Heat men’s soccer team gets 1st win of season on opening weekend

It took more than 90 minutes for the UBC Okanagan Heat men’s soccer team to capture their first win of the season against the visiting University of Victoria Vikes on a hot and smoky Sunday afternoon at Nonis Field.

The goal came from an unlikely hero, as third-year centre back Hamish Walde right-footed home the game’s only tally in the final minute of stoppage time after a Nikhil Reddy free kick bounced around in the box.

The dramatic winner was the first goal of the season for Walde, from Salt Spring Island.

UBCO had the upper hand in the fast-paced and entertaining first half, but neither team could find the finishing touch through the full regulation.

Last minute heroics on home turf: This marks the fourth time in the past two seasons where the Heat have scored within the last five minutes to earn a victory at home.

Quality netminding: UBCO’s Mitch McCaw made an instant impact after his one-game suspension, making multiple big saves in the first half. The best came on a close-range header that he swiftly punched away. McCaw notched the shutout in his first start of the year.

Inside the numbers: The home team finished with 10 shots on target on 11 attempts, while it took the Vikes 17 attempts to record 10 shots on target.

The win also marks the third straight victory against the side from Victoria, as the Heat prevailed in both games last season.

Player of the game: Rookie forward Juan Pinos was named the Heat’s player of the game. He created several chances early on in the game and his pace helped to break down Victoria’s defence. Records after the weekend: The Heat improved to 1-1-0 on the season, while the Vikes fell to 0-3-1 after their second weekend of conference play.

What’s next: The Heat will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to play the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades in Abbotsford on Friday night (8 p.m.) and the Trinity Western Spartans in Langley on Saturday (7:15 p.m.).

THUNDERBIRDS 2, HEAT 1

Despite scoring the first goal of the season against Chad Bush, the Heat fell 2-1 to the rival UBC Thunderbirds in their opener on Saturday at Nonis Field.

Christian Taylor, on an assist from Bret Depner, scored for the Heat in the 14th minute.