Rich Abney, UNBC
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - In a battle of previously-unbeaten Canada West squads, the Mount Royal Cougars edged the UNBC Timberwolves 2-0 on Friday, September 15, 2017.
Both sides came out defensively sound, focused on giving nary an inch to the opposition. Maddy Doucette had the best chance, just twenty minutes into the game, but put the ball over the crossbar.
In the second half, MRU brought in some fresh legs and an aggressive attitude, both of which paid off immediately.
In the 48th minute, Talisa Tefledzuk seized a giveaway at the top of the box and made no mistake, beating UNBC goalkeeper Brooke Molby with a low shot inside the right post.
"I saw an opportunity to step in front and intercept the pass. I had a path to goal, and I took it," said Tefledzuk. "That is my first goal in this league, so it was pretty emotional."
Eleven minutes later, Emily Sands was the benefactor of some MRU pressure in the TWolves end, putting one up and over Molby to double the Cougars lead.
UNBC had a number of chances late, but were unable to convert. Paige Payne and Roy each had free kicks that had a chance, but Cailyn Leeson was steady in keeping the ball out of the MRU net.
She finished with two saves for the shutout victory, while Molby had three in the loss.
A cheerful Tefledzuk says the strong start to the season is encouraging for the Cougars.
"We have created a good start, to keep moving forward with the season. I think we are going to make the playoffs, and make it through."
We are going to have a postgame meeting, and see where were broke down, individually and as a team," said UNBC's Julia Babicz. "We have really focused on coming up as a squad, and when a ball is played up, if we come up together, that will create the most opportunity."
With the victory, MRU improves to 2-0-1, while the Timberwolves fall to 2-1-0.