Burnaby, BC – The SFU women’s soccer team suffered a heartbreaking defeat this afternoon at Terry Fox Field, losing 2-1 in a game where all three goals were scored in the final two minutes of play.

Amelia Ng (Richmond, BC) was on her game in the first half, making four saves.  While most of MSU-Billings’ chances came early in the half, SFU threatened late.

In the 42^nd minute, the Clan generated their first shot on net courtesy of Aja Choy-Halo but Danielle Gordon was there to make the save for MSUB, one of her two saves in the first half.

It appeared as though SFU had the first goal of the game seconds later when Kelsey Atherley put a shot on goal that was headed for the centre of the net, but a hand ball prevented the ball from going in and the referee awarded SFU with a penalty kick. 

Anna Brancati took the penalty kick and while she beat the keeper, she couldn’t beat the post.  Seconds later, Brancati got the ball back and rang a shot off the opposite post, leaving the score at 0-0 as the two teams headed for halftime.

The pace of play slowed down for most of the second half and for a brief period, a patch of fog rolling across Terry Fox Field made it difficult for players and spectators to follow the action.

Late in the half, the teams erupted with a flurry of goals and a wild finish.

MSUB’s Kristen Kastelic broke the deadlock in the 89^th minute.  After a shot that missed right, Kastelic regained possession and put the ball in the back of the net to give MSUB a late 1-0 lead.

SFU responded immediately, putting all kinds of pressure on MSUB.   In the final minute of play, Lia Marining fought her way to the MSUB net and put a shot on goal.  While the initial save was made, Marining buried the rebound to tie the game up, 1-1 with only 14 seconds left to play.

In a bizarre turn of events, MSUB then took control and Jaucelyn Richter put a shot on net that found its way past Amelia Ng as time expired, giving MSUB a thrilling 2-1 victory, and dealing SFU a devastating loss.

“Today is a perfect example is why you play until the end.  It’s unfortunate that the positive adrenaline after scoring the late goal didn’t translate into ten seconds of defending.  We need to get back on the training pitch this week and keep working so we can be better next week,” said Head Coach Shelley Howieson.

The Clan will try and rebound this Thursday night when they host the Western Oregon Wolves at Terry Fox Field at 7:00 PM.  Admission is free.