Abbotsford, BC – It was home sweet home on Friday, as the UFV Cascades picked up their first win of the season in their home opener against the Mount Royal Cougars at Rotary Stadium. After the team struggled to score last weekend, rookie Emerson Toop scored the Cascades first goal of the season and added an assist, while Addy Chen picked up the shutout in the 2-0 victory.

The Cascades improve to 1-2 on the season, while MRU drops to 1-3 so far.

How it happened:
Toop got the Cascades on the board in the 18^th minute. The rookie took a feed from Jaya Bains on the left side, and when it looked like she might cross the ball in Toop instead played a perfect chip over the head of MRU keeper Ella Filek and into the back of the net for her first career Canada West goal.
 

WSOC | Here's a look at Emerson Toop's first career goal in the first half! pic.twitter.com/Pj24xJP25K

— UFV Cascades (@UFVCascades) September 14, 2024

The Cougars' best chance came in the 36^th minute, as a corner kick led to a scramble in the box and MRU's Catriona McFadden knocked a header down that seemed destined for goal, but UFV's Camryn Lyon came up with a huge defensive clearance off the line to keep her team in the lead.

MRU came close again on the ensuing corner, but after Cascades keeper Addy Chen made the first save, the ball struck the post and stayed out to keep UFV on top.

Despite pressure from MRU, the Cascades found an insurance marker in the 66^th minute. Toop intercepted a Cougars clearing attempt and sent Kiana Langston in alone. The second-year striker calmly rounded the keeper before slotting it home to make it 2-0.

WSOC | 67' Kiana Langston rounds the keeper after the pass from Emerson Toop, and it's 2-0 @goUFV! pic.twitter.com/MaN7noYiTh

— UFV Cascades (@UFVCascades) September 14, 2024

Notable:
Cascades goalkeeper Addy Chen picked up their first career Canada West shutout in the victory. 

Quotable:
UFV Forward Emerson Toop

On her first Canada West goal:
"It feels amazing. I have been working towards this since I was probably five years old, and the reaction from the team made it feel so surreal. The best part was the moments after. As soon as the kickoff happened, we were all ready to go. The first goal of the season and we were all buzzing after that."

On what this win means for the rest of the season:
"I think this win shows what we are capable of this season. We worked our butts off tonight, and I think going forward we are going to keep working and putting those goals in the net."

Next Up:
The Cascades close out their weekend schedule on Sunday as they take on the Victoria Vikes at 3pm. The game will also be streamed live on canadawest.tv.

To keep up with all the action follow the Cascades on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @ufvcascades