Morning Star Staff
Vernon’s Michelle Smith scored as the UBC Oknagaan Heat defeated the hometown Winnipeg Wesmen 1-0 in CIS Canada West Conference women’s soccer action Friday night.
It was the regular-season opener for both teams.
The match was scheduled to be played at the Winnipeg Soccer Complex but due to severe weather conditions was moved indoors to the Rec Plex on the University of Winnipeg campus.
The young Heat were unfazed by the last minute change and forced the action for the full 90 minutes, finishing with 25 shots compared to just four by the home squad.
Smith, the Heat’s lone fifth-year player, scored in the 47th minute, heading the ball in brilliantly off of a long pass from a free kick by fourth-year defender Justine Drosdovech of Kelowna.
“It was a good start to our season and we are very happy to capture three points,” said UBCO head coach Claire Paterson. “I thought the team did well to adjust and stay focused with having to move the match inside at the last minute due to weather.
The Heat moved on to play the Manitoba Bisons Saturday, and after jumping out to a 1-0 lead, Paterson’s squad settled for a 1-1 draw.
Kaylin Ferguson scored in the first half for the Heat while Smith just missed a second weekend goal in the first half when her tough shot was stopped by Bisons keeper Chloe Werle.
The road trip continues as the Heat travel to Prince George and Edmonton this weekend for a Friday night game against UNBC Timberwolves and then a Sunday match, for the first time ever, against the Alberta Pandas.
