CANMORE – The Canmore Collegiate Wolverines' soccer girls dropped their second home match in a row, as a more experienced Holy Trinity Academy squad showed their skill.
Despite the 10-2 scoreline in Tuesday’s (Sept. 24) match against the Knights, CCHS girls soccer coach Jason Thompson remained upbeat.
“The score doesn’t reflect it, but that's the toughest team in the league and for us to be able to compete right to the end and never give up was really positive,"”said Thompson after the match.
The visiting Knights didn’t waste any time. Just five minutes into the match they opened the scoring and added two more before the 20 minute mark. CCHS goalkeeper Aili Mamalis made a number of saves to keep the Wolverines within three. After their third goal and Mamalis’ flurry of saves, the Wolverines jumped on the counter attack lead by Anna Jasinsky. The speedy winger created a few chances, but couldn’t beat the Knights goalkeeper.
However, the Knights offence proved to be too strong, as they would score two more before the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Wolverines tenacity finally paid off, as Jasinsky capitalized on an arid pass and beat the Knights goalkeeper for her first goal of the match.
“We had some good finishes today and attacking the net and following up those chances,” said Thompson.
Following Jasinsky’s goal, the Wolverines were able to take the game to another gear and really put pressure on the Knights' backline. Forward Ellie Thompson created numerous chances around the 18-yard box and was a constant presence in the attacking end. A well-placed pass from Weighell to Jasinsky lead to a cheeky chip off the Knight's keeper, for her second goal of the game.
“We didn’t give up and kept competing. That's all we can ask from our team.”
Thompson praised his side’s level of competition. He said it was the Wolverines’ strongest all around game of the season.
The team remained positive despite the lopsided scoreline. Throughout the match the bench remained lively and loud cheering on their teammates.
“The girls feel really good about it, they didn’t get down, which says a lot about this team I think.”
Three more games remain in the Wolverines’ regular season. They face off against Foothills Thursday (Sept. 26), then return to Okotoks for a rematch with Holy Trinity next Tuesday and finish the season at home against Strathmore next Friday.
