WolfPack unbeaten streak reaches 3 In men’s soccer

Sep 9, 2017 | 8:19 AM

LANGLEY, B.C. —The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack had a strong first half and played to a hard fought scoreless tie with the host Trinity Western Spartans in Canada West men’s soccer play Friday night (Sept 8). The match was played at Chase Office Field in Langley, BC.

SYNOPSIS

TRU  outshot Trinity Western 7-6 in the first half as the ‘Pack extended their unbeaten streak to three. Lubomir Magdolen (2nd year, keeper, Kamloops, BC) notched his second ‘clean sheet’ of the regular season as he started his fifth straight match.  Sebastian Colyn of the Spartans—who was the Canada West third star of the week was in the nets for the shutout for his side.  He made two stops in the contest while Magdolen made 5 saves.  Both teams have a record of 1 win, 1 loss and three draws.

KEY STATS:

Goal scoring:

None

Shots:    TRU  7-3:10   Trinity Western:   6-5:11     Corners:   TRU 2-3:5 Trinity Western: 3-3:6

Saves:   TRU 3-2:5  Trinity Western 1-1:2  

Keepers:  Lubomir Magdolen for TRU   Sebasian Colyn for Trinity Western

RECORDS:

TRU      1-1-3          Trinity Western:  1-1-3

QUOTES: 

TRU head coach John Antulov: 

On game: “It was a battle. We came out hard in the first half and had a couple of quality chances. Both Mitch (Popadnetz, 4th year, midfield, Nelson, BC and Canada West first star of the week) and Ryan (Glanville, 5th year, midfield, Williams Lake, BC and two time Canada West all-star) had some great chances that their keeper had a difficult time stopping. In the last 10-15 minutes of the first half they started to pressure us but we defended well. In the second half, it was back and forth. These are two quality sides. Lubo made some big stops in the second half to preserved the tie.

Emotional victory getting first ever point at Trinity Western: “For sure. This is a very tough park to play in. They have a great atmosphere and have fantastic fans. I think in the past, we would have folded and given up a goal in the late minute but we showed lots of grit. Our midfield and backline was especially strong. There were lots of positives coming out of this contest. I was very happy with our tactical ability and our mindset. It has been very good last weekend and again tonight.”

On back line and insertion of Brandon Mendez (5th year, Calgary, AB):  “Brandon came on in the second half. We were short with Joshua Banton having tonsillitis.  Tony Paiero (1st year, North Vancouver, BC) did a great job in the first half and  Brandon really solidified things in the second half.  His experience and versatility (like Allan Connor—5th year, keeper, Kamloops, BC) along with leadership are qualities we will need if we are going to succeed.”

UP NEXT:

The WolfPack  continue their road swing as they visit  the University of Fraser Valley Cascades on Saturday (Sept 9)