Posted: Sep 19, 2014
The UFV Cascades rolled over the UNBC Timberwolves 3-1 tonight
as a heavy fog rolled over the Abby Senior turf, but only one of
those events was inevitable. After tying the game at one in
the first half the Timberwolves seemed ready to grab the initiative
and perhaps the contest, but UFV found two more goals to extend
their winning streak to two games. The Cascades improve to
2-3-0, while UNBC falls to 1-4-0 on the year.
For a team that has struggled to score through the first half
of the season, the Cascades struck quickly and with wonderful
quality. It only took twelve minutes for midfielder Connor
MacMillan to bust loose along the left flank, burn the final
defender with a burst of speed, and roof the ball over a sprawling
keeper to put the Cascades up 1-0.
UFV hasn't spent a lot of time with the lead this season, and
it seemed like they almost immediately became uncomfortable with
the concept. After a quick momentum shift that saw the Timberwolves
make a series of forays into Cascades territory, UNBC bared some
teeth with a solid goal from striker Conrad Rowlands on his only
shot of the night. UNBC benefitted from several other
set-piece opportunities in the first and second half, but were
unable to add another goal despite a number of opportunities in the
box.
The Cascades collected their own array of close calls and near
misses, finally managing to convert in the 84th minute to take the
lead. Midfielder Kree Byrne placed a beautiful ball over the
Timberwolves defense and into the path of striker Juan Pablo Mora
Perea, who beat the keeper cleanly with a low strike to the bottom
right corner of the net.
UFV would add to their lead in extra time after Timberwolves
keeper Ty Venhola mishandled the ball on the edge of the box and
was forced (as the last man back) to foul Cascades striker Justin
Sekhon to prevent a goal. Colton O'Neill struck home the
penalty shot to give his team their first three-goal performance of
the season.
Venhola made nine saves in the match, while UFV keeper Alex
Skrzeta made two.
"It was nice to get a win to build our confidence," said
Cascades coach Alan Errington. "I thought our fitness was better,
we looked the better team towards the end of the game. We had
enough chances to put the game away a lot earlier, but at least
they're starting to go in. I'm pleased with the performance and I
thought everyone contributed."
The Cascades and Timberwolves will play again at 7:30 pm
tomorrow (Sept 20) at Abby Senior in Abbotsford. All games will be
streamed with live video and stats at www.canadawest.tv