WolfPack’s bid for national men’s soccer title falls short

Nov 10, 2017 | 11:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson Rivers WolfPack Men’s soccer team held the match in the palm of their hand, but like a mighty cod escaping a fisherman’s net, the dream of a USPORTS title slipped away.

Thompson Rivers University surrendered the first goal of the match less than 90 seconds in but responded with two quick first-half goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.

Ryan Glanville would score the first TRU goal in the 11th minute, finding a loose ball in front of the goal, and shovelling it past the Caper keeper.

In the 20th minute, James Fraser would get a piece of the Mitchell Popadynetz free kick to direct into the CBU goal.

The WolfPack’s opponent, the Cape Breton University Capers, came into the match seeded #1 in the nation, scoring more goals and allowing fewer than anyone else in the country.

The Capers would show off that offensive prowess in the second half, as Stuart Heath would finish off a fast-paced attack, burying a pass from Caelann Budhoo in the 53rd minute to tie the match.

That would be all the scoring in regulation, as the match headed to overtime tied 2-2.

CBU would break that tie in the 94th minute, as Heath would find the ball off the corner kick and make no mistake and fire it past TRU goalkeeper Allan Connor. Charlie Waters would score on a free kick a short time later, to stretch the Caper lead to two, which is how this match would finish.

TRU will face Canada West rivals UBC in the bronze medal match on Sunday at 11:00 AM.