MSOC: WolfPack edge gritty TWolves; clinch playoff berth
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack needed a victory to keep their Canada West hopes alive, and they did just enough, topping a game University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves side 2-0 on Sunday, October 20th, in Prince George, B.C.
“We definitely felt like we had them on the ropes there,” said Timberwolves veteran Aidan Way. “They weren’t able to get it past half, and we were whipping it back in, over and over. At the end of the day, we didn’t put it in, and that’s what you have to do.”
“When they scored off that set piece, I thought how are we down one-nothing,” said UNBC coach Steve Simonson. “But, credit to those guys. They score their chances. They defended well, and it is so tough for us to score.”
“In my opinion, Jackson is one of the best goalkeepers in all of U SPORTS,” said Hooper. “He consistently makes big saves for us and keeps us organized in the back. Cheers to him.”
In the 82nd minute, the Timberwolves were burned by the same fire they had played with a day earlier; a foul was called in the box as TRU’s Justin Donaldson worked his way into a scoring area, meaning the Pack were awarded a penalty kick. The fifth-year Donaldson stepped to the spot and converted past Zadravec for his fifth of the season.
“They’re a physical team and they’re going to work for every single ball,” said Way. “They do their best at every single moment of every game.”
“Johnny has never once complained about his role on this team. He has come in and given to this team,” said Simonson, postgame. “He went on, and I was really happy for that kid. He will be greatly missed by his teammates.”
“It wasn’t pretty today. It was another battle with UNBC, and they out us under a lot of pressure,” said TRU coach John Antulov. “Our older guys really led the way. Justin Donaldson, Jan Pirretas Glasmacher, Josh Banton, Adam Swanson; they led the group and played really strongly.”