After falling behind early, the Trinity Western Spartans scored twice to capture the Keg Cup in Victoria.
The Spartans were up against the UBC Thunderbirds in Sunday’s final.
“A great effort by our young, young team that is starting to carve their way,” said Trinity Western coach Pat Rohla.
“It was a good result against a similarly young UBC squad.
“We had the run of the play in the first half and were a little under the gun in the second half, but our young guns stood well.”
UBC had opened the scoring off an early corner kick but the Spartans were able to counter quickly when midfielder Elie Gindo had a tap in off a shot from forward Leighton Johnson.
The Spartans got the lead when midfielder Elijah Adekugby headed in a cross from forward Vito Poletto.
UBC applied pressure in the second half but the Spartans denied them the equalizer.
Andrew Hicks played the full 90 minutes in goal for the Spartans.
“Andrew stood well today, controlled things and commended a presence in net,” Rohla said.
The Spartans had defeated Victoria 2-1 in the semifinals.
“We are happy and pleased, with a lot of work to do,” Rohla said.
“But a lot of talent to work with and we are excited about the future.”
The team next faces the UNBC Timberwolves on April 10 as they continue their spring season.
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The Spartans women’s soccer team was also in Victoria for the Keg Cup, earning a bronze medal.
The team defeated the Alberta Pandas 2-0 in the third-place game on Sunday afternoon.
Thirty minutes into the match, Spartans forward Isabella Di Trocchio took a corner kick and sent it high and towards the near post of the Pandas net. Trinity Western forward Danae Derksen beat the Alberta defenders to the ball and was able to head the ball just inside the post to put the Spartans up 1-0.
Five minutes later Trinity Western’s pressure on Alberta’s back line resulted in the Spartans second goal as forward Casandra Silveri stole the ball and sent it forward to Di Trocchio. Di Trocchio was able to hold off her defender as she slotted the ball nicely past the Alberta keeper
“It was a nice win in a spring game and it was good to get lots of minutes for our players,” said head coach Graham Roxburgh.
“Vanessa Kovacs was once again a tower of strength for us in the midfield. Stephanie Chin did a great job playing out of the centre back role and Jolayane Whitmarsh was very good in her play at centre back as well.”
Christina Oliverio battled through the full 90 minutes to earn the shutout for the Spartans.
The team is next in action on April 7 as they face the Western Washington Vikings in Bellingham.