The UNBC Timberwolves Men’s Soccer team did everything right except for one thing this weekend.
Stop Elijah Adekugbe.
The 3rd year Calgary product scored 3 of Trinity Western’s 4 goals including a pair in a 2-0 victory over the Timberwolves on Saturday.
Adekugbe’s first goal came during extra time of the opening half when he found a crease and bended a high-shot below the crossbar beating UNBC goalkeeper Mitch MacFarlane.
After a chippy start to the second half, he would add his second of the contest off of a penalty kick to double TWU’s lead.
T-Wolves Head Coach, Steve Simonson couldn’t help but tip his cap to the opposing striker.
“Elijah scored a fantastic goal in each game and that was the difference because once he did we ended up chasing and the penalty sealed it for us really.”
Despite the home sweep, Simonson was encouraged by the strong play of his younger core which includes freshman Jonah Smith, Owen Stewart as well as sophomores James Stephens and Emmanuel Dramme.
“We had 7 new starters playing that weren’t in the lineup last season so it’s a brand new team basically. We have guys right out of high school that are playing a full 90 minutes for us already so that is a huge testament for what we are trying to do in a few years.”
UNBC drops to 0-2 and travels to Vancouver next weekend to battle the UBC Thunderbirds.
The 2nd half saw a lengthy scrum between both teams after Spartans defender Vaggeli Boucas crashed into Timberwolves goalkeeper Mitch MacFarlane which later led to the ejection of Boucas, Spartans Head Coach Mike Shearon, and Gordan Hall of UNBC who received a red card after returning to the lineup due to a one game suspension for a previous red card last season.
The games also marked the first time Prince George product Connor Noftle played against the T-Wolves in his hometown since transferring to Trinity Western.
Canada West Men’s Soccer Roundup – Saturday
UBC 2 Thompson Rivers 1
UBCO 1 Victoria 0
Sunday Action
Victoria Vikes VS Thompson Rivers Wolfpack – 1PM
UBC Thunderbirds VS UBCO Heat – 3PM