Kiran Sandhu, Dinos Communications
CALGARY- The University of Saskatchewan Huskies received two second-half goals from Payton Izsak as they defeated the University of Victoria Vikes 2-0 in their Canada West play-in game at McMahon Stadium on Friday afternoon.
In a matchup that featured the fourth-place Pacific Division team against the fifth-place Prairie Division squad, it was the lower seed that moved on. The Huskies (4-6-4) will have a day to rest before facing the Calgary Dinos (13-1-0) on Sunday, while the Vikes (7-6-1) see their season come to an end.
"It was our whole team, they set me up for really good chances it feels really good to score but I have to give credit to my team. Every team is different, and we've got to focus on our game plan going forward for each team" said Izsak, a first-year midfielder from Prince Albert.
In a frantic first half, both teams displayed impressive defensive tactics resulting in the score board with no goals through 45 minutes. The Vikes out chanced the Huskies in the first half and had their best opportunity in the 31st minute off a corner kick that produced two shot attempts, but neither could find the net.
Saskatchewan was outshot in the first half 7-4 as they ran into foul troubles, but their offence came alive following the break.
After some early pressure by Victoria, the Huskies scored the game's first goal in the 60th minute. Izsak scored her fifth of the year after taking a feed from Taniel Gay to beat Vikes goalkeeper Puck Louwes.
The Huskies added another when Izsak struck again, this time controlling the ball and running it right through the Vikes' zone before eluding Louwes.
Saskatchewan goalkeeper Jadyn Steinhauer finished the day with eight saves for the clean sheet.
The Huskies finished the game with 14 shot attempts, while the Vikes had 12.
The Huskies will now to prepare to face the Dinos for the second time this season. Calgary earned a convincing 4-0 win in their first meeting on Sept. 29 at West Varsity Soccer Pitch.
The Canada West quarter-final match is set to get underway on Sunday at 12 p.m. at McMahon Stadium with the winner advancing to the Canada West Final Four.