The University of the Fraser Valley women's soccer team was dealt a second straight loss by the Trinity Western Spartans, falling 3-0 at home on Sunday afternoon.

The U SPORTS No. 2-ranked Spartans – 5-1 winners over the Cascades on Friday in Langley – were led by Rachel Hutchinson and Jenaya Robertson, who notched a goal and an assist apiece. Kathryn Harvey also scored for the Spartans (10-1-1), and Hannah Miller made five saves for the clean sheet.

The Cascades (2-5-5), for their part, turned in a much better performance in the rematch, but were unable to break through offensively despite a strong start.

"Today our mentality was far better," UFV head coach Rob Giesbrecht said. "I thought we limited their chances – I don't remember a lot of big saves by our goalkeeper. First half, we forced a few saves and got at them a bit. 

"Again, I think we were punished by a couple youthful mistakes – letting players on the wrong side of us inside the penalty area . . . and just not being committed to getting to the ball first on a set piece. Those three things happened, and once we get down to 10 (players in the second half), it's always going to be tough against one of the top teams in the country. We had a lot of young players out there, and I can't say enough about how proud I am of them."

???? | "Today, our mentality was a lot better."

Cascades head coach @RobGiesbrecht on his team's effort vs. Trinity Western. pic.twitter.com/B3lyXXcs3Q

— UFV Cascades (@UFVCascades) October 14, 2019

The Cascades started brightly, making several dangerous forays in the first 15 minutes. Senior captain Brittney Zacharuk had the ball on her foot deep in the box, but she had her initial shot and the follow-up effort blocked by TWU defenders.

The Spartans gained traction as the half wore on, and Hutchinson opened the scoring in the 30th minute. She stepped in front of a Cascades pass and ventured forward before firing a shot past UFV keeper Andrea Perkovic into the bottom right corner.

Hutchinson set up the Spartans' second goal, sending in a corner in the 58th minute that Robertson headed home.

The Cascades' comeback hopes were dealt a blow in the 68th minute when a Yasmina Enneddam tackle was deemed worthy of a red card. Harvey rounded out the scoring in the 78th, collecting a Robertson cross and slotting a shot into the bottom right corner.

Jessica Fennell had a good look at goal for UFV late in the half, but her drive arced just over the bar.

"I'm pleased that we've won at a hard place to play against a hard team to play against," TWU head coach Graham Roxburgh said. 

"Fraser Valley, look, they're a great team and they're really well-coached, and they've got some very dangerous weapons. I know they probably have a couple injuries like we do. They came out strong and made it really difficult for us with their energy and aggressiveness."

Katie Lampen picked up player of the game honours for the Cascades, and Giesbrecht lauded the work rate of Kate Fisher who had stints at forward and in the midfield.

The Cascades wrap up the CW regular season at home next weekend, hosting the TRU WolfPack on Friday and the UBC Okanagan Heat on Saturday.