With the CIS season now complete, a pair of 2011 Whitecaps FC women’s players have been honoured for their achievements. Down south, several former ‘Caps began their journey into the NCAA tournament. Find out who survived.
The Whitecaps FC U-18 Girls Elite team, meanwhile, returned to action last Thursday with a re-match versus NSGSC Renegades of Vancouver’s women’s premier league. Read the match report below to see how they did.
CIS:
In her fourth year for Trinity Western goalkeeper Kristen Funk has officially made the most saves in school history. She played every minute in the Canada West final and was also just named to the CIS all-Canadian first team. (Langley Times)
Speaking of players on the CIS all-Canadian team, UVic Vike Jaclyn Sawicki was named to the all-Canadian second team last week at the Major Awards Banquet in Montreal. (Andy Watson – govikesgo.com)
NCAA:
Sydney Leroux has had nothing short of an incredible season with UCLA and for that she has been named as one of the top performers in this year’s college season by ESPN. (Scott French – ESPN) Leroux’s Bruins team have advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament after a 1-0 win over New Mexico. (uclabruins.com)
Lexi Marton and Erin McNulty are heading into the second round of the NCAA championships with their Penn State Nittany Lions because of their strong showing against Army earlier this week. The next round sees them face off against Marquette – get the full preview here! (gopsusports.com)
In North Carolina, Amber Brooks had an assist and Ranee Premji scored a goal to help their Tar Heels beat William & Mary and move on to round two of the NCAA tournament! (tarheelblue.com)
Lastly, Nicole Setterlund’s Washington State Cougars survived in a penalty shootout against Kentucky to keep their hopes alive in the NCAA tournament. (wsucougars.com)
GIRLS ELITE:
by Carrie Taylor
Last Thursday, November 9, the U-18 Girls Elite team faced the NSGSC Renegades of Vancouver’s women’s premier league for a second time this season in a re-match at Simon Fraser University. The last time the two squads played, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Renegades tying the game in the last five minutes.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, the ‘Caps loaned their goalkeepers to the Renegades – who were without the services of their goalkeepers. Kayla Klim played the first half in goal for the Renegades, while Zoe Makrigiannis played in the second half for them.
The Renegades jumped out to the early lead three minutes into the match off of a perfectly timed run in behind the ‘Caps defence, leading to a one on one against goalkeeper Makrigiannis. The ‘Caps found themselves down early, but they responded well. Forward Jasmin Dhanda was instrumental in creating several good scoring chances down the right flank, but the ‘Caps went into the break down by a goal.
The second half started with higher pressure on the part of the team, with Elise Wyatt, Brittany Ambrose, and Shayla Chorney applying more pressure on the opponents’ defenders. However, against the run of play, the ‘Caps fouled the Renegades at the top of the box. On the ensuing free kick, a lofted ball was sent to the back post and a subsequent header found its way into the back of the net. This put the ‘Caps down 2-0 – a first for the team this season.
With pride in their heart, the girls did not get flustered. To their credit they battled back. The rally started when Aman Shergill played a ball that split the Renegades defence to Wyatt, who was cool under pressure and placed the ball with skill into the back of the net.
A few minutes later there was a flurry in front of the goal, as Ambrose took an initial shot, a Renegades defender was there to clear the ball off the goal line. However, Chorney was there for the rebound and hit a first-time shot to tie the match at 2-2.
The tie would hold, as the team showed great character and determination to battle back from a two-goal deficit. The team should be very proud of their efforts, with everyone on the team contributing to the end result.
The Girls Elite squad play their next match on Thursday, November 17, against Capilano University at SFU Field #4. Kickoff is set for 8:15.
