ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – In a game of wild momentum swings, the UFV Cascades and Victoria Vikes ended up locked in a 2-2 tie at MRC Sports Complex on Friday evening.
 
Fifth-year forward Amanda Carruthers scored both goals for the host Cascades (0-0-1) in their Canada West regular-season opener, while the Vikes (1-0-1) got goals from Caitlin Millham and Stephanie Badilla Gutierrez.
 
The two teams are both back in action on Saturday evening – the Cascades hosting the UBC Thunderbirds (5:30 p.m., MRC Sports Complex), and the Vikes visiting the Trinity Western Spartans (5 p.m.). Both games can be viewed online at CanadaWest.tv.
  
It took the lion's share of the first half to produce a goal, and it was the Vikes who broke through in the 41st minute. The visitors played a long pass ahead to the top of the Cascades' 18-yard box, and goalkeeper Emily Harold collided with a teammate as she came out to play the ball. Both UFV players hit the ground, but Millham remained upright and slotted the ball home.
 
The Cascades responded in auspicious fashion, equalizing less than a minute later. Brittney Zacharuk played a ball ahead and Carruthers gave chase. Vikes goalkeeper Puck Louwes beat Carruthers to the ball, but her clearing attempt went off the onrushing UFV striker and rolled in.
 
Carruthers made it 2-1 in the 57th minute. Off a Cascades corner, Zacharuk tracked down the ball and sent it to Harneet Dadrao on the left wing, and the rookie midfielder played a gorgeous cross to Carruthers for a close-range finish at the far post.
 
The Vikes equalized in the 68th through Badilla Gutierrez, who found a seam in the UFV defence, took a pass from Emily Lieuwen, and deposited a low shot past Harold.

SCORING                          1     2     FINAL
Victoria (1-0-1)                   1     1     2
UFV     (0-0-1)                    1     1     2
 
MVPS
Victoria: #26 Stephanie Badilla Gutierrez
UFV: #18 Amanda Carruthers