The UFV Cascades men's soccer team kept their playoff hopes alive with a split against the Trinity Western Spartans over the weekend.
The Cascades traveled to Langley on Friday, and by winning 4-1 they became the first team to defeat the Spartans at home this season.
The game's turning point came late in the first half when TWU's Elie Gindo was sent off after being shown a second yellow card – both of them assessed for fouls on Cascades forward James Najman.
The ensuing free kick led to a goal by UFV's Justin Sekhon, and the Cascades added goals from Najman, Elijah Sampson and Nate Trampleasure against a 10-man Spartans side in the second half. The Spartans broke the shutout by scoring on keeper Alex Skrzeta in the game's dying moments."
"We weathered the storm in the first half and we came out in the second half with the same desire," said Cascades head coach Tom Lowndes. "The first 10 minutes we were under pressure and actually scored against the run of play. They had a few chances, but we scored, and from there we kept the ball well. We were disciplined, we were organized, and going forward we caused havoc at times. One through 18 tonight, the squad was fantastic."
The men's team couldn't continue the momentum on a rare Sunday night game in Abbotsford, allowing two late goals to fall 2-0 to the Spartans.
After the weekend, the Cascades record sits at five wins, six losses and one tie. They are tied for third in the Pacific division, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs later this month.
The club next takes on the UBCO Heat and the TRU Wolfpack on the road on Saturday and Sunday with playoff implications looming.
The Cascades women's team was stymied once again by the Spartans, dropping a 3-2 decision in Langley on Friday.
The teams closed the first half tied at one, with Danica Kump tying the game in the 43rd minute for UFV.
TWU added goals at the 60 and 68 minute mark in the second half to put the game away, with Amanda Carruthers scoring in the 71st minute to bring the Cascades close.
The Spartans have handed the Cascades both of their defeats this season, with UFV's record falling to six wins, two losses and two ties after Friday. The women's team have clinched a playoff berth, and are ranked second in the Pacific division.
The women hit the road for games against Victoria on Friday and UBC on Saturday.