KELOWNA, B.C. – Despite a late goal from rookie
Matteo Bigattini, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team was unable to overcome the UFV Cascades Friday night ras they fell 2-1 on Friday night at Nonis Field.
The chippy match, which saw five yellow cards issued to UFV and three to UBCO, would open up with an unassisted Cascades goal in the fourth minute by Ivan Mejia (New Westminster, B.C.) and then a 20
th minute penalty kick goal by Taylor Richardson (Langley, B.C.) to put UFV up 2-0 at the half.
The Heat responded in the second half with a goal in the 69
th minute of play. The lone Heat goal would come off the boot of Bigattini (Kelowna, B.C.), the second goal of the season for the rookie forward, assisted by
Jacob York of Port Coquitlam, B.C.
There would be multiple chances following Bigattini's tally for the Heat to tie the contest, but ultimately they were unable to find an equalizer as UBCO's point streak came to an end at three games.
TOP PERFORMERS
Matteo Bigattini – UBCO
The rookie forward and local product was a solid presence on the field since subbing in for the second half of the match, putting the offensive pressure on the visiting Cascades. His strong efforts resulted in the Heat's only goal of the match, denying the Cascades' goalie a clean sheet.
Ivan Mejia – UFV
The first-year forward led the charge for the Cascades, opening up the scoring in the fourth minute with an unassisted goal as well as tallying a handful of shots through out the match.
WHERE THEY SIT
With the loss, the Heat's record now drops to 2-4-2 as they fall into seventh place in the Canada West Pacific division. With the win, the Cascades leapfrog the Heat in the standings as they move into fifth place in the Pacific with a record of 3-4-1 on the season.
UP NEXT
The Heat will be back in action on Saturday night as they take on the Trinity Western Spartans at Nonis Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and tickets for the match are free.
