A slow start proved costly for the UNBC Timberwolves down in Kelowna.
Opening night of the Canada West men’s soccer season didn’t go as planned for the T-Wolves falling short by a 2-1 score against the UBCO Heat.
UBCO cranked up the pressure early on scoring twice in the first nine minutes courtesy of Tyler Dhillion and Sam McDonald rippling the mesh against UNBC goal keeper Rob Goodey.
It took until the 43rd minute for the Timberwolves to hit the scoreboard as Anthony Preston picked up his first of the season past Heat netiminder Nicholas Reitsma cutting the deficit in half.
GOAL!!!! @UNBCMSoccer claws closer on a free kick from Anthony Preston in the 45th minute! After a tough opening 10 minutes, the TWolves controlling much of the play heading into halftime! #gotwolves pic.twitter.com/pwop6Cj8Do
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) August 24, 2019
UNBC dominated much of the final 45 minutes with a number of chances coming off the boots of Preston, Owen Stewart and, rookie Kensho Ando.
Timberwolves midfielder Jonah Smith believes his team came out a little flat-footed to kick off the new season.
“A new season, and it happened fast. They came at us strong, and they finished well, so credit to them.”
“We didn’t pack it in, though, and they didn’t get much in the way of chances after that. I thought we gave them a really good fight.”
In the dying minutes of the game, Stu Rowlands received his second yellow card of the match.
UNBC outshot UBCO 17-11 overall but drop to 0-1 on the season with both teams playing again tonight at 5:30 (Saturday) in Kelowna.
Smith expects his teammates to be better prepared for the back half of the double header.
“We have to start better. We need to match their initial intensity and push.”
“Then, we earn the right to play. If we come with the right intensity and understanding of what this league is like, we will then be able to move the ball and play like we do.”
UNBC holds its home opener on August 30th against the UFV Cascades at 6pm from Masich Place Stadium.