Karlee Pedersen was a bright spot for the Cascades in Friday’s loss at TWU. (Scott Stewart / TWU Athletics photos)
The Trinity Western Spartans exploded for four second-half goals en route to a 5-0 win over the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades in Canada West women’s soccer action on Friday evening.
At Chase Office Field on TWU’s Langley campus, the host Spartans got on the board in the 27th minute when Rachel Hutchinson’s cross went in off a Cascades defender for an own goal. UFV stayed within striking distance through halftime, but the Spartans showed their quality after the break, pulling away on goals by Kathleen Chin (2), Hutchinson and Gabi Short.
The two teams complete the home-and-home set on Sunday afternoon in Abbotsford, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. at the Cascades’ home pitch, MRC Sports Complex Field 4.
Friday’s result boosted TWU’s record to 7-2-0, good for third place in the Pacific Division, while the fourth-place Cascades fell to 4-3-2.
“It was a frustrating game today,” UFV head coach Rob Giesbrecht observed. “I just thought we lacked the confidence to play, and as we made choices not to physically battle, it allowed our opponent’s confidence to grow. And then they imposed their will on us throughout the game.”
Bright spots for the Cascades included blue-collar efforts from defenders Karlee Pedersen and Simi Lehal, and rookie Taylor Nekic who lined up in the midfield. Goalkeeper Emily Harold made six saves.
“We’re young, and it’s part of learning,” Giesbrecht said. “We played a good team today, and it’s not easy to come here and get results. It’s really important that you learn, and remember how tough it is, because you’ve got to do the work to put yourself in position to get results.”
Brittney Zacharuk of the Cascades races upfield with a TWU defender giving chase.
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