Vancouver, BC – The University of Victoria men's soccer team got its postseason revenge on Oct. 30, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Mount Royal Cougars 2-1 in overtime in the Canada West quarterfinal. One year after seeing their season end against Mount Royal in a penalty-kick shootout, the Vikes punched their ticket to the conference semifinal with a dramatic comeback victory.
The Vikes were tested immediately but responded with a composed performance.
- Mount Royal opened the scoring just 29 seconds into the match, giving the Cougars an early 1-0 advantage.
- Rather than panic, Victoria settled into the contest and gradually took control of play, finishing with an 18-9 advantage in shots.
- The Vikes continued to create opportunities throughout the first half but entered the break trailing by a goal.
Victoria's pressure finally paid off in the second half.
- The Vikes maintained control after halftime and were rewarded in the 74th minute when Evan Larson unleashed a long-range blast that found the back of the net, pulling Victoria level at 1-1.
- Victoria continued to press for a winner throughout the remainder of regulation, generating chances while limiting Mount Royal opportunities at the other end.
- With neither side able to break the deadlock, the quarterfinal matchup required extra time.
The comeback was completed in overtime.
- Victoria carried its momentum into the first overtime period and continued to push forward in search of a winner.
- The decisive moment came in the 104th minute following a Victoria set piece. After the initial cross was headed clear, Jag Zaharia charged onto the loose ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike. Zaharia's effort rocketed into the top corner, leaving the Mount Royal goalkeeper rooted to the spot and sending the Vikes into the Canada West semifinal.
- Callum Weir made four saves across 120 minutes and helped keep Victoria within striking distance after the opening-minute goal.
The Vikes return to action on Nov. 1 in the Canada West semifinal, where they will face the winner of Friday night's quarterfinal matchup between the UBC Thunderbirds and Lethbridge Pronghorns.
