KELOWNA, BC - UBC Okanagan looking for a win against the ninth ranked Vikes are unable to push a goal across in the 90 minutes, fortunately the Vikes were also shutout as the host UBC Okanagan men's soccer team and the University of Victoria played a highly entertaining and high octane 0-0 draw at the Nonis Sports Field on Saturday (Oct. 17).
The first half of the game saw both sides attempting to create a great amount of chances. However, each side's defense was their stronghold resulting in the Vikes attempting eight shots versus the four attempted by the Heat.
Both the sides opened up their games and started playing with attacking intent in the second half, creating a large number of chances. The Heat took a total of 12 shots in the second half, ending the game with a total of 16 shots in the game while the Vikes took a total of ten shots in the second half, ending up with 18 shots at the end of the game.
The goalkeepers for both the sides had brilliant games respectively with the Vikes goalkeeper Noah Pawlowski making seven saves and the Heat goalkeeper Christopher Cuthill matching his counterpart with seven saves to his name.
UBC Okanagan's best chance came in the 88th minute when striker Enzo Paal made a skillful run past the Vikes' defense, beating three men on his way, only for his shot to be palmed away by goalkeeper Pawlowski for a corner. Paal himself took four shots during the course of the game.
The best chance for the Vikes came in the 77th minute when midfielder Sam Prette's shot was met by a brilliant reflex save by goalkeeper Cuthill. Prette himself took six shots during the game.
The Vikes now stand in third place, amassing 15 points in the nine games they have played this season while the Heat stand in fifth position and have 13 points in the 11 games they have played this season. With the playoffs nearing, both teams will be geared up to give their best performances.
University of Victoria will now be travelling to play Thompson Rivers University on Sunday (Oct. 18) with the game set to begin at 2 p.m. UBC Okanagan will be hosting the UBC Thunderbirds in what is a must win game for them if they do have a chance for qualification. The game will take place on Sunday on the Nonis Sports Field with the match scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
This will be the final regular season game for UBC Okanagan, the Heat enjoy their bye weekend as the final weekend of Canada West conference play of the year.
~ Nimai Trivadi // Heat communications