The MacEwan Griffins used a go-ahead goal from Sarah Riddle in the 84th minute to edge the UNBC Timberwolves 2-1, on Saturday, October 6th in Prince George, B.C.
The visitors drew first blood, less than twelve minutes into the contest. Salma Kamel, who scored her first of the season on Friday, made it two games in a row when she streaked down the right side and beat keeper Madi Doyle with a low shot short side.
In the second half, the Timberwolves came out with more intent and purpose, and were able to test the backline of the Griffins a number of times. Payne was dangerous on a pair of occasions, but couldn’t solve GMU keeper Emily Burns.
In the 71st minute, the home side got the opportunity they wanted from the player they wanted it from. Payne was sprung on a break from Madison Emmond and used her speed to and creativity to get a shot off from inside the box, beating Burns and giving the Kitimat native her conference-leading 8th goal of the season.
In minute 84, however, the pressure from the Griffins was rewarded. Off a corner kick, a scramble ensued in the UNBC box, with multiple opportunities off the feet of Griffins. Eventually Sarah Riddle found it and deposited it, for her third of the season, giving MacEwan the go-ahead goal with just minutes remaining.
“We had two or three corners that were close, with scrambles, and they cleared one off the line,” said Choucair postgame. “I think we deserved one off a corner, because we had been coming so close.”
With the victory, the Griffins improve to 7-2-1, while the Timberwolves fall to 1-6-3.
“We played our game,” said Doyle. “We wanted to keep possession the majority of the game. Just because we didn’t get the results we wanted, I still think we should be proud. We played really well both these games.”
-UNBC
