The Trinity Western Spartans men鈥檚 soccer team had a tough go Tuesday afternoon at UBC鈥檚 Thunderbird Stadium against the Whitecaps FC Reserves. The Spartans fell behind 5-0 after the first 45 minutes before matching the 鈥機aps 1-1 in the second half to make the final 6-1 for Vancouver.
鈥淭hey probably had (the best) first half of their season and probably our worst,鈥� commented TWU head coach Pat Rohla.
鈥淲e were better in the second half and were able to match them, but it was not a bright day for us. But we shall carry on. Having an off day against a professional team does not result in a good outcome.鈥�
The final 45 minutes also proved to be more equal, as both teams had a number of chances to increase their tally.
And after the 鈥機aps made it 6-0, Spencer Schmidt finally got the Spartans on the board.
The loss comes on the heels of a 2-1 victory last Friday night against the visiting Gonzaga Bulldogs at Rogers Field.
Despite facing plenty of pressure from the Bulldogs throughout the contest, the Spartans did just enough to get the victory as goals from Rhys Volkenant and Jarvis Ambaka proved to be all they would need.
鈥淚 thought it was the most shallow 2-1 win we鈥檝e ever had,鈥� Rohla said.
鈥淚 thought the score flattered us to be honest. But nonetheless, if you don鈥檛 play well and still get a result, that鈥檚 a good sign.鈥�
Volkenant was the first to get the Spartans on the board as he converted a Jordan Whitehead cross from a corner.
The Spartans Ambaka then got what would be the winning goal when he finished a well-built play, which was instigated from the back by Kalem Scott.
After an impressive individual run, Scott connected with Nico Verseveldt in the midfield, who kept the play moving forward before giving it right back to a streaking Scott, who broke through Gonzaga鈥檚 back line and fed the ball to Ambaka. Last year鈥檚 leading scorer made no mistake, burying his chance with a one-touch finish.
Gonzaga hit two posts in the game and came close on a number of other occasions.
The Spartans host Seattle Pacific on Saturday (April 6) at 1 p.m. and Western Washington on April 12.
