VICTORIA – A three-goal first half from the University of Victoria women's soccer team paved the way for a 4-1 Vikes win over visiting Mount Royal University, Sept. 2, at Centennial Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Wasting no time getting on the board, a right-to-left cross from Erin Jensen found a waiting Emma Skalik in the box, who needed only one touch to send it to the back of the net for the 1-0 Vikes lead in the first minute.
- A downfield pass from Sophie Fingarson landed with Ruby Nicholas, who beat the Cougars' keeper one-on-one to give UVic a 2-0 lead in the 13th minute.
- Adding a third goal in the 21st minute, Sophie Murphy gained control of the ball inside of the box and slipped it to Nicholas, who netted her second of the match for the 3-1 Vikes lead.
- Awarded a penalty kick in the 48th minute, Jensen stepped up to the spot for the Vikes and buried it to the back right corner, putting Victoria ahead, 4-0.
- The final goal of the match came via penalty kick by Mount Royal, who brought the final score to 4-1 in the 83rd minute.
WORTH NOTING
- Skalik's first-minute goal marks her fourth of the year, setting a new season-high total for goals in a season for the fifth-year (previously three).
- Kayley Lidstone recorded four saves in 57 minutes in goal to earn the win, while Heather Del Pero defended the net for the final 33 minutes of action.
- The Vikes have scored 11 goals through three games in 2023, over two-thirds of their total 2022 offence (15 goals).
- The home-opening victory marks the third for Victoria in the last five seasons.
- With the win, the Vikes improve to 2-1-0 on the season, while the Cougars drop to 0-2-1 with the loss.
UP NEXT
The Vikes host Trinity Western University Friday, Sept. 8 at Centennial Stadium. Thunderfest kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
