EDMONTON - A pair of second half goals lifted the UBC Okanagan Heat to their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon as they knocked off the MacEwan Griffins by a score of 2-0.
Despite a two-week layoff since their last game, right from kick off, UBCO held possession to find as many opportunities on net but left the first tied 0-0 with the Griffins.
High pressure in the second half resulted in a 50th minute goal from Malachi Emerson, a second year from Surrey, B.C., to give the Heat the lead.
Minutes later, the Griffins almost tied the game with a free-kick opportunity into the box, but rookier keepr Ronin Woodroffe of Kelowna, B.C., came up with a fantastic save.
Late in the half, the Heat sealed the win thanks to rookie Matteo Bigattini of Kelowna, B.C., netting his first career Canada West goal.
TOP PERFORMERS
Zack MacInnes - UBCO
The second-year midfielder from Kelowna, B.C., was a solid player on the field as his on and off the ball movement gave the Heat multiple opportunities on Sunday afternoon.
Josh Stayko - GMU
The second-year goalkeeper from Sherwood Park, Alta., held up a strong backing for the Griffins. Despite the 2-0 loss, Stayko worked well with his backline and had confidence in net saving four of the six shots on goal.
WHERE THEY SIT
The win moves the UBC Okanagan Heat's record to a 1-3-1 standing on the season as they sit in sevent place in the Canada West Pacific division. In the other corner, the MacEwan Griffins' record moves to 2-2-3 as they sit in third place in the Pacific division.
UP NEXT
The Heat return to Nonis Sports Field for Homecoming weekend on Friday, September 23rd, when they play at home against the Mount Royal Cougars. Kick off is set for 7:15 PM and tickets for the game are free for all fans.
