WSOC: TWolves outplay TRU, but fall 3-1 to WolfPack

Women's Soccer
September 10, 2018

Larry Read, TRU

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack scored three straight first half goals and withstood a big second half challenge to down the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 3-1.  The Canada West women's soccer match was played Sunday (Sept 9) at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops, BC.  The victory was the first of the season for the 'Pack who go to .500 at 1-1.  UNBC falls to a loss and a tie.


TRU was led by Camryn Curts with two assists.

WolfPack markers were scored by Marisa Mendonca, Chantal Gammie and Abbie Simms.   Sofia Jones had the lone marker for the Timberwolves.
SYNOPSIS


UNBC came out strong and got the matches first three scoring chances. The best came in the sixth minute mark when Paige Payne turned at the top of the 18-yard box forcing Danielle Robertson to make the save.

But it was the WolfPack who scored first when Smithers native Chantal Gammie (1st year) got a through ball from Camryn Curts and notched her first Canada West goal in the 8th minute.


They added a second goal in the 27 th minute when Abbie Simms (1st year, Courtenay, BC) was able to head the ball forward into the net after a centering effort from Curts.

After TRU's Marisa Mendosa scored on a penalty kick, UNBC's Sofia Jones (2nd year, forward, San Fransisco, CA) got a break away but was thwarted by Robertson.  Jones later scored in the 44th minute to put UNBC on the board as she launched a high shot, which found the back of the net.   TRU led 3-1 at the half.


UNBC came out of the dressing room fired up with Paige Payne (3rd year, midfield, Kitimat, BC) having a couple of great scoring opportunities.

In the 55th minute mark, Gammie got the pass from Emily Mann (2nd year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) and shoveled it to Curts at the top of the box. Her effort hit the cross bar.


The Timberwolves dominated the offensive opportunities in the second half. Roberton made two big saves including one in the 80 th minute one handed to preserve the victory.

KEY STATS:

Goal scoring:

8:57 –TRU—Chantal Gammie (1st year, forward, Smithers, BC) took a lead pass from Camryn Curts (2nd year, midfielder, Courtenay, BC)  and beat  UNBC keeper Madi Doyle with a right footer.  Gammie's first career Canada West goal     TRU 1  UNBC 0
26:58—TRU—Abbie Simms (1st year, midfield, Courtenay, BC)  headed the ball in after teammate Camryn Curts bulled her way down the right side, fought off  UNBC's Madison Emmond and put it towards the goal.   Simms first Canada West career goal.  TRU 2  UNBC 0
30:00—TRU—Marisa Mendosa (4th year, midfield, Penticton, BC) scored on a penalty kick-low right side of the net on Doyle.  Mendosa's first goal of the season.  TRU 3  UNBC 0
44:25- UNBC-Sofia Jones (2nd year, forward, San Fransisco, CA) one times it to the top of the net over the head of Robertson. Jones first goal of the year.  TRU 3  UNBC 1
Shots:    UNBC: 10- 9:19   TRU:  6-1:7       Corners:   UNBC:   2-4:6      TRU: 2-0:2

                     Saves:   TRU: 3-3:6  UNBC:  2-0:2               Shots on goal:  UNBC:  4-4:8  TRU 5-0:5

                   

Keepers:   TRU:   Danielle Robertson (2nd year, Courtenay, BC) (1-1)

       UNBC: Madi Doyle (2nd year, Squamish, BC) (0-1)
RECORDS:


UNBC:  0-1-1       TRU: 1-1

QUOTES:


TRU head coach Kelly Shantz (3rd season):

On Match:"Just nice to gut one out. We had a chance to win one yesterday and led after the first half but we didn't deserve it. Today, we played a phenominal first half and got three goals. It was really important for us to get a lead and learn to play with it against an opponent we need to stay in front of.  We had some wobbly moments in the second half but we gutted it out and started to communicate and do the things we had to do."


TRU Midfielder Camryn Curts (2nd year, Courtenay, BC):

On the match:  "We came out strong and capitalized on our opportunities. In the second half, it was a big scary but we kept it together and pushed it hard to get the win. We had five rookies out there yesterday. I think we shook off the nerves and did better today."
On the battle in the middle of the field: " It was hard in the middle. Every team we play against has a very strong middle. Its very difficult but you have to have the mindset to go into every tackle and give it your all to get the victory. I seem to be adjusting pretty well for my second year in Canada West. I try and do my best out there."

UNBC head coach Neil Sedgwick (3rd season):


On strong second half after being down 3-1: " We made some changes late in the first half and we got some energy. We carried that through into the second half. We had some good chances but we ran into a very resilient WolfPack team. It is always good to play TRU, they are always good matches and very entertaining along with providing different challenges every time."

On the strong play of Paige Payne and Sofia Jones: "They have been fantastic in the preseason and yesterday. They add a real element to our team. Sofia is new to our team. Paige is really coming into her own as a player. As a duo they add a dynamic nature to our team which is great."