It wasn’t the start or finish UNBC was looking for against the University of Alberta Pandas, as the Timberwolves conceded a goal in the seventh minute en route to a 4-0 defeat at the hand of their nationally-ranked visitors.
Sydney Daines started the scoring early for the Pandas, taking a cross from Kate Dunn at the six-minut mark, and beating T-Wolves keeper Brooke Molby for the 1-0 lead.
Daines would double her goal total, and the Pandas lead in the 42nd minute, as Brenna Mattiello sped down the right wing, and crossed a ball to the striker. With space in the middle of the box, Daines was able to knock the ball down, and find twine making it 2-0.
UNBC looked to come out strong in the second half, but found themselves on the wrong end of some misfortune just 17 seconds in. Karissa McNutt stole a ball off the Timberwolves kickoff, and went down alone on a breakaway, chipping one past Molby to make it a three goal game.
McNutt would strike again in the 84th minute as a failed clearing header in the Timberwolves box wound up on the striker’s foot, who made no mistake in the six yard box making it 4-0 for the Alberta squad.
“I think we got in behind them, and found the seams today,” said McNutt following the game. “UNBC played a different formation than we were used to, so there was a little sorting out on defense, but our backline and mids did great at sorting that out.”
Mara McCleary was a standout for the Timberwolves, thwarting a number of Pandas’ runs with sliding checks and great defensive plays.
“I think our normal ability to build up our play through the field was a bit lacking today. We had positives to take from the game, and some tidy ups to take from the game,” McCleary following the match.
She said that the TWolves are taking positives from the weekend, and look to bounce back next weekend in their final home games of the Canada West season.
“I think it really teaches us to let go every single weekend and move onto the next game.”
UNBC will play those games at home next weekend as they take on Trinity Western (2-2) Friday at 6 p.m., and UFV (1-2-1) on Sunday at noon.
-UNBC
