WolfPack earn historic win in first match at USPORTS National Championships

Nov 9, 2017 | 8:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — All it took was one.

Josh Banton headed home the only goal of the match of a Mitchell Popdynetz free kick in the 59th minute to give Thompson Rivers University WolfPack the 1-0 lead over the York Lions.

That goal would stand up as the winner.

The Lions weren’t ever really able to get their offence rolling, firing just 7 shots at the TRU Goal.

5th-year goalkeeper Allan Connor was solid when needed to be, anchoring a TRU defence that played well in limiting the chances of a high-powered York attack.

The Lions chances took a further hit when in the 67th minute, Francesco Sinopoli would pick up the ball after the whistle and toss it at Mitchell Popadyntez, striking the TRU player in the head.

The undisciplined play would earn the Lions defender a red card, and an early trip to the showers.

York would be forced to finish the game with just 10 players, which likely led to a lack of quality chances on the offensive end.

The loss drops the Lions from Championship contention, while the upset victory earns TRU a spot in the Championship semi-final round, Friday at 7:30 pm.