The 2024 edition of the UNBC Timberwolves Women’s Soccer team is in every single game. With a roster full of players short on experience but long on hunger and will, the TWolves have proven to be no easy out for teams in the conference, and Saturday night was no different in Kamloops.
The young side from UNBC did well to possess the ball, play strong defense, and earn a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks, but it wasn’t enough. After 90 tough minutes, it was the home Thompson Rivers WolfPack who did enough to earn a 1-nil victory on a brisk evening in the Tournament Capital.
The opening minutes of the match were a matter of both sides looking to assert their gameplans while not allowing unnecessary chances in their own third. The WolfPack aimed to play more directly, leaning on their advantage in the size and experience department. The TWolves were intent on building up, looking to possess the ball, and find potential holes in the TRU defense.
TRU created the first good scoring chance in the 12th minute when Juli La Rotta slipped a streaking Sophia Branby, but UNBC keeper Brityn Hinsche came out aggressively and turned away the Branby chance from 15 yards out.
In the 17th minute, Hinsche made another great save on a tremendous look from an unmarked Ainsley Grether, but the TRU captain was able to corral her own rebound and chip it over a helpless Hinsche to make it 1-0. The goal was the second of the season and 10th of Grether’s career, making her the Pack all-time leader in Canada West play.
UNBC looked good in the midfield in possession, with rookie midfielders Maresha Manulak and Scarlet Thomas doing well to distribute the ball, but the WolfPack backline was strong in limiting any potential threats in their own third.
When the referee blew the whistle for halftime, TRU held a 1-0 lead.
The tightly-contested matchup continued into the second half, as the Pack looked to double their advantage while the TWolves aimed to find the equalizer. Hinsche did well to make a pair of very good saves on attempts from Nathalie Burkett and Kat Stewart, keeping UNBC within striking distance.
The Timberwolves began to generate more in the TRU end, earning free kicks and corner kicks around the 70 minute mark. While those set plays did result in some chaos around the WolfPack box, TRU did well to limit any real looks for the Green & Gold.
UNBC continued to press the action and nearly found the equalizer in the 91st minute. Camryn Cline did well to get it to Kambria Mellum on the wing, who sent a dangerous ball towards keeper Cassandra De Amaral. The TRU netminder bobbled the ball, causing an scene in the box as UNBC’s Claire Turner and Scarlet Thomas had great looks before the ball was cleared.
Eventually, the Timberwolves ran out of time, falling just short despite a tremendous second half of possession. UNBC held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks, but were unable to capitalize, falling to 1-7 on the season. With the victory, TRU improves to 3-5-1, keeping their playoff aspirations very much alive.
Hinsche made eight saves, upping her season total to 56 saves. The product of Williams Lake continues to prove herself as an elite goalkeeper in the conference, allowing just six goals on 62 shots.
UNBC will head home to Prince George to prepare to host the Victoria Vikes and MRU Cougars next weekend, while the Pack will ready themselves for a roadtrip to Trinity Western and UFV.