 3-1 tonight as a heavy fog rolled over the Abby Senior turf, but only one of those events was inevitable. After tying the game at one in the first half the Timberwolves seemed ready to grab the initiative and perhaps the contest, but UFV found two more goals to extend their winning streak to two games. The Cascades improve to 2-3-0, while UNBC falls to 1-4-0 on the year.
For a team that has struggled to score through the first half of the season, the Cascades struck quickly and with wonderful quality. It only took twelve minutes for midfielder Connor MacMillan to bust loose along the left flank, burn the final defender with a burst of speed, and roof the ball over a sprawling keeper to put the Cascades up 1-0.
UFV hasn’t spent a lot of time with the lead this season, and it seemed like they almost immediately became uncomfortable with the concept. After a quick momentum shift that saw the Timberwolves make a series of forays into Cascades territory, UNBC bared some teeth with a solid goal from striker Conrad Rowlands on his only shot of the night. UNBC benefitted from several other set-piece opportunities in the first and second half, but were unable to add another goal despite a number of opportunities in the box.
The Cascades collected their own array of close calls and near misses, finally managing to convert in the 84th minute to take the lead. Midfielder Kree Byrne placed a beautiful ball over the Timberwolves defense and into the path of striker Juan Pablo Mora Perea, who beat the keeper cleanly with a low strike to the bottom right corner of the net.
UFV would add to their lead in extra time after Timberwolves keeper Ty Venhola mishandled the ball on the edge of the box and was forced (as the last man back) to foul Cascades striker Justin Sekhon to prevent a goal. Colton O’Neill struck home the penalty shot to give his team their first three-goal performance of the season.
Venhola made nine saves in the match, while UFV keeper Alex Skrzeta made two.
“It was nice to get a win to build our confidence,” said Cascades coach Alan Errington. “I thought our fitness was better, we looked the better team towards the end of the game. We had enough chances to put the game away a lot earlier, but at least they’re starting to go in. I’m pleased with the performance and I thought everyone contributed.”
The Cascades and Timberwolves will play again at 7:30 pm tomorrow (Sept 20) at Abby Senior in Abbotsford. All games will be streamed with live video and stats at www.canadawest.tv
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