Vancouver, BC – The University of Victoria women's soccer team lost a penalty shootout to Thompson Rivers University after battling to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in the Canada West semifinal on Nov. 5. Despite the result, the Vikes remain alive in the postseason and will now play for a berth at the U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship in Friday's bronze medal match.
The Vikes continued their Cinderella run with an early breakthrough.
- Victoria opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Brianne McLeish battled through a defender to redirect a cross from Scarlett McNeely past the Thompson Rivers goalkeeper.
- The goal rewarded a strong start from the Vikes, who entered the semifinal fresh off an upset victory over Prairie Division champion Calgary.
- Thompson Rivers found an equalizer in the 40th minute through Hannah Saxon, sending the teams into halftime tied 1-1.
Victoria faced a tough second half.
- The WolfPack had the best scoring opportunity of the half as Thompson Rivers was awarded a penalty kick following a tackle in the box, threatening to take the lead late in regulation.
- Goalkeeper Stefanie Mocnik stepped up with her team's fate potentially on her shoulders, diving to stop the penalty and keep the score level.
- Neither side was able to break through in regulation or overtime, sending the semifinal to penalty kicks.
The contest was ultimately decided from the spot.
- Victoria and Thompson Rivers traded successful penalties through the opening rounds of the shootout.
- The WolfPack eventually prevailed 4-3 in penalties to advance to the Canada West final.
- While the loss ended Victoria's bid for a conference championship, the Vikes remain one win away from qualifying for the U SPORTS Championship.
The Vikes return to Thunderbird Stadium on Nov. 6 to face the Trinity Western Spartans in the Canada West bronze medal match. With UBC already qualified as tournament host, the winner will secure a berth at the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship.
