Calgary, Alta. – A back-and-forth affair opened the University of Victoria women's soccer team's 2024 Canada West season, as the Vikes managed to hold off Mount Royal University, 4-3, in their season-opener, Aug. 29 at MRU's Field 2.
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Newcomer Hannesson opens the Vikes' season scoring

• With the Vikes earning a corner in the 11th minute, Ruby Nicholas managed to find newcomer Jayden Hannesson's head, who sent it to the back of the net for the 1-0 Vikes lead.

Rangel's first career goal puts the Vikes back in front

• After Mount Royal tied the game on their possession following the Vikes' goal, Payton Rangel managed to put Victoria back in front in the 33rd minute. Adrianna Hilton sent a free kick into the box, and after bobbling off Cougar defenders, it made its way to Rangel, who chipped it to the top right corner of the net for the 2-1 Vikes lead.

Murphy gives the Vikes the halftime lead

• Though MRU once again tied the game in the minute following the Vikes' goal, Nicholas' interception of the ball in the Cougars' defensive zone led to a series of passes, ending with Rangel finding Sophie Murphy at the top of the box, who sent a chip shot to the top right corner of the net for the 3-2 Vikes lead in the 42nd minute.

Nicholas buries the game-winner

• Drawing the MRU goalkeeper farther out into the box, Nicholas was quick to drive around her, burying a shot on the open net to give the Vikes a 4-2 lead in the 55th minute.

Another response in less than 60 seconds

• The Cougars found a response within 60 seconds for the third time this game, pulling back within one, 4-3, in the 56th minute. 

Vikes close out win

• Fending off Mount Royal for the final 34 minutes, the Vikes held on for the 4-3 win to open the season.

WORTH NOTING

• The four goals for the Vikes mark their highest amount in a season-opening game since the 2013 season, a 4-1 win against UNBC, Sept. 7.
• The win also marks the first season-opening win for the Vikes since 2021, a 3-1 win over UNBC at Centennial Stadium, Sept. 10.
• Mount Royal out-shot UVic 15-9, however, the teams were even in shots on goal at nine each.
• Goalkeeper Kayley Lidstone registered six saves in the win.
• First years Raina Hagel, Malia Phelan, and Ella Ashfield all made their Vikes debuts in the win.
• Hannesson and Rangel's goals marked the first of their respective Vikes careers.
• The Vikes begin the year 1-0, while the Cougars start the season 0-1. 

UP NEXT
The Vikes make their season debut at Centennial Stadium, hosting the University of British Columbia Friday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m., and the University of Northern British Columbia Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. Get your tickets here or tune in on Canada West TV.