Image Credit: UBCO
October 28, 2016 - 10:43 AM
The UBC Okanagan Heat men will play the nationally ranked #2 Alberta Golden Bears on Saturday afternoon at 1:15 PM PT at Foote Field in Edmonton.
This week for the Heat: This week marks the first week of play offs for the Heat men’s soccer team. With only a singular game to determine the quarter-final the Kelowna squad will be matched up against the University of Alberta. The first and only game of the series is set for Saturday (Oct. 29) in Edmonton at the at the Foote Field with a start time of 1:15 p.m. PT
Current Form: Coming off of the last weekend of regular season games with a (1-0) loss to UBC and a play off clinching (3-2) win against the University of Victoria, the Heat completed their 2016-17 campaign with a record of (6-8-2). Claiming the fourth and final playoff spot in the conferences final minutes, the Heat will compete in their second ever Canada West playoffs. UBC Okanagan is returning to the playoffs, their second trip in three years in Canada West. In 2014, the Heat travelled to Vancouver to play the Thunderbirds. A match they lost (3-0).
Key Players: The Heat have been led by rookie Nikhil Reddy in regular season play. With three goals and one assist, the 5’10 midfielder has proven that his physicality and quick feet can win games for the Heat. Following Reddy is Luke Warkentin with two goals and four assists in the regular season. As a quick forward, Warkentin has shown that his ability to get by defenders can break down opponents defense and assist the Heat in scoring. UBCO would not be in the playoffs without the presence of keeper Mitch McCaw, who has made many spectaclur saves to keep the Heat in matches. He finished the year with five shutouts and turned away over 80% of the shots he faced.
Team Stat: Finishing the season in the fourth and final playoff spot the Heat have been able to acquire 13 goals in the 16 games they played. The Kelowna squad was also able to take 119 shots and finished with a .109 shot percentage. Preparing for the playoffs ahead the Heat will have to be prepared to battle on the field as the Bears have taken almost double the amount of shots (202) during their regular season play.
Overall Head to Head (W-L-T) vs UofA (0-1-0): The Heat and the Bears have only played one match against each other since the Heat joined Canada West in 2014. This match was during late September of this 2016/2017 season and the Heat lost (3-1) on Edmonton turf.
2016 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 13 goals, T12th
Defence: 20 goal against, 6th
22016 CW regular season leaders:
Goals: 3 – Nikhil Reddy, M
Assists: 3 – Cole Kingzett, M
Points: 3 – Luke Warkentin, F / Nikhil Reddy, M / Cole Kingzett, M
Wins: 6 – Mitch McCaw, GK
Shutouts: 5 – Mitch McCaw, GK
News from © iNFOnews, 2016