Lethbridge, Alberta…The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades women’s soccer team defeated the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, 2-1, in Lethbridge, Alberta to improve their Canada West regular season record to 3-1-0 for 9 points. The nine points represents the team’s fastest start in their seven years in Canada West. With a quarter of the season in the books, UFV looks to continue working towards a potential home post season match, in late October. The top four Canada West teams will host the CW quarterfinals. The Pronghorns conference record falls to 1-4-0.
The Cascades started slowly this afternoon as the Pronghorns kept up with the more experienced UFV team. UFV’s Chantelle Biagioni, Pitt Meadows, BC made several early saves to preserve the stalemate. The Pronghorns would open the scoring midway through the first half on a goal by Kim Shellenberg, whose shot beat Biagioni from 40 yards out. The remainder of the first half was a defensive struggle with both Biagioni and Lethbridge’s Taura Willoughby, holding off the offenses. “We did not play as a unit in the first half,” said UFV Head Coach Rob Giesbrecht.
In the second half UFV came out strong and played like a unit. The Cascades started to get their confidence and controlled the midfield play where veteran Carly Neeson, Maple Ridge, BC and rookie Tristan Corneil, Surrey, BC made a big difference. Neeson again played a major leadership role as she started to penetrate the Pronghorns defense and her hard work paid off in the 74th minute as she was taken down in the box for a penalty kick. Donna Pinning, Chilliwack, BC tied the match with her third converted penalty kick of the season. Neeson continued to cause Lethbridge problems and six minutes later Corneil received a pass from Neeson, who hit Danika Snook, Chilliwack, BC in front of the Lethbridge net. Snook’s shot deflected to Paige Friesen, Abbotsford, BC who beat Willoughby for the match winner.
Biagioni would make five saves for her third conference victory of the year. “We played as a team in the second half,” commented Giesbrecht. “We had a common fight in the second half to play the way we know we can and we came through. I am very proud of the team. Carly (Neeson) played another very strong match today,” talking about his veteran striker who was named the Cascades “Player of the Match” for a third time in four matches this season.
“The second half comeback was a great statement for our young team,” said a very happy Giesbrecht.
UFV will travel to Calgary on Sunday, to face the Dinos before returning home to play Winnipeg and Manitoba next weekend at Exhibition Field, in Chilliwack, BC.
UFV 0 2 = 2 (3-1-0)
U Leth 1 0 = 1 (1-4-0)
Scoring:
First Half:
24:06 ULeth Shellenberg
Second Half:
74:32 UFV Pinning (PK)
80:14 UFV Friesen
Goalkeepers:
UFV: Biagioni 5 saves (W)/ ULeth: Willoughby 9 saves (L)
Shots on Goal:
UFV: 14/ ULeth: 7
Corner Kicks:
UFV: 4/ ULeth: 2
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