Chris Raeside, CapU Athletic Events and Sport Development Officer
The Blues have secured their berth in the CCAA National Soccer Championship after a 2-1 overtime victory over the Douglas College Royals in one of the most memorable PACWEST matches in recent memory.
Capilano controlled a majority of the play in the first half resulting in multiple scoring chances but couldn't get that elusive first goal. Royals' keeper Elisha Machado made many highlight-reel saves to keep the match scoreless.
Douglas finally generated a chance of their own breaking past the pinching Blues defence in the 25th minute when Christine Singh received a pass in the 18-yard box and made no mistake blasting a shot past Sabrina Lam to give her club the lead.
The match got more physical in the second half with a series of yellow cards being handed out to Blues' Catrina Olstrom, and Royals' Hannah Dela Cruz and Isabella Silva.
With time winding down and the Royals hanging on to a 1-0 lead, the Blues were awarded a penalty kick after a handball in the Royals box on a Blues corner kick. Former All-Canadian, Andrea Perrotta, made no mistake and scored to tie the game pushing it into overtime.
With time winding down in the second half of overtime, All-Star Aynsley Hurtado ripped a shot from the top of the 18-yard box in the 119th minute to secure the victory. The goal would stand as the golden goal giving the Blues their first Provincial Championship since 2007.
The Blues advance to the CCAA National Championship hosted by Humber College in Toronto, ONT from November 10th to 13th.
Player of the Game
Aynsley Hurtado – Capilano Blues
Tournament All-Stars
Top Midfielder – Claire Ye – Capilano Blues
Top Forward – Catrina Olstrom – Capilano Blues
Tournament MVP – Catrina Olstrom – Capilano Blues
This marks head coach Dennis Kindel's first Provincial Championship as head coach of the Blues. He's previously won... We caught up with him to talk about their match and securing their berth in the 2021 CCAA National Soccer Championship.
Watch the entire match on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPY7e6eJWeA&ab_channel=PACWESTTV
