Timberwolves blanked by Spartans, UBC to kick off soccer season

Two different opponents. Same result.

Growing pains were on display for UNBC soccer teams as they lifted the lid on the 2023 Canada West season Friday night at Masich Place Stadium.

A two-goal performance by Sophie Crowther paced the Trinity Western Spartans to a 4-0 victory against the T-Wolves.

Charis Wardrope opened the scoring for the Spartans, taking a Charity Field through ball and beating goalkeeper Brityn Hinsche at the 3:04 mark.

In the 24th minute, TWU doubled their lead following a scramble in the box, with Crowther getting her foot on a ball in the goalmouth for her first of the campaign.

The Spartans put the pedal to the metal in the second half, causing several in the UNBC end.

In the 49th minute, a hiccup around the TWolves’ box led to an easy Crowther tally to make it 3-0.

Hear from Sophie Crowther after her two goal performance in @TWUSpartans 4-0 win over UNBC pic.twitter.com/9zQt2heIn3

— UNBC Timberwolves (@UNBCATHLETICS) August 26, 2023

Two minutes later, Danielle Cooper made it 4-nil, burying her first of the year despite a valiant effort from Hinsche.

In men’s action, some bad bounces led to a tough 4-0 defeat for UNBC against the top-ranked and the five-time defending Canada West champion UBC Thunderbirds.

After a brisk start to the game, Bradley Richardson took advantage of a pinball play inside the UNBC box, squirting a loose ball past Daniel Zadravec for a 1-0 lead.

In the 35th minute, after both teams took turns pushing the play, the T-Birds doubled their lead.

A ball careened around the top of the UNBC box, before veteran Chris Lee found it and slid it under Zadravec.

The youthful Timberwolves, who had six first-year players in their starting 11, showed their inexperience to start the second half.

Sebastien Dzikowski rippled the onion bag twice in a three-minute span to put the game out of reach, extending the UBC advantage to 4-0.

Dzikowski, who had four goals last season, began 2023 with a two goal, one assist effort. Bennett McKay made three saves to earn the clean sheet.

UNBC is back in action on Sunday at Masich Place Stadium. The T-Wolves women’s team hosts Fraser Valley at 1:30pm while the men look to earn a split against UBC at 11AM.

Two goals and a season opening win for @ubctbirds striker Sebastian Dzikowski pic.twitter.com/ht5zdKEz0v

— UNBC Timberwolves (@UNBCATHLETICS) August 26, 2023