It was a long time coming for the UBC Okanagan men’s soccer team.
Tyler Shalansky ended the Heat’s five-game Canada West goalless drought, scoring in the 86th minute of play against Trinity Western Sunday at Nonis Field.
More importantly, the Heat posted a 1-0 win to end a five-game losing streak.
The Heat showed a flair for the dramatic on their home pitch this season, scoring goals in all four of their wins no earlier than the 86th minute. UBCO’s home record this season was 4-2-1.
Keeper Mitch McCaw, UBCO’s MVP of the match, turned aside 10 shots to claim is firth clean sheet of the season.
On Saturday, the Heat fell 1-0 to the visiting Fraser Valley Cascades.
James Najman scored the game’s lone goal, beating Heat keeper McCaw just 20 seconds into the second half.
The Heat (5-7-2) currently sit fifth in the Pacific Division, two points back of Thompson. The top six teams qualify for the postseason.
UBCO will close out the regular campaign on the road this weekend. The Heat will visit the UBC Thunderbirds on Friday, before heading to the island on Saturday to play the Victoria Vikes.
Heat women
The UBC Okanagan women played to a 1-1 draw with the UNBC Timberwolves Sunday at Nonis Field in Kelowna.
After UNBC opened the scoring in the 24th minute, Susan Traynor, a midfielder from Calgary, scored the Heat’s lone goal in the 50th minute after taking a pass from Brittany Wheeler, and slotting the ball past keeper Shanna Olsen.
Joella Koblischke and freshman Caralina Serrano split the keeper duties for the Heat, combining for four saves.
On Thursday in snowy Edmonton, the Heat fell 5-2 to the Alberta Pandas. Courtney Hemmerling and Maddy Laranjo scored goals in the first half, but were overshadowed by Alberta strikerSydney Daines who answered with a four-goal performance.
With a playoff spot still in their sights, the Heat (4-7-1) will close out the regular season this weekend with two games at home.
UBCO will play the Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday and Regina Cougars on Sunday. Kick off both days at Nonis Field is 1 p.m.
