The Kamloops Heat women’s soccer team opened its Pacific Coast Soccer League premier season with a 1-1 draw against the host Abbotsford Mariners on Saturday.
The Heat, which had spent the past few seasons in the reserve division, opened the scoring, with Emily Oliver counting from 20 yards in the 30th minute. Abbotsford fought back to tie the game with 15 minutes remaining.
“I think we were a bit unlucky not to get the win, but Abbotsford had their chances too, so maybe a tie was a just result,” said Heat head coach Kelly Shantz, in a press release. “I am really happy with the first game out for us. We have really only had three practices together with many players returning from out of town universities, so we have to be happy with that.
“Taylor Shantz was stellar in goal, shutting down several near breakaways with aggressive play. Blair Mackay was probably player of the match for Kamloops, dominating her end of the field, but Emily Oliver wasn’t far behind.”
Kamloops is at home to Victoria on Sunday, noon, at Hillside Stadium.
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The Kamloops Heat scored the game’s last four goals in beating TSS Academy 5-1 in Vancouver on Saturday.
The game was the first of the Pacific Coast Soccer League reserve season for the Heat, which went on to play in West Vancouver on Sunday — a result wasn’t available at press time.
Kamloops is coached by TRU WolfPack co-head coaches John Antulov and Sean Wallace.
Ronay Deo scored Saturday’s first goal, but TSS tied it up. Justin Wallace had two goals and Kyle Fertile and Avnil Deo singled as the Heat brought home the victory. Braeden Burrows had two assists.
The Heat is scheduled to play host to the Mid-Isle Highlanders on May 26, 5 p.m., at Hillside Stadium.
