Madison Emmond’s goal proved to be the difference maker in a 2-1 UNBC Timberwolves victory over the UBC Okanagan Heat on Sunday in Canada West women’s soccer action.
#8 Madison Emmond with an amazing goal from outside the box! Putting your T-Wolves up 2-0 to the UBCO Heat @madisonemmond #gotwolves
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) September 10, 2017
Her seeing eye shot that got some serious hang time came down just in time to go over the head of UBCO goalkeeper Francesca Baletta. “I had a little bit of doubt that it was going to go in but I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.” says Emmond.
The T-Wolves improved to 2-0 after the opening weekend, which began with a convincing 3-0 victory on Friday over the TRU Wolfpack.
Your UNBC Women's Soccer team beats the UBCO Heat 2-1!! Great Home opening weekend for the Timberwolves!! #gotwolves
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) September 10, 2017
After jumping out to a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half, UBCO cranked up the pressure but UNBC goalkeeper Brooke Molby made several key saves early on to keep the lead intact.
The only blemish was a late goal by Susan Traynor who completed a nice set-up from Andrea Stinson.
Stinson nearly tied the game late, but found the crossbar.
Molby made seven saves in her first start at the Canada West level.
She says it was great to see the team show some grit after being held on their side of half. “You know we kept it together until the very end, we really pushed hard and got the win that we needed. They really pushed hard in the second half and they were pushing really hard and doing their high press but our defence kept it together.”
The rookie netminder adds it was a little stressful coming into the game after missing a couple of practices due to injury. “After a couple of touches and after getting into the groove of it I felt I was into the game and got better as it went on.”
Paige Payne also picked up her first of the season for UNBC.
The win moves UNBC into a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with MacEwan and UBC at six points. Their one goal against is best among the top-three teams.
The Timberwolves will play host next weekend to Mount Royal on Friday at 5:30pm and Alberta on Sunday afternoon at 1:15.
Canada West Soccer Scoreboard
Calgary Dinos 0 Mount Royal Cougars 0
MacEwan Griffins 7 Thompson Rivers Wolfpack 2
Alberta Pandas 0 Lethbridge Pronghorns 0