EDMONTON - Fifth-year defender Niko Saler recorded two points, including a goal in the 36th minute, to lead the CIS No. 1 University of Alberta Golden Bears soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the visiting MacEwan Griffins, Wednesday night at Foote Field.
Wednesday night's tilt was originally scheduled to take place last Saturday, but was rescheduled due to poor weather conditions. With the win, Alberta completes the series sweep over their inter-city rival, following a 4-0 win on Sunday.
Rookie striker Ajeej Sarkaria also scored on Wednesday, adding to his Canada West single season scoring record, notching his 19th of the season.
Sarkaria opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing off the Saler free kick from 20 yards out. The CIS All-Canadian's free kick was originally turned aside by sophomore keeper Josh Letendre, but Sarkaria - who has the uncanny knack for consistently being in the right place at the right time - cleaned up the garbage by heading in the loose ball off the goal line.
The home side added to their lead 20 minutes later, following a long stretch of continued offensive pressure. Following a MacEwan foul, Saler capitalized on another free kick, beating a diving Letendre with a fantastic left-footed curving shot.
Alberta owned possession throughout the opening 45, earning nine corner kicks, and outshooting their foe 12-2.
The Golden Bears had numerous opportunities to add to their lead throughout the remainder of the match, but chances by Sarkaria, Calum Jardine, and Noah Cunningham either missed the target or were turned aside by Letendre.
Despite firing only one shot on target through 90 minutes, MacEwan's lone chance was as good as they get. Lahai Mansaray was sprung with an open ball over the Alberta back-line, but was robbed by an aggressive Connor James on the semi-breakaway.
Following the win, Alberta improves to 12-0-2 in 2016, with home games scheduled against Saskatchewan and Lethbridge next weekend at Foote Field. MacEwan, meanwhile, slips to 1-8-3, and will also host the Huskies and Pronghorns next weekend.
Connor Hood - Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics