WolfPack fall to Golden Bears in men’s soccer

KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack wound up a Canada West men’s soccer road trip to Edmonton with only one of a possible six points. The WolfPack wrapped up their two game weekend with a 4-2 setback at the hands of the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

TRU scored both goals in the second half after head coach John Antulov made massive changes inserting five rookies and one second year player. TRU falls to 3-6-1 on the year while the Golden Bears, the second ranked team in CIS men’s soccer moves to 9-0-1. TRU was down 3-0 at the half and 4-0 at one point. The WolfPack got their goals five minutes apart on the second half.

“We knew we were in tough. Both of their first goals came on breakdowns off of set plays. After the first goal, we got into the play but their second goal deflated us. Their third goal was a beautiful one.  I put lots of subs in the second half to give the young kids some experience. They were fantastic. I think they acquitted themselves quite well against the second ranked team in the CIS. We held possession and were rewarded for our smart play,” TRU head coach John Antulov says.

Goal scoring:

ALTA (6:51) Noah Cunningham (first goal of the year) off a header assisted by Niko Saler. ALTA 1  TRU 0
ALTA (31:25) Calum Jardine (third goal of the year) tipped it in off a free kick assisted by Niko Saler  ALTA 2  TRU 0
ALTA (38:38) Noah Cunningham (second goal of the year) strike from 30 yards out beating Claye Harsany (2nd year, High River, AB)  ALTA 3  TRU 0  at the half
ALTA (58:59) Ajeej Sarkaria (14th goal of the year) header off corner by Victor Karosan beating WolfPack reserve keeper Brady Van Ryswyk (1st year, Penticton, BC)   ALTA 4  TRU  0
TRU (71:10) Olamide Ajibike (2nd year, midfield, Maple Ridge, BC) on a breakaway assisted by Mike Harvey (4th year, midfield, Calgary, AB)  first goal of the year ALTA 4  TRU 1
TRU (75:19) Keenan Wallace (1st year, midfield, Kamloops, BC)  rebound off a free kick assisted by Mitch Popadynetz (3rd year, forward. First Canada West goal.  ALTA 4  TRU 2

The Alberta keeper, Connor James saw 3 shots on goal, two goals against 1 save in 90 minutes. The TRU keeper Claye Harsany saw 6 shots on goal 4 goals against 3 saves in 45 minutes. The TRU keeper Brady Van Ryswick saw 7 shots on goal one save in 45 minutes.

The WolfPack have a bye next week. They will be back at Hillside Stadium for a rare Thursday night encounter on Oct. 6. That is when they will entertain the University of British Columbia Okangan Heat. Game time is 8 p.m.