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Nationals, here we come!

Posted by on Nov 4, 2008 in Sports | 0 comments

Men’s Soccer
After a season of ups and downs, the Spartans did not give up the opportunity to beat UBC and gain a spot in the CIS championship.

Even without the overwhelming roar of the Spartan faithful, the men played the T-Birds shot for shot in a that 90 minutes could not solve. Nearly three minutes into extra time, a foul was called on the Spartans in their own box, allowing UBC to take control of the game with goal from a penalty kick. The men were not out of the game though. As the first half of overtime was coming to a close, a UBC player was called in the box allowing TWU forward Adrian Kekec to perfectly place a penalty kick equalizer.
With the way these two teams played, it was destined to be a shootout. The Spartans went to the line and reached perfection as they went 5 for 5. On the other side, a brilliant save by Spartan keeper Andrew Kowan was to be the difference as the Spartans clinched a spot in the Canada West final and the CIS championships. They would have the pleasure of meeting UVIC on the Vikes home field for the gold.

With the home crowd on their side, the Vikes took the game from the Spartans with a score of 4-1. The Vikes peppered the goal with shots all game as Kowan set the Trinity team record for saves in a game with 15. This is the first time in three years that the Spartans have not won Canada West, but they will still compete in the National Championships next week.

Women`s Soccer

Off the field, Spartan first year Nikki Wright was named Canada West Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year as chosen by head coaches from the division. She was also a finalist for the CIS Player of the Year award.

It was not to be UBC`s year as the Spartan women took a note from the men`s win in penalties in their victory over the T-Birds. With solid play from both keepers and defence, regulation and overtime would leave the teams at one goal apiece. In the shootout, TWU proved to be flawless as theytook the win. The victory would set them up for a date with the UVIC Vikes on Sunday for the gold.

The Vikes proved to be a worthy opponent for the Spartans as 90 minutes of regulation could not solve this matchup. Even after another 30 minutes of overtime, the game was still tied 0-0. A penalty shootout was the only solution. Unfortunately, the Spartans ended just shy of the gold as UVIC took the game in penalties.

Every game the Spartans play, it is hard to believe they are mostly first and second year players. With this performance of the season, it would be no surprise to see a national championship or two in the coming years. The Faithful look forward to the CIS Championships that are being hosted right here on TWU’s campus starting Nov. 6.

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