PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Two second-half goals helped the University of Victoria Vikes men's soccer team come from behind to win game two against the UNBC Timberwolves on Sept. 28 in Prince George, B.C. The Vikes downed the Timberwolves 2-1, advancing to 5-1 in regular season play, while the Timberwolves fall to 1-7. Gorman and Cameron Stokes scored less than five minutes apart to give the Vikes their six-point weekend.
A few changes to the starting line up left the UNBC men's soccer team with a slightly different look heading into their rematch with the University of Victoria Vikes Sunday afternoon. With six rookies in the starting line-up its no question that the young UNBC side was up against an experienced and tested Vikes squad.
From the first whistle both teams were out for blood, looking for an opportunity to gain the advantage, UNBC was first to capitalize in the 15th minute. A throw-in from Ben Gosse (Port Moody, BC) went straight to Tofa Fakunle (Calgary, AB) who crossed the ball to striker Cheona Edzerza (Prince George, BC), Edzerza turned and struck the ball clean into the bottom righthand corner of the net.
Down 1-0 early in the game the Vikes played aggressive putting the UNBC back line under constant pressure. Halfway through the first half it looked like their persistence was going to pay off when Cam Hundal (Terrace, BC) traveled down the left side and into the box for a chance at goal but his attempt was blocked by UNBC keeper Ty Venhola (Abbotsford, BC). The rebound was sent back by Hundal again but he was denied this time by the Timberwolves defender Josh McAvoy (Abbotsford, BC). The Vikes continued to use the transition game and quick counter attacks to put the Timberwolves under pressure but we unable to convert in the first half. Heading into the break UNBC held a 1-0 lead over the Vikes.
The Vikes made their move in the 56th minute. A corner kick from Dominic Colantonio (Victoria, BC) swung into the box to Stokes who headed the ball past the Timberwolves keeper tying the game at one apiece. It wasn't long after when a foul in the box resulted in a penally kick being awarded, giving the Vikes an opportunity to pull ahead. Craig Gorman (Victoria, BC) made good on the penalty shot pulling the Vikes ahead 2-1.
Down by one goal the Timberwolves pushed to even the score. Late in the second half Edzerza made a break and pushed passed the Vikes back line on a counter attack but his breakaway was stopped by Colantanio who came across the field and knocked the ball out of bounds. Down the stretch neither team played conservative as both pushed for possession and to get into an attacking position, but in the end it was the Vikes who finished ahead with a 2-1 scoreline over the Timberwolves.
The Vikes will return home to host the UBC Okanagan Heat Oct. 3 followed by the Thompson Rivers WolfPack on Oct. 4. Both games will be at Centennial Stadium and will be broadcast live via canadawest.tv.
SCORING SUMMARY
UNBC: 1 - 0 : 1
UVIC: 0 - 2 : 2
GOAL SCORERS
UNBC: Cheona Edzersa (15')
UVIC: Cameron Stokes (56'), Craig Gorman (60')