KELOWNA, BC - Efficient execution of set-pieces by Thompson Rivers pushed in three goals in the first half by propelling the visitors to a 3-0 win over host UBC Okanagan at the Nonis Sports Field on Friday, October 9th.
The loss is a setback for UBC Okanagan in their race to the postseason. With the loss the Heat's record falls to (1-5-3), which is good for six points placing them seventh in the table.
The win jumps the 'Pack into sixth, the final playoff spot, with 10 points and a record of (3-5-1).
The set piece was a weapon early for TRU as the 'Pack opened the scoring in the sixth minute when forward Danielle Fauteux scored her third goal of the season, she finished with a powerful header from a curving corner by left winger Taylor Miller.
The Heat side continued to play aggressive soccer throughout the game and took a total of 19 shots with 14 of those being on target. Taylor Shantz, in net for TRU, who had a rewarding game making turning away all 14 of those shots for the clean sheet. Including one crucial save in a one on one with a Heat forward Lauren Candelario.
Shantz's counterpart, Joella Koblischke, the freshman keeper, got the start for UBC Okanagan had another excellent game in the Heat goal making seven saves in the game.
The vulnerability of the Heat defense during set-pieces was exposed once again in the thirteenth minute when another corner by Miller found senior player Brianna Powrie on the far side, Powrie finished with a powerful shot to the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-0.
The Wolfpack added their third goal to the tally when defender Kindra Maricle found the bottom corner after she was given the ball by Fauteux who also scored the opening goal.
The game was played with attacking intent as both teams are looking for a spot in the playoffs.
TRU with their four point lead in the standings will host UBC Okanagan on tomorrow (Sat. Oct. 10) at the Hillside Stadium, Kamloops with the game set to begin at 5 p.m.
~ Nimai Trivedi // Heat communications