It was a statement weekend for third-year striker Kiana Langston, scoring the game winner on Thursday and netting the sole marker in Friday’s contest to secure six points for a desperate UFV Cascades team. The Cascades defeated the visiting University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 1-0 at Rotary Stadium on Aug. 29 and 2-1 the night prior, bringing their season record back to .500.
Langston’s goal came just prior to the 33-minute mark of the first half after applying up-field pressure on UNBC’s defence.
“We work a lot on taking off that through pass coming from the centre back, and then not worrying as much about them going out wide. I was in the right position at the right time, and I saw my opportunity, and I didn’t think that it was going in, because they were very tall keepers, but I was very happy that it did.”
This will be Langston’s final season with the Cascades as she pursues a career in criminal justice, motivating her even more to leave everything on the field every single game.
“Whether or not people are up with me, I want to make sure that I’m doing what I can to help this team win.”
Addy Chen won their second straight game in net for the Cascades, and after entering the game in relief against Victoria it remains to be seen whether Coach Ari Adams goes back to Alana Madec or rides the hot hand in Chen. Chen made 4 saves on the night for their second career Canada West shutout.
Next up, UFV takes on the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack Friday, Sep. 5 who represent a massive rise in competition over UNBC. Their second game next weekend is in Kelowna against UBC Okanagan, who are projected to be a top 10 team in Canada West and vie for the final play-off spot in the Pacific division.
Like the Cascades, both of TRU’s wins have come against UNBC and both have struggled against better teams like UBC and Victoria. The Wolfpack finished with one more win than UFV last season, and they’re a team the Cascades will need to keep up with to stay in the play-off race as long as possible If the Cascades are able to get a split this upcoming weekend, TRU might be the opportunity to take advantage of.
With two goals in her last two games, Langston heading into TRU with her confidence as high as it is right now is exactly what UFV needs to steal a win next weekend. The Cascades need someone to follow. Should Langston continue to be the straw that stirs the drink, her teammates will hopefully follow suit. A handful of extra efforts could make a big difference to separate two teams like TRU and UFV that appear so evenly matched.
Langston recalled UFV’s pre-season bout with the Wolfpack while looking ahead to next weekend.
“It was definitely a physical, hard game. They have a lot of taller players who like to finish in the air and stuff. As long as we’re helping each other out and working back and doubling on players, I think we’ll have no problem beating them.”
