University of Victoria Athletics

Victoria, BC – The University of Victoria men's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against the Fraser Valley Cascades on Oct. 9 at Centennial Stadium.
 
The Cascades struck early before the Vikes found an equalizer in the second half.

• Fraser Valley opened the scoring just six minutes into the match when they converted on their persistent offensive push. It was clear the Cascades wanted to be the first on the board as they started the game applying instant pressure to the Vikes' backline.
• The Vikes pushed for a response but trailed 1-0 heading into halftime despite creating several opportunities.
• Victoria found its breakthrough in the 59th minute as Rees Goertzen scored his first goal of the season, finishing a setup from Evan Larson to level the match at one apiece.

 
Victoria tightened up defensively to secure a point.

• Callum Weir made four saves, including two in each half, to keep the Vikes within striking distance.
• In the final moments of the match, the Cascades had one of the most dangerous scoring opportunities. Weir was forced into a full extension dive to turn aside the blast and secure a point for the Vikes.

 
Notables

• Rees Goertzen scored his first goal of the season, marking his return to the scoresheet after stepping away from the program last season.
• The Vikes moved to 5-3-3 on the season, while Fraser Valley moved to 6-3-5.
• Victoria has earned points in three of its last four matches.

 
The Vikes will return to action on Oct. 10 when they host the UBC Thunderbirds at Centennial Stadium.