Heat Bounce Back Strong, But Can’t Hang On Against No. 6 Vikes

photo - Heat Athletics - #5 UBC Okanagan captain Marissa Klees

In a rallying bounce back from a tough weekend against the No. 2 Trinity Western Spartans last Saturday, the Heat women’s soccer team hosted another top ten squad in the No. 6 Victoria Vikes Friday night, though ultimately the home team would fall 1-0.

Similar to last weekend’s outing, the Heat were off to a solid and consistent performance in the first 45 minutes. However, a costly lapse in defensive focus six minutes into the second half allowed the Vikes’ forward Sarah Douglas to connect with five-year vet Carly Branion-Calles for a deft shot just passed Heat keeper Christine Tallon’s (5th year, Kamloops, BC) fingertips.

The Vikes controlled possession of the ball for most of the match, though the Heat would stake claim to better chances at goal in the first half. Victoria keeper Meaghan Storie would go on to record nine saves for the match en route to her first shutout of the season.

The Heat’s best chance at scoring came early in the first half when the Heat midfield set up their striker for a strong attack. The attempt would roll off Storie’s hands but just barely not trickle across the goal line.

The Heat’s play on the counter attack would contribute other great opportunities, but ultimately the front line could not close the deal.

“They played really well,” said Heat head coach Claire Paterson post game, eschewing the team’s resilience to come back and perform tonight. “Our focus was on playing the full game … and we had some great chances, a one off that I thought it went in [during the first half]. We’re creating the chances, but at this level we have to put the ball in the back of the net.”

UBC Okanagan keeper Christine Tallon responded exceptionally well for tonight’s match. Despite the one goal against, she largely displayed the better hands on saves in the first half, making it hard for UVic to beat her save for the untimely lapse early in the second. She would finish with seven saves on the night.

For her efforts on the offensive end, Mairi Horth was named the Landmark Cinemas Heat Player of the Game.

Fifth-year veteran Jaclyn Sawicki would largely control the offensive tempo for the Vikes, testing the back line of the Heat on multiple occasions with deft and elegant footwork in the middle, creating opportunities for teammates at the net. Midfielder Cassie Dennis was the UVic player of the match for her outstanding play over the full 90 minutes.

The Vikes are now 2-1-0, and head up to Kamloops for a date with the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Saturday night.

Meanwhile, the Heat move to 0-3-2 for the season and are back at home for their first ever contest against their sister school the UBC Thunderbirds. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. at the Nonis Sports Field.

Women’s Soccer (Canada West Conference play)

Victoria (2-0-1) vs.UBC Okanagan (0-3-2)

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