By Jessica Wind (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: September 4, 2013
A cross-border matchup between Western Washington University (WWU) and the UFV Cascades ended in a split result for the men’s and women’s soccer squads.
Taking the Chilliwack turf at Townsend Park in the afternoon, the women started out strong. There was consistent communication from Cascades’ keeper Kayla Klim that transferred through the midfield, as back and forth effort from both sides and solid goaltending by Klim kept the match scoreless at half. The Cascades would need to push out harder for another 45 minutes to take the game.
A quick pep talk from head coach Rob Giesbrecht at half focused on confidence and trust in both their individual play and their work as a team.
Unfortunately it was not enough; WWU came out with a strong offensive push in the second, weaving in and out of the Cascades’ defensive line.
An early goal in the second by WWU was immediately called offside, but the Cascades played a step behind afterwards.
Despite WWU going up by one with 17 left and another with under three to end the game 2-0, there was some standout play coming from the UFV side in this preseason matchup.
Defender Karlee Pederson held the left side of the field, while defender Jade Palm performed well in midfield and was named player of the match. Veteran striker Carly Neeson was solid in creating many scoring opportunities for the Cascades, though WWU was able to hold them off.
Going forward, the ladies will need to ensure they can step up to the physical level that teams like WWU present and continue their work as a unit for a full 90 minutes.
The Cascade men were more successful after taking the turf in the early evening. Playing their fourth game in four days, they met WWU with physicality and skill, showing they are ready for regular season play.
Veteran keeper Mark Village was solid in net, coming out to attack everything in his zone. Even late in the second when WWU challenged him several times he kept the game scoreless. The men were able to work the ball up the field quickly, keeping it out of reach of attacking WWU players.
The only goal came at the 33rd minute from defender Ryan Liddard off a free kick awarded just outside the 18-yard box. It was a direct shot to the upper right corner of the net, out of reach of the opposing keeper.
Going into the second half, the Cascades were searching for a second goal, and came out with immediate force that would last for the remaining 45 minutes of play.
Third-year defender Colton O’Neill, who is back from his summer on the Whitecaps Premier Development League club, had an opportunity at 58 minutes, sending a flying header just wide of the net.
There were opportunities to capitalize on the Cascades’ play, but many shots were sent high over the WWU net.
The Cascades soccer teams kick off their regular season play on Sept. 6 at Exhibition Field in Chilliwack BC. The women take the pitch at 5 pm against the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. The men play immediately after at 7:15 pm against the Trinity Western Spartans.
