Chilliwack, BC…..The University of Alberta Pandas defeated the UFV Cascades, 2-1, at Exhibition Field, in Chilliwack, BC. The Cascades Canada West record now stands at 1-1-0 for 3 points while the Pandas record improves to 1-0-1 for 4 points.
The Cascades fresh off their opening night victory over MRU, 3-0, came out strong against the CIS number five ranked Pandas. The Cascades marched down the pitch and had the game’s first scoring opportunity as third year striker Carly Neeson, Maple Ridge, BC just missed beating the Pandas goalkeeper Kelti Biggs, Spruce Grove, Alberta to right side of the Alberta net.
The Cascades scoring opportunity gave the Pandas life as they marched down the field and tested UFV’s veteran goalkeeper Chantelle Biagioni, Pitt Meadows, BC with several shots from both wings. Biagioni was up to the task as she made several key saves early. The Pandas continued to pressure UFV’s young defense and at the nine minute mark the Pandas Elise Emmott, Edmonton, Alberta sent a perfect corner kick right in to the box where Carleigh Miller, St. Albert, AB beat Biagioni to give Alberta the one goal lead.
Alberta kept the pressure on and seven minutes later scored again on an Amanda Black, Edmonton, AB goal from a perfect feed from Kayla Michaels, Edmonton, AB. While Alberta continued to control the play in the remainder of the first half, UFV’s defense stood tall and kept the more experienced Panda offense from scoring any further goals in the half.
The Cascades started the second half, the same way they did on Friday night, controlling the majority of play and creating several great scoring chances. Neeson and fourth year Kinesiology major Danika Snook, Chilliwack, BC both had great scoring chances early in the second half but Biggs and the Pandas defense kept UFV from scoring. The Cascades continued to pressure Alberta and their hard work paid off late in the match when Paige Friesen, Abbotsford, BC scored the Cascades lone goal off a perfect corner kick by Danielle Schmidt, Abbotsford, BC to Tristan Corneil, Surrey, BC who found Friesen in front of the Pandas net.
Biagioni recorded six saves and played well holding the powerful Pandas offense to two goals. Neeson was named the Cascades player of the game.
“I am very proud of the fight our team had in them tonight. They showed great character especially in the second half. They never quit and were rewarded with a late goal against a very well coached team in Alberta,” said UFV head coach Robert Giesbrecht.
The Pandas coach also felt tonight’s game was very exciting and close, “The Cascades gave us a great game. I am very impressed with the Cascades strikers they played very well tonight,” said Alberta head coach Liz Jepsen. The Pandas coach also praised the new UFV Cascades soccer venue,” This is a beautiful park, the Cascades should be very proud of their new home, this is a quality field.”
UFV will now travel to Prince George, BC where they will face the UNBC Timberwolves next Sunday (September 16th).
UA 2 0 = 2
UFV 0 1 = 1
Scoring:
First Half:
09:16 UA Miller (Emmott)
16:16 UA Black (Michaels)
Second Half:
90:00 UFV Friesen (Corneil)
Goalkeepers:
UA: Biggs 4 Saves, win 1-0-1/ UFV: Biagioni 6 saves 1-1-0
UA: Biggs 4 Saves, win 1-0-1/ UFV: Biagioni 6 saves 1-1-0
Corner kicks:
UA: 2/ UFV: 6
UA: 2/ UFV: 6
Cascades Player of the Game:
Carly Neeson
Carly Neeson
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