LAVAL, Que. – A late winner from
Jessica Vance (Coquitlam, B.C.) lifted Trinity Western to a 2-1 victory over Calgary in Friday morning's consolation sem-final match at the U SPORTS Championship.
After heading into the half down 1-0, the Spartans rallied in the second, starting with a goal from
Holland Stiel (Okotoks, Alta.).
Shots were 14-14 in the match, but the Spartans edged the Dinos in shots on target 9-8.
Spartans keeper
Hannah Miller (Langley, B.C.) stopped seven of eight Dinos chances directed on net.
TWU will play UBC in the 5th Place Match on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT
AS IT HAPPENED
The Dinos struck quick as a Jayden Berg goal found the back of Miller's net in the fourth minute.
Stiel found her goal off a cross from
Tilly James (Vancouver) in the 59
th, tying the match at 1-1.
With a free-kick in Dinos territory, team captain
Sierra Halldorson (Winnipeg) looped a ball into the box, finding Vance who powered it home, winning the game in stoppage time.
QUOTABLE
Graham Roxburgh – TWU Head Coach
"That win speaks a lot about character and resilience. There was a lot of frustration giving up an early goal that didn't need to happen. I thought we generated enough chances in the game to win, but it was a weird game. A lot of competitive spice to the game, but I was really proud of the work-rate, the heart, and the belief. I thought we played some good soccer. I'm really encouraged that this young group pulled it together and fought through a tough battle, finding a way to get it done.
"
Jessica Vance was superb. I've said it many times – I think she's underrated, and an all-star in Canada. The way she defends and saves us from a lot of desperate situations is graceful, but she glides forward with the ball too. I thought she deserved her goal after a great season defending for us. Sierra [Halldorson] was a captain that showed that she can lead when she needs to lead, and scrap when she needs to scrap. Couldn't be more proud of her. Kylie [Hendricks] (Maple Ridge, B.C.) and some of our younger players also played really well.
"We're excited to grow together as a team tomorrow."
NOTABLE
- Vance earned TWU's player of the game in the victory.
- TWU is 17-7-6 all-time against Calgary.
- The Spartans have overcome early goals from the Dinos twice this season. TWU conceded a goal in the first minute of Sept. 30's match between the two sides, rallying with a 3-1 victory.
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 13 U SPORTS team championships and 32 Canada West team championships.
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