By Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News
From the start of the game, the UFV Cascades men's soccer team came out aggressive offensively and that strong burst in the first half led the team to its first home win on Saturday.
UFV defeated the UVic Vikes 2-1 at Panther Field and set the tone early.
The Cascades drew a handball foul at the 10 minute mark and the ensuing penalty kick was converted by Colton O'Neill. About 10 minutes later, Michael Mobilio connected after a nice set-up to help the Cascades put a stranglehold on the game. The Vikes drew within one a few minutes later but that was as close as they would get.
Cascades head coach Tom Lowndes said it was nice to see his team get rewarded.
"I couldn't be more pleased and proud of the effort today," he said.
Lowndes said the team sat back a bit after going up 2-0 but they played excellent defensive soccer in the second half.
"When we went up 2-nil I think we took our foot off the gas and got a little bit sloppy for 10 minutes and let them in the game with a goal," he said. "I challenged the players to come out with that same workrate, intensity and desire in the second half and they did. If we play like we did in the second half today and defend as a unit, teams will find it hard to play against us."
The win comes off a 3-2 loss to UBC on Friday and the Cascades record sits at two wins and two losses after two weeks of action in Canada West. The team next travels north for a pair of games against the UNBC Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, the UFV women's soccer team keeps rolling after posting a pair of wins this weekend.
They beat the TRU Wolfpack 1-0 on Friday and then downed the UBCO Heat 3-1 on Saturday. The women remain undefeated with a record of three wins and one tie.
For more details from all the action this weekend, read the print edition of the Abbotsford News.