Spartans top Timberwolves in tight season opener

Athletics
August 26, 2016

PRINCE GEORGE – A late goal from Cody Fransen allowed the Trinity Western University Spartans to overcome their opponent and the elements, earning a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves in the season opener for both sides at NCSSL Field.

The skies opened up throughout the game, with the ball sliding on bounces and occasionally causing problems for the keepers.

Elijah Adekugbe (Calgary, Alta.) also scored for Trinity Western (1-0-0), while Cheona Edzerza (Prince George, B.C.) replied for UNBC (0-1-0).

There were chances aplenty on both sides, with the Spartans getting 20 shots (nine on goal) to UNBC’s 11 (three on goal).

Joel Waterman paced the Spartans with seven shots, three on goal.

However, Timberwolves keeper Mitch MacFarlane (Prince George, B.C.) stood tall in the UNBC goal, making a number of quality saves throughout the game.

The Timberwolves struck early, as a strong battle from Conrad Rowlands (Chilliwack, B.C.) freed the ball up in the Spartans 18-yard box. Rowlands touched the ball to Edzerza, who made no mistake in going high on keeper Andrew Hicks (Surrey, B.C.) for a 1-0 UNBC lead 15 minutes in.

Trinity Western gradually increased its pressure afterward, and their persistence was rewarded in the 26th minute when Adekugbe struck from about 25 yards out, taking a pass from Mitchell Urzinger (Langley, B.C.) and beating MacFarlane to level the match at 1-1 going into halftime.

UNBC had a great chance to go up early in the second half, but a threatening cross from Rowlands couldn’t find any Timberwolves in the box.

Fransen, who came on for Vito Poletto (Calgary, Alta.) at halftime, put the Spartans ahead to stay in the 75th minute as MacFarlane bobbled a low drive from Waterman on the outside, allowing the Lynden, Wash. native to pounce on the rebound for the game-winning marker.

The rain really came down in the final 15 minutes of the match, though it ultimately didn’t produce any further scoring.

UNBC's best chance to grab a draw came in extra time, but Francesco Bartolillo couldn’t quite get a handle on the ball in the box.

The Spartans will aim for a weekend sweep when the two teams clash again on Saturday at 7 p.m., though the Timberwolves will be boosted by the return of defender Gordon Hall, who missed the opener due to suspension.

The game will also be available to stream live on CanadaWest.TV.

Contact Information

Geordie Carragher
Sports Information Officer
University of Northern British Columbia
carragher@unbc.ca
(250) 960-6009
(778) 349-4977