For immediate release

Kwantlen Eagles Fly High Against the Falcons

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (September 26, 2011) – For the second straight weekend the Kwantlen Eagles soccer teams bounced back from frustrating losses on Saturday with strong performances Sunday.

Saturday, the Eagles women's soccer team (2-0-2) opened the weekend against the undefeated Quest University Kermodes (2-0-0) and were forced into a fast-paced game. Mari Tarleton (Bellingham) scored the first goal of the match for the Kermodes at the 7-minute mark of the first half but the Eagles answered two minutes later when first-year midfielder Kathleen Ehman (Langley) scored a non-contested goal deep in the right pocket. The shooting gallery continued on the Kermodes keeper with Kathleen Gratz (Surrey), Marissa Dionne (Surrey), Yvamara Rodriguez (Port Coquitlam) and Shanay Sangha (Richmond) all taking chances; but the Kermodes capitalized at the 45th minute with Tarleton's second goal giving them a 2-1 lead heading into half-time. A loss of composure early in the second-half saw the Eagles spotting their opponents a 4-1 lead. They rallied with two late goals with 9 minutes to go [Kathleen Gratz, Dominique Lang], but their comeback fell seconds short. Quest made the most of their scoring chances and took away the 4-3 win.

When the Eagles men's soccer team took to the pitch Saturday, the match-up against the Quest Kermodes (0-1-1) wasn't quite the start to the weekend they were looking for. The Kermodes took control of the game early, scoring in the 26th and 37th minute. They managed to frustrate the Eagles by controlling the midfield and preventing them from infiltrating the strong Kermodes defense. Despite multiple shots on goal, the Eagles couldn't factor on the game sheet and closed out the match with a 0-2 defeat.

Blustery conditions at Newton Field challenged both teams in Sunday's match-ups against the Langara Falcons however resulted in favourable outcomes for both Eagles soccer teams.

The women's team battled hard against the previously undefeated Falcons (3-0) but it was Kwantlen that got on the sheet first with a well-struck volley from Shanay Sangha (Richmond). The backline did well to contain Langara's forwards and goalkeeper Melina Gomez (North Vancouver) made several key saves to preserve her second shutout for the season. Yvamara Rodriguez tallied for the second time in 3 games to secure a well-earned 2-0 win.

This weekend's results maintain the Eagles in 3rd position in Pool A of the PAC WEST Soccer League with a (3-0-3) record.

The Eagles men's team (0-2-3) faced the Langara Falcons (1-2) on Sunday afternoon in a game that featured a battle between the two team's forwards. Eagles first year forward, Marcos Terodoro Da Silva (Burnaby) gave the Eagles an early 2-0 lead, scoring both Eagles goals early in the first half. The first uncontested goal came at the 9-minute mark and was later followed at the 20th minute with a textbook toe-punt through the Falcon's goalie legs. But, the Falcons were quick to respond with two-unanswered goals at the 23rd and 29th minute scored by the Falcon's second-year forward, David Wiens.

Pushing through wind, harsh rain and then blinding sun, the Eagles shut down the Falcons' defense and hung on to finish the match with a much-needed 2-2 tie.

"The team is extremely disappointed with the outcome of both results this weekend," said head coach Ajit Braich. "They [Quest and Langara] are two teams we felt we would match-up well against and unfortunately we let valuable points slip away. But, the point gained on Sunday still keeps us in touch with the final playoff spot."

This weekend's results drop the Eagles down to 5th spot in Pool A of the PAC WEST Soccer League with a (0-3-3) record.

Both Eagles teams stay at home next weekend for a single game when they host the University of Northern British Columbia Timerwolves at Eagles Stadium. Kick-off for the women is at 12pm, and the men play at 2pm.

Complete game results can be found at: www.kwantlen.ca/eagles

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about the Kwantlen Eagles, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kwantlen.ca

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca