A clutch second-half goal from
Alanna Sydenham lifted the University of the Fraser Valley women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon.
Playing under a relentless rainfall at Abbotsford Senior Secondary, the Cascades out-shot the T-Wolves 13-0, but it took them until the 75th minute to find the back of the net. Sophomore defender Sydenham did the honours, enabling the Cascades (4-4-2) to move into a tie for third place in the West Division with the UVic Vikes. UNBC fell to 1-8-1.
"I think what happened was, we understood we needed the three points and we focused almost too heavily on needing to get those three points," UFV head coach
Niko Marcina analyzed afterward. "As a result, we were just panicking in the final third, and we weren't capitalizing and finishing our chances. However, we reminded them of the process we need to get the job done. I think that helped slow things down mentally, and allowed us to play better soccer in the second half, which turned into an awesome goal."
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The Cascades began the game by honouring seven graduating athletes –
Simi Lehal,
Kelsey Mitchell,
Joven Sandhu,
Taylor Nekic,
Harneet Dadrao,
Sarah Parker, and
Brittany Costa.
Once play commenced, the UFV squad comprehensively dominated the first half, earning a parade of corners and numerous dangerous chances. Yet they were unable to generate a goal.
Among UFV's many glorious looks at goal, Lehal's shot from close range went just over the crossbar;
Jashan Sandhar sent a shot off the inside of the post that spun back out; and
Halle McCambley's point-blank volley was straight at UNBC keeper Brooke Molby.
The Cascades continued to press in the second half, and finally broke through in the 75th minute. Dadrao's corner found Sydenham at the far post, and she threaded a shot between Molby's legs from close range.
UFV continued to generate chances, and Lehal and
Jenna Mele both sent shots off the crossbar in the dying minutes.Â
In the end, Sandhu picked up her third clean sheet of the season.
The Cascades wrap up the regular season next weekend on the road vs. UBC Okanagan.
Post-game, Marcina lauded the contributions of his graduating athletes.
"They've given their all," he said. "They've meant a lot to myself, the Cascades, their teammates. The amount of time they've spent, on the field and off the field, they've helped this program immensely. I was very emotional for them off the field, and I can only imagine how emotional it was for them and their families.Â
"I'm super-proud of them. They gave it their all, and they always give it their all. I couldn't ask for anything more."
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