Exhibition: Spartans blank Clan 4-0

BURNABY, B.C. - Two goals by Spartans' forward Daniella Gerig (Fort Langley, B.C.) propelled the Trinity Western University women's soccer team to a 4-0 victory over Simon Fraser University to spoil the Clan's (NAIA) home opener Saturday afternoon at Terry Fox Field in Burnaby, B.C..

"It was a very good win for our program," commented TWU head coach Graham Roxburgh. "And it was nice to get playing time for everyone."

TWU's first scoring opportunity came in the opening five minutes. Off a well placed free kick just outside the 18-yard box, Clan keeper Cassie Newbrook (New Westminster, B.C.) robbed Spartans midfielder Kristen Santema (Coquitlam, B.C.) to keep the scoresheet blank. The tie however was short lived after 2008 Canada West player of the year Nikki Wright (Cloverdale, B.C.) stole an errant pass, and fired a quick shot to the far side of the net. Newbrook was able to get a hand on it; however the ball connected with the inside of the left post and gave Trinity Western a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.

The Spartans extended their advantage in the 30th minute, when Gerig got her first of the afternoon by heading a Rebecca Ferguson (Calgary) corner kick off the crossbar and passed the goal line to hold a 2-0 advantage at the half.

Trinity Western iced the game in the 62nd minute when Gerig got her second when she undressed both a Clan defender and backup keeper Lesley McDonell (Langley, B.C.), firing a shot just under the cross bar to put the Spartans up 3-0. Nikki Byrne (Langley, B.C.) added the final nail in the 87th minute, driving up the left side, and making one move to her right to beat McDonell with a strike just inside the 18-yard box.

"I was pleased with the play of Daniel Gerig with her two goals she was well rewarded for her hard work," added Roxburgh.

Veronika Rogina (Langley, B.C.) earned the victory in goal for the Spartans, making two saves to earn the shutout. Newbrook was dealt the loss for the Clan, allowing two goals and was forced to leave the game moments into the second half following a collision. TWU outshot SFU 10-to-4, and led in corner kicks 6-to-1.

The Clan are back in action on Aug. 30, when they host Chico State (10:30 am - Fox Field).

The Spartans will now head on the road to California for a three match swing against Hope International on Aug. 25, Westmont College on Aug. 27 and University of the Redlands on Aug. 30.

Trinity Western opens their Canada West conference play with three straight road games. They play Saskatchewan on Sept. 12, Alberta on Sept. 13 and British Columbia on Sept. 19. TWU's home opener will be on Sept. 26 against British Columbia.

Since entering the CIS in 2002 the Spartans women's soccer program has rapidly become one of the premier programs in the CIS. They have won two national championships, in 2008 and 2004, and two Canada West championships, in 2006 and 2004, and have been in the national championship three of the last five years where they have accumulated a 7-1-1 record.

Source:

Scott Stewart
Sports Information Director
Trinity Western University