Wong’s late goal give UBCO Heat first win of the season

KELOWNA – Rookie Jadan Wong scored the game winning goal in the seventy fifth minute with a bicycle kick, his unbelievable goal securing the Heat’s first Canada West men's soccer win of the season on Friday night at the Nonis Sports Field, his goal led UBC Okanagan to a 2-1 win over the UNBC Timberwolves.

Wong’s game winner brought the crowd to their feet after his acrobatic goal hit the top left corner of the net during a scramble late in the second half, Sept. 18. His goal was assisted on a cross by Jeevin Kang to Enzo Paal who had a beautiful touch pass that set up Wong's masterpeice.

Heartbreaking for UNBC as Matt Jubenville had just knotted the score a minute earlier for the Timberwolves prior to Wong’s game winning goal. Jubenville had broken through the UBC Okanagan defense and found the back of the net on the bottom left corner, his unassisted marker was the only time UNBC had bested Heat keeper Tait Cuthill. The Twolves had been testing Cuthill all night long. Jubenville and forward Tofa Fakunle was the most persistent of the attackers, each finished with a pair of shots..

To capture his first win Cuthill needed to make four saves, including securing the ball in the 89th minute on a Tofa Fakunle break to secure the win for the Heat.

UBC Okanagan finally got on the scoreboard, in the game and on the season, in the 30th minute when freshmen Jeevin Kang scored his first career goal, a header that was assisted by sophomore forward Cole Kingzett. The 1-0 lead against the Timberwolves which they held until the second half.

The Heat were not without opportunities on the night as Kang, and another rookie, Luke Warkentin, both had great looks at the net only to be turned away by UNBC keeper Tyrone Venhola. Verhola finished with  eight saves in the 90 minute match. Kang was named player of the match for UBC Okanagan. Defender Gordon Hall earned that distinction for UNBC.

UBC Okanagan, after Friday night, improve their record to (1-2-0), UNBC, after today's loss are still lokking for their first win (0-3-0). These teams will meet again on Saturday and after Friday’s physical and exciting match the rematch should even be better. The match is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on the Nonis Sports Field.