For immediate release

UNBC Timberwolves No Match for Soaring KPU Eagles

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (October 18, 2011) – The KPU Eagles soccer teams travelled north along the Fraser River to challenge the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. The Eagles left Prince George with convincing wins for both the women's (4-0) and men's teams (3-0).

A characteristic of the Eagles women's soccer program over the past several years has been the ability to overcome adversity. This year has been no exception. After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Douglas College last Sunday, the team spent the week recharging and refocusing in preparation for the gruelling road trip to Prince George.

The Eagles wasted little time in exerting their influence on the game. They managed to control possession of the ball throughout the first half through playing a structured game on and off the ball and making superb tackles at timely occasions. The Eagles produced several scoring chances in the first half, but through some good goalkeeping and sporadic shooting, they could not manage to get on the score sheet and the game remained scoreless going into half time.

The same trend continued well into the second half until rookie midfielder Jenessa Moore's (Vernon) well struck shot from the corner of the box went in off the post for what turned out to be the game-winner. Yvamara Rodriguez (Port Coquitlam) came into the game soon after and promptly tallied a natural hat-trick, giving her 7 on the season. The team kept working right to the final whistle. A convincing 4-0 win clinched a berth at the Provincial Championships in Kelowna later this month. This victory moved the Eagles (6-0-4) into 1st place in Pool A of the PAC WEST standings.

The Eagles men's soccer team came into Saturday's match up against the Timberwolves looking to avenge a tough 3-2 loss earlier in the season. Coming out with a lot of passion and determination, they quickly took control of the match when fourth year midfielder Kevin Coles (North Vancouver) scored in the 7th minute. The Eagles continued to press the play in the first half, however they were unable add to their lead and entered half time leading 1-0.

The last time these two teams met, the Timberwolves were able to erase a two goal deficit in the second half to pull out a victory, so the Eagles knew that they had to continue to press forward and not sit back on the slim 1-0 lead. The team came out fired up and picked up exactly where they had left off by peppering the UNBC goalkeeper with shots. In the 54th minute a brilliant through ball from third year forward Jethro Kambere (Surrey) sent Jacob Starheim (Delta) on a breakaway which he deposited in the back of the net to give the Eagles a two goal lead. Freshman Ricardo Alvarado (Vancouver) capped the game off in the 66th with an incredible strike from 35 yards out to give the Eagles an insurmountable 3-0 lead. The Eagles (1-3-6) victory over the Timberwolves snapped a 28 game winless streak and moved just one point away from 4th place Quest in Pool A of the PAC WEST standings.

Eagles head coach Ajit Braich was elated with the teams overall work ethic and performance. "This is something we've seen coming for a long time, stated Braich. "But this was the day."

The Eagles next play the Langara Falcons on Saturday October 23rd at BCIT in Burnaby. On Sunday the Eagles travel to Squamish to play the Quest Kermodes in the final league match of the 2011 season.

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

KPU 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 KPU Eagles, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kpu.ca

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