KELOWNA, B.C - The UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team closed out their 2023 regular season with an impressive 3-1 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon at Nonis Sports Field.
On a day in which they celebrated their three graduating seniors,
Jacob York,
Giuliano Montagliani and
Jacob Sol, the Heat gave their three grads a perfect send-off, scoring twice in the second half to earn the victory and eliminate the Timberwolves from post-season contention.
Jacobo Saenz-Ramos, hailing from Monterry, Mexico, got the scoring started for UBCO in the 23rd minute to put the Heat in an early lead over the Timberwolves. Although the Timberwolves quickly tied the match on a free kick three minutes later, the Heat were in control for most of the opening 45 minutes, outshooting the visitors 8-5.
The match remained even until the 80th minute when Mark Perizzolo of Burnaby, B.C., netted his second goal of the weekend, converting a through ball from Saenz-Ramos into the match winner. With momentum in their favour, the Heat added one more goal from Malachi Emerson of Surrey, B.C., in the 84th minute to secure the victory 3-1.Â
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TOP PERFORMERS
Jacobo Saenz-Ramos - UBCO
The third-year attacker was a crucial player for the Heat, securing the opening goal to set the tone of the match as well as adding an assist to finish his season tied for the team-lead in points with three.
Colin Stauffer- UNBC
The first-year midfielder and product of Prince George, B.C., scored a gorgeous free-kick goal to give him team a lifeline in the opening half.
WHERE THEY SIT
Closing off the season with a victory, the Heat end with a 4-11-0 record, good for sixth in the Canada West Pacific division. As for the Timberwolves, they fall just short of their late push for a playoff berth, ending with a 5-8-2 record, fifth overall in the Pacific division.
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