KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team took home a massive point on home turf Friday night as they played the No. 4-ranked Mount Royal Cougars to a 1-1 draw on Homecoming weekend.
The Heat came out to play in front of a sizeable crowd at Nonis Sports Field, looking physical and confident on the ball. The Heat, using early momentum, drew a foul in the Cougars box, resulting in an opportunity from the spot. Nicholas Lechelt, a rookie Arts student from Edmonton, stepped up and buried the opportunity into the top-right corner of the net to give the hosts the early advantage.
Continuing to work as a unit, the Heat put back to back shots on net, but a 65th minute goal, from a set-play free kick, allowed the MRU Cougars to tie the match 1-1.
UBCO would have a late opportunity to take all three points off a Jordan Robillard (Mission, B.C.) opportunity but the rookie's header found the woodwork.
TOP PERFORMERS
James Huntington - UBCO
Huntington, in his first year with the Heat, played a phenomenal match during his second career university game on Friday evening. Carrying the ball with confidence, the defender was driven to move the ball up the field while also leading the charge in shutting down a talented Cougars front line.
Josh Flaksman - MRU
The second-year business student from Calgary, Flaksman gave the MRU Cougars their only goal of the night. Coming in at the half with fresh legs, Flaksman had multiple opportunities for the Cougars on Friday evening.
WHERE THEY SIT
After a big point for the UBCO, they continue to sit in seventh place in the Canada West Pacific division, holding a 1-3-2 record, but keep pace with the teams they're chasing for the final playoff spot in the division. The Mount Royal Cougars, who are ranked fourth in Canada, also received a point this evening, as they sit in first-place with 6-0-2.
UP NEXT
The Heat return to the field for their second Homecoming game this weekend on Sunday, September 25th. They are set to match up against the Lethbridge Pronghorns. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. at Nonis Field and tickets to the game are free for all fans.
