Vancouver Island University’s soccer teams both wanted better results than they got in their last outings. They accomplished that.
The VIU Mariners women’s and men’s soccer teams both scored lopsided victories Saturday in Prince George – the lady M’s dominated the University of Northern B.C. Timberwolves 5-1 in the early game and the M’s men followed up with a 4-1 win.
Anup Kang, coach of VIU’s women’s team, said in a press release that his Mariners were focused for 90 minutes on Saturday.
“When we play with that kind of passion and focus we are a tough team to play against,” Kang said. “We won most of the battles.”
The game didn’t start out as a blowout. Emma Johansson scored the first time she touched the ball after subbing in 25 minutes in, but UNBC equalized 10 minutes later and the teams went into halftime tied 1-1.
It took only three minutes of second-half play for VIU to take the lead, as Jessie Weninger beat two defenders and lofted in a shot over the keeper. Mariah Robinson made it 3-1, then Johansson and Weninger each scored their second of the game.
In the men’s game, VIU spotted UNBC the early 1-0 lead when the home team pounced on a loose ball, but the Mariners answered back quickly and decisively as Jared Stephens, Davis Stupich and A.J. Kambere all tallied before the first half was out.
The second half featured more wide open play with both goalkeepers making good saves before David Bertrand rounded out the scoring for VIU.
GAME ON … Both M’s teams head back to the B.C. Interior Saturday (Oct. 1) and Sunday for games against Thompson Rivers and UBC-Okanagan.
