PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Rookie midfielder
Spencer Mellett slotted home a rebound chance in the 67
th minute to give the UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves on Friday night.
Mellett, a native of Coquitlam, B.C., was the recipient of a great effort from fellow rookie
Jaise Shaw of Calgary. The first-year forward managed to poke a rebound away from UNBC keeper Logan Pierce of Campbell River, B.C., and the ball found Mellett who made no mistake, burying a shot into the open net.
The goal broke what had been a scoreless draw up until that point, with both teams unable to convert prior opportunities.
UBCO had the run of play early in the match with both
Oliver Deveau of Vancouver, and
Jacob York of Port Coquitlam, B.C., getting looks in the opening 20 minutes but neither was able to convert.
The Timberwolves would flip momentum in the later part of the opening half, however Heat keeper
Ronan Woodroffe of Toronto, stood tall, recording five first half saves.
In the second half, both Mellett and Shaw provided the needed shot in the arm for UBCO's offensive attack. Aside from the goal, both players would create numerous opportunities with each finishing the match with four shot attempts, including three on target for Mellett.
The Timberwolves would get one final opportunity but it was turned away by the Heat defenders, helping Woodroffe secure his sixth career clean sheet.
TOP PERFORMERS
MF Spencer Mellett – UBCO
After subbing on in the 37
th minute, the rookie midfielder left his mark all over the contest, posting a team-leading three shots on goal as well as tallying his first career goal.
MF Mehdi Bounaaja – UNBC
The rookie midfielder was impactful for the host Timberwolves, playing all 90 minutes while leading his team with two shots on goal.
WHERE THEY STAND
Thanks to their second straight win, the Heat move back to .500 with a 2-2-1 record, good for fourth overall in the Pacific division. As for the Timberwolves, they drop their second straight contest to fall to 0-4-1 on the campaign
UP NEXT
The two teams will renew acquaintances on Saturday night when they wrap up their weekend doubleheader at 6 p.m. Fans can catch the action live from Prince George on CanadaWest.tv.
