KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's soccer team (5-5-2) secured a decisive 3-0 victory on Graduating Seniors Day over the UNBC Timberwolves (0-13-1) on Sunday at Nonis Sports Field.
The Heat dominated with 27 shots, 17 on goal, while UNBC managed only four shots. The Heat took a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime and add another goal in the second half on a day in which they celebrated five graduating seniors including
Annika Gross,
Abigail Taneda,
Sydney Kolodziej,
Talia Gagnon and
Jaidyn McGrath.
The first half began with the Heat establishing early dominance against UNBC.
Maria Georgacacos opened the scoring in the sixth minute, assisted by Taneda, marking her third goal of the season. Just over a minute later, Kolodziej extended the lead to 2-0 with her first goal of the season, assisted by
Annabelle Walker.
The Heat kept the pressure on UNBC's defence with multiple shots on goal, though Johanna Rathke managed several crucial saves to keep the scoreline at 2-0 heading into halftime.
The second half began with the Heat maintaining their defensive stance, as
Talia Gagnon recorded an early save against a shot by UNBC's Scarlet Thomas. The Heat's offensive efforts soon ramped up, with Taneda and
Haden Thomas pressuring the UNBC defence. Taneda's persistence paid off at the 67th minute, curling in a beautiful shot for her second goal of the season with an assist from
Haden Thomas, extending the Heat's lead to 3-0.
Following the goal, the Heat continued to press, generating multiple corner opportunities and shots, including efforts by Georgacacos and Walker that were either saved or blocked by UNBC's defense.
Despite UNBC's attempts to counterattack, including a blocked shot by Sophie Postlethwaite at the end of the half, the Heat's defence held firm to come away with the victory.
Kolodziej scored a goal with her only shot of the match, converting it on target for the team. Taneda contributed significantly with one goal and one assist, leading the team with eight shots, four of which were on goal. Georgacacos added a goal while taking five shots, four of which were on target. Walker assisted on a goal and attempted three shots, with one on target. Gagnon, in goal, recorded three saves in a full 90-minute appearance, maintaining a clean sheet.
With the win, the Heat moved into the fourth and final playoff spot in the Canada West Pacific division with 17 points, two behind the Victoria Vikes (5-3-4) for third place and two up on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack (5-7-0).
Looking ahead, the Heat will travel to Kamloops, B.C., to take on the aforementioned WolfPack for their final two games of the regular season. The first matchup in the weekend doubleheader is set for Saturday, October 18 at 2:30 p.m.
Game Notes:
- Georgacacos' goal was her third of the season, giving her sole possession of the team scoring lead
- Taneda's two points give her six on the season, and 27 all-time with the Heat
- Kolodziej's tally was the fifth of her Heat career and first of the season
- Gagnon recorded her eighth career clean sheet and third of the season