CCAA Media
The Capilano Blues ascended to the CCAA Women’s Soccer podium for the first time in 23 years, winning the bronze medal with a 1-0 win over PACWEST rival Vancouver Island University Saturday afternoon in Squamish.
The Blues used the same formula for success as they did on Friday when they defeated Seneca by the same score; an early goal, headed home by Mya Fraser on a set piece curled to the front of the area by Michaela Salvino, proved to be the game-winner. It was the final game of a sterling five-year Blues career for Fraser.
On Saturday, once again, Capilano had a great deal of time to kill until the final whistle but effectively did so by packing the area in front of their goal, disrupting VIU’s passing attempts and blocking shots. When balls did get through to Amaya Salvino, they were generally from distance and the keeper was able to calmly smother them. It was her third clean sheet win in a row.
VIU pushed their formation forward as time ticked down and one of the best Mariners chances came in the 73rd minute when Emma Thornton blasted a turnaround first-touch shot that just cleared the crossbar. Early in the five minutes of added time, Emma Riccardi made a threatening run down the left side but her shot glanced away off a Blues defender. The ensuing corner kick was cleared and a last-chance free kick from distance by Hannah Rose came in low and was stifled by Capilano bodies in the box.
The bronze is the first medal for Blues women’s soccer since 2001 when they won gold in Medicine Hat. Saturday’s meeting was the sixth of the season between the Blues and Mariners and the first win for Capilano after two losses and three draws. Capilano ends the nationals with a 3-1 record, more wins than they had in a regular season which consisted of two wins, six draws and four losses. All the Blues goals in the tournament were scored by defenders, each a header off a set piece delivered by Michaela Salvino. Erika Di Lorenzo scored in Thursday's win over MSVU and Fraser scored in each of the last two games.
4imprint Players of the Game
Capilano – Isabella Bolognese
VIU – Mya Creed
