The University of Alberta Pandas lost their third consecutive match, this time at the hands of the sixth ranked UFV Cascades by a 2-0 score on Friday night at Foote Field. The loss drops the Pandas to 1-3-1 and into 7th in the West division, while the Cascades remain undefeated, boasting a 4-0-1 record through the first three weeks on the season. The win was also the first for the Cascades at Foote Field, breaking their three match losing streak.
Both fifth-year forward Jade Palm and sophomore Monika Levarsky scored for UFV, while keeper Kayla Klim stopped all seven shots she faced to earn her third clean sheet of the young season.
The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades took control of the match early, dominating the Pandas in possession and scoring chances through the first half. Fifth-year forward Shelby Beck had the first great opportunity for UFV, but her shot from within three feet flew high over the Alberta net.
UFV continued their crisp play through the opening 45 but had nothing to show for it; Levarsky's 21st minute strike found the crossbar, and Gurneet Dhaliwal's chance inside of six yards was kept out by freshman goalie Cassie Bazzarelli, who was making her first career CIS start.
Alberta, meanwhile, had trouble managing any offensive zone time, as all five of their first half shots were from outside the 18-yard box, and posed no threat for Kilm.
Both sides came out slow to start the second half, as neither team wanted to be the first to make a mistake. Panda forward Julia Ignacio showed why she won the 2013 league MVP, with a great shot off the dribble in the 77th minute, but Klim was up to the challenge, making the big save to keep the game scoreless.
The Cascades would finally beat Bazzarelli in the 80th minute. After numerous blocked shots in the Alberta crease, Palm curls a shot over the Pandas defenders and a screened keeper, giving UFV the late lead.
Alberta pressed late for the equalizer, as all 11 players jumped into the attack, but Levarsky's second of the season would seal the victory for the visitors in extra time.
The Pandas won't have much time to think about the loss, as they will be back in action on Sunday, as they play host to the 3-1-1 Trinity Western Spartans. Kick-off is set for noon at Foote Field.