Popadynetz, Wolfpack score Canada West upset of Alberta
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Fifth-year starter Mitchell Popadynetz of Nelson continues to lead the Thompson River University Men’s Soccer Team.
Popadynetz scored a goal before adding an assist to lead the Wolfpack to a 3-1 upset victory over University of Alberta Golden Bears in the Canada West play in game Saturday in Edmonton. The WolfPack now advance in Canada West playoff action, playing Trinity Western University Spartans.
The Bears saw their 500-plus minutes of scoreless soccer come to an end in this match.
After losing to Alberta 1-0 in the regular season, the Pack have beaten the Bears twice in their last three meetings. In 2017, TRU defeated Alberta to win the Canada West bronze medal.
“Can’t say enough about Mitch (Popadynetz) and Fin (Finlay McPhie), Jason (Staiger) and Thomas Lantmeeters,” said TRU head coach John Antulov.
“All the guys who have stepped it up over the last few weeks and are starting to reap the rewards of how they are playing.”
The WolfPack meet the Trinity Western University Spartans in the first game of the Canada West final four next weekend. Trinity downed Calgary in penalty kicks in their play in game. The teams were tied at 1-1 after regulation time and theSpartans beat the Dinos 4-3 in penalty kicks.
The other semi final will have host UBC meeting up with Fraser Valley. UBC took care of Mount Royal in their quarter final 3-0 while Fraser Valley needed penalty kicks to dispose of Saskatchewan. They were tied at 1-1 after regulation and overtime. The Cascades scored three penalty kicks to the Huskies one.
