Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorns Athletics
Lethbridge – Following a last second loss on Saturday, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's soccer team rebounded to hand the previously undefeated and CIS fifth-ranked UBC Thunderbirds their first loss of the season with a 3-2 victory.
Entering the game, the Thunderbirds hadn't allowed a goal against in five contests but the 'Horns were able to match their season high with three goals today.
Jaden Veluw scored his first two goals as a Pronghorn and Kendell Wiens picked up the other Pronghorn marker. Titouan Chopin and Bryan Fong scored the UBC.
The win improves the 'Horns record to 3-6-1, while the T-Birds drop to 5-1-4 this season.
A cautious start by both teams with the 'Horns holding a bit of pressure early and the Thunderbirds surrendered a couple of corner kicks in the first 12 minutes but the CIS fifth ranked T-Birds began to settle in an take over the ball possession game.
While the Thunderbirds controlled the pressure through the middle of the half, the 'Horns were able to bend but not break.
Reigning Canadian College Player of the Year Nico Passquotti got the ball rolling for 'Horns in the 36th minute. Crossing the ball from near the end line, his cross went untouched to the back post where freshman Jaden Veluw tapped in his first career CIS goal.
Two minutes shy of half time, Passquotti and Veluw teamed up again. Passquotti's drive from a set piece wrecked on the wall right to the foot of Velum and he made no mistake for his second of the day.
At the half, the T-Brids had nine shot attempts and forced 'Horns keeper Nolan French into six saves. The 'Horns on the other hand had six shots, five of which were on goal.
Almost immediately off the restart, the 'Horns upped the lead to 3-0. Passquotti picked up his third assist of the match, crossing a ball to a wide open Wiens, who calmly picked the low left corner.
UBC would finally answer only two minutes later. Mackenzie Cole had his shot blocked by a defender but the rebound found Titouan Chopin all alone and he easily beat a down and out French.
From a set piece, the T-Birds drew within one. Kerman Pannu's free kick bounced around in the box until Fong was able to get a foot on it and put it away.
Within one goal, the Thunderbirds upped the pressure on the 'Horns and directed 14 shots towards the 'Horns net in the half, but the T-Birds were unable to find the equalizer.
French ended the day with a season high 10 saves, while his counterpart Jason Roberts made six saves in the loss.
The 'Horns will now enjoy their bye week before returning to action October 8th and 9th when they host the Saskatchewan Huskies. The Thunderbirds will look to regroup next weekend on the road facing the Fraser Valley Cascades and the Trinity Western Spartans.