Box Score KELOWNA, B.C. - Thanks to a clutch goal from captain Sam McDonald, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team pulled off an important upset of the No. 9 nationally-ranked Victoria Vikes, winning 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Nonis Sports Field.
A hungry Heat team was able to avenge a 1-0 loss from the day before and stay alive in the Canada West playoff picture.
The difference in the contest came in the 54th minute when Aidan Tuck of Russell, Ont., directed a free kick towards Kelowna native McDonald. The 5th-year senior was able to get a head on it, tipping it past Victoria keeper Harjot Nijjar of Surrey, B.C., for the game's opening goal.
A slow start for the home side forced Heat keeper Nicholas Reitsma of Kelowna, B.C., to be on top of his game, and he was, making several big saves in the first half to keep the game in reach for his side.
Fourth-year midfielder Jimmy Steel of Salt Spring Island, B.C., finished the game with a handful of chances for the home squad, finishing the game with a team-high four shots.
Both keepers played quality games between the woodwork. Reitsma finished the game with five saves to record his third clean sheet of the season, and 12th of his career, while Niijar made seven saves in the loss, but came up big with timely saves late, keeping his team in the game.
With the win, the Heat move to within four points of a playoff spot as they hold a 2-4-4 record. Meanwhile, the Vikes drop just their second game of the season as they now sit at 5-2-3.
UBCO will now prepare for their final home games of the season as they faceoff against the UFV Cascades on Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd. The games will have massive implications in the playoff race as the two teams are currently tied on 10 points.
Kickoff on both Friday and Saturday is set for 6:30 p.m. at Nonis Sports Field.
