Nicole Betker, Huskie Athletics
SASKATOON – The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack won its program-first Canada West men's soccer playoff match with a 5-1 decision over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Friday afternoon on Field 7 in PotashCorp Park.
With the win, the WolfPack advance to the Canada West Final Four hosted by the highest remaining Pacific Division school after quarter-final matches. Thompson Rivers entered the conference in men's soccer in 2014.
Thompson Rivers opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Mitch Popadynetz shot from outside the box front the top of the net.
Saskatchewan fourth-year striker Tyler Redl evened the game in the 23rd minute when his shot from his left foot beat WolfPack keeper Lubomir Magdolen. His shot came after a long pass in by Huskie captain Jacob Powell.
Ryan Glanville's header gave the WolfPack a 2-1 lead in the 30th minute.
The WolfPack found the net three more times in the match all coming in the last 10 minutes.
James Fraser tallied the first in the 81st minute when a save attempt got away from Huskies' keeper Patrick Pranger. Thomas Lantmeeters added the fourth goal in the 86th minute when his shot deflected off a Saskatchewan defender and into the net. Fraser scored his second of the game in extra time.
Magdolen finished the game making two saves for the WolfPack, while Pranger made three at the other end of the pitch.
The Canada West Men's Soccer Final Four is slated for November 3-4.