Late goals ensure three points for Eagles

Photos and story By Kyle Benning [contributor]

The Kwantlen women’s soccer team began their hunt for a second consecutive BCCAA Provincial Championship with a victory over the University of Northern British Columbia on September 11.

Two late goals secured the Eagles a win in their home opener, which also happened to be the first competitive match to be played on the new turf field at Newton Athletic Park.

This game marked former UBC Thunderbirds player Gordon Smith’s first league game as head coach.

The Eagles had the better chances in the opening half, but failed to make any of them really count. The rain was a factor that was interfering in the finishing for both sides because they went into halftime with no scoring.

The second half started right where the first one left off. The Eagles continued to press and held the ball in Timberwolves territory for the majority of the second half.

After hitting a few posts and crossbars, the ball finally crossed the line from a wonderful individual effort by Shanay Sangha on 80 minutes.

It took less than two minutes for the Eagles to double their lead after Kathleen Gratz tapped in from close range.

There were some good saves from goalkeeper Melina Gomez and a number of tackles by skipper Brittany McNeill at the heart of defence.