By Aneesha Birk
This past weekend the Dinos men’s soccer team hosted their final two home games, a 1-1 draw against the University College of Fraser Valley Cascades on Sat., Oct. 21 and a 1-0 win over the Trinity Western Spartans on Sun., Oct. 22.
The Dinos single goal of Saturday’s game was scored by Adam MacDonald and assisted by Matthew Reid and Ryan Holbrook. Holbrook had two opportunities himself, but both proved unlucky. The Dinos dominated and out-shot the Cascades throughout the game.
The Dinos took an early 1-0 lead on Sunday and re-established themselves as a team able to bounce back quickly when Matthew Deeprose scored the goal of the game early on in the first-half.
“Once again the boys got stuffed on Saturday and came back strong on Sunday,” said Dinos head coach Andy Gibbs. “It was [also] a well-taken goal by Matt Deeprose.”
During the game a Spartans ball seemed to be a goal but Adam Onulov saved the Dinos with a last minute deflection. Brandon Gerritsen received a yellow card after getting into it with a Spartans player who the fans agree initiated it. The Dinos were quick to jump in and justify Gerritsen’s actions.
“The Dinos work as a solid unit,” said Gibbs. “Sunday was a great show of character and personality by the boys.”
These final Dinos home games were similar. Both included a player from the opposing team being seriously injured and both games were delayed as ambulances had to assist the players to the hospital.
“As far as random statistics go, the injuries took place around the same place and time,” said Gibbs. “How the heck does that happen? It’s been years since such a scenario.”
The Dinos have played well and shown consistency. Each week they put up points in an attempt to make division playoffs.
“The boys are phenomenal as student-athletes and I am the only coach to utilize all 18 players on the roster,” said Gibbs. “This division is the toughest as it constantly demands from them and they have more than proven themselves.”