Langley, B.C. – The University of Victoria men's soccer team closed the 2023 Canada West regular season on a high note, defeating Trinity Western University, 2-1, Oct. 21 at Chase Office Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- A quick pass from Matthew Pearse allowed Evan Larson to turn and drive straight to the goal, and after a quick shake off of his trailing defender, sent the ball past the Spartans' goalkeeper for the 1-0 UVic lead in the 34th minute.
- Holding the 1-0 lead at the half, an own goal in the 53rd minute tied it for the Spartans, 1-1.
- Finding the game-winner in the 79th minute, a free kick by Javier Sagaste was swung in from the right sideline directly to Jag Zaharia, who used his head to put the ball over the line to seal the win for the Vikes, 2-1.
WORTH NOTING
- Both Larson's and Zaharia's goals marked their firsts as Vikes.
- The Vikes out-shot Trinity Western 19-3 overall, and 8-2 in shots on goal.
- The three Spartan shots mark the fewest allowed by the Vikes to an opponent this season, while UVic's 19 shots are the most taken by the Vikes this season.
- With the win, the Vikes marked their 10th victory of the 2023 season, marking the most conference wins for the program since the 2013 season (10-3-1).
- The Vikes finish the season with a 10-4-2 record and have secured the two seed in the Canada West pacific division. The Spartans finish in third place in the division at 6-4-5.
UP NEXT
The Vikes head to Calgary, Alta. for the first two rounds of the Canada West playoffs, Oct. 27-29.
