Photo: MPP Photography

LETHBRIDGE – Two goals in a nine minute span turned out to be more than enough for the visiting Trinity Western Spartans as they cruised to a 3-0 win over the Lethbridge Pronghorns Sunday afternoon at the University Community Stadium.

The Spartans received goals from fourth year forward Domenic Poletto (Calgary), fifth year midfielder Joel Waterman (Aldergrove, B.C.) and third year defender Caleb Johnson (Strathmore, Alta.).

The loss drops the Pronghorns record to 0-5-1 on the season, while the Spartans improve to 3-1-3 on the season.

Trinity Western opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Domenic Poletto received a pass 20-yards out, took a step inside and rocketed a shot to the right top corner for his team leading fourth goal of the season.

Less than 10 minutes later the Spartans doubled their lead. Joel Waterman beat one defender and curled a shot to the far outside corner.

Stephen Primeau had the best chance for the Pronghorns to get on the scoreboard but his shot from inside the Spartans penalty area slid wide.

Possession and statistics favoured the Spartans in the opening 45 minutes. The Spartans attempted 10 shots to the Pronghorns two.

Only five minutes into the second half, the Spartans extended the lead to three off a perfectly executed set piece. Domenic Poletto curled the free kick into the Pronghorns penalty area, finding the head of Caleb Johnson, who made picked up his third of the season.

While the Pronghorns held more possession following the Spartans third goal, they were unable to break through the Spartans defence. After only attempting two shots in the opening 45 minutes, the Pronghorns managed to take five shots in the second half, forcing Spartan second year keeper Sebastian Colyn (Langley, B.C.) to make four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season.

QUOTABLE
TWU Head Coach Mike Shearon
"I thought we played ok today. Wasn't our best performance of the year but it got the job done. Soccer is a funny game for sure when you look at our results this weekend. All three goals were quality with Joel's being something special. I am most excited about the shutout and I thought the backline and bus did well."

NOTABLE
• TWU played the final 14 minutes down a player after midfielder Joel Waterman got his second yellow card.
• The Spartans finished the match outshooting the 'Horns 12-7, with an 8-4 edge in shots on goal.
• There were seven yellow cards handed out and 25 fouls called in the match.

UP NEXT
The Spartans will now return home after a five road games to host the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Match time on Saturday, September 22 is set for 7:15 p.m. at Chase Office Field in Langley, B.C.

About TWU
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 10 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country and track & field. TWU also competes in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) in men's hockey. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 11 U SPORTS team championships and 25 Canada West team championships.

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