By Larry Read

Thompson Rivers University Sports Information

KAMLOOPS, BC--The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack have found the win column for the first time this Canada West men's soccer league season.  Playing the first of a home and home series with their closest geographical rival, the WolfPack downed the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat 4-0.  The match was played under the lights at Hillside Stadium on Friday (Aug 31).

TRU got goals from Thomas Lantmeeters, Justin Donaldson, Dylan Hooper and Jan Pirrates Glasmacher.

This was the first of the 'President's Cup" series between the two schools.  The "President's Cup" is competition between the two schools in men's and women's soccer, basketball and volleyball. TRU won both trophies in 2017-18.

TRU scored their goals in the second half and improved to 1-1 on the season.  UBCO fell to 1-1-1. 

The teams will play again Sunday (Sept 2) at Nonis Field in Kelowna, BC.

SYNOPSIS

TRU and UBCO were scoreless after the first half. It was a half that was dominated offensively by the home side.  The WolfPack pressured the Heat and were rewarded in the second half with Thomas Lantmeeters (4^th year, midfield, Gant, Belgium) converting on a set play 57 minutes in.

Just over 10 minutes later, Mitch Popadynetz-the Canada West player of the year showed why as he got the ball in midfield and saw rookie Dylan Hooper streaking down the right side. He shoveled him the through ball which Hooper made no mistake. His one timer went low left side for his first U SPORTS goal at the 65 th minute mark.

The Pack added a third goal in the 83^rd minute. Popadynetz started the play on the left side as he passed the ball to an open Justin Donaldson (3^rd year, middle, Kamloops, BC). He spotted a streaking James Fraser (3^rd year, forward,Penticton, BC).  He put the ball into the box where Spaniard Jan Pirrates Glasmacher (2^nd year, defender, Barcelona) cashed in low right side.. Glasmacher was named the TRU Bookstore/McDonalds "Leader of the Pack" player of the match.

TRU added one more goal in the 87^th minute as Donaldson was alone on the left side of the box and one timed it into the net for his first goal of the season.

Alex Ram made 3  saves for his first Canada West shutout of the year and second lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS:

click here

KEY STATS:

Goal scoring:

1. TRU 57:02-Thomas Lantmeeters  scores off corner kick taken by Mitch Popadynetz (5^th year, midfield, Nelson, BC). Lantmeeters deflects out of a scramble into the lower left side of the net.  Lantmeeters' first goal of the year.  TRU 1   UBCO 0
2. TRU 65:28-Dylan Hooper (1^st year, midfield, Winnipeg, MB) received a through ball from Popadynetz on the right side and sent a laser to the bottom left hand side of the net. Hoopers first goal of the year.  TRU 2  UBCO 0
3. TRU 83:13-Jan Pirrates Glasmacher (2^nd year, defender, Barcelona, Spain) was on the receiving end of beautiful play going lower right side as he took ball from James Fraser who crossed it into the box.  Glasmacher's first goal of the year.TRU 3  UBCO 0
4. TRU: 87:00-Justin Donaldson (3^rd year, middle, Kamloops, BC) was alone in left side of the box and one timed it in. Donaldson's first goal of the year.  TRU 4  UBCO 0

Shots:    TRU 6-10:16  UBCO 3-3:6     Corners:   TRU 5-8:13  UBCO 1-1:2

      Shots on goal:  TRU 3-7:10  UBCO 1-2:3     Saves:  TRU 1-2:3 UBCO: 3-3:6

Keepers:  TRU:   Alex Ram (2^nd year, Leicester, England)

                  UBCO: Nicholas Reitsma (2^nd year, Kelowna, BC)

RECORDS:

TRU 1-1        UBCO 1-1-1

QUOTES:

TRU head coach John Antulov: 

On offensive effort in the second half: " We were really clicking especially in that half. The guys were really moving the ball around. We knew if we could get some opportunities especially on the flanks we could cause some problems.

Praised play of Mitch Popadynetz (who was in on all four goals): "Mitchy is our leader especially on the attack. He usually sets the pace. He is a very smart player. He looks and sees where the openings are. He has great passing ability and great range. To have that in the centre of the park is an added bonus."

Commenting on play of Dylan Hooper and Emmanuel Antogbe (2^nd year, defender, Mission, BC) : " Manny has come such a long way in the last two years. He didn't get any playing time the last couple of years. His game has reached a new level and he was fantastic tonight. Dylan as well. Coming in offensively. He has pace. Going at players and his work rate was fantastic."

Glad to see Justin Donaldson's hard work rewarded with a goal: "JD put in a good shift today. For him to get that at the end, it just shows that sometimes hard work pays off."

VIDEO OF COACHES INTERVIEW: click here

TRU  midfielder Dylan Hooper (1^st year, Winnipeg, MB): 

On first Canada West goal: " It just felt good. I had an ankle injury earlier in the season but it felt good today and I came out strong. I used my pace to my advantage."

On adjusting to Canada West level from PDL: " The caliber is very similar. The guys here are like those in the PDL, very fit and very skilled. It hasn't been too much of a transition so far (laughing)."

Comments on what he heard about UBCO/TRU rivalry: " I heard it was going to be physical. It was a battle until the end."

VIDEO OF HOOPER'S INTERVIEW: click here

UBCO head coach Dante Zanatta:

On match: " The best team won. Full credit to TRU they put the ball in the back of the net. We played OK in the first half. In the second half, we came out and us having to play on Tuesday and not having this game changed affected us. We dealt with the situation. But at the end of the day, we couldn't overcome it. When you lose 4-bagel, you don't see much that's positive. It is a learning process. We will see how we do on Sunday."

On Nicholas Reitsma taking over as the starting goalie in his second year: "Two of the goals tonight weren't his mistake. The one that went underneath him he has to do better at. The other came off a leg and bounced in. He has big shoes to fill. He is a good goalie and will be very good."

VIDEO OF COACHES INTERVIEW: click here

UP NEXT:

The WolfPack and Heat will wind up their home and home series on Sunday (September 2^nd) with a 3 pm kick off at Nonis Field in Kelowna, BC.  That is the start of a four-match road swing for Thompson Rivers.

"They are going to come out 'guns a blazin," says Antulov. "We can't be complacent just because of this result. We need to go into Kelowna and play the same way we did tonight."

The WolfPack visit UBC and Thunderbird Stadium on Friday September 7^th, then travel to Victoria for an encounter with the Vikes on Saturday September 8^th and then fly to Calgary for a Saturday, September 15^th matchup with the Dinos.

Their next home match isn't until Friday, September 21^st when the Alberta Golden Bears make their way to Hillside Stadium and Kamloops, BC for a 4 pm kick off.

All of the WolfPack matches—home and away—will be webcast  live on a pay per view basis on www.Canadawest.TV.