In PAC WEST action Saturday, Salmon Arm’s Amanda Barrett led the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack to a win over the Langara College Falcons.
Coach Tom McManus said when he recruited Barrett two years ago, he had one message for her, to score goals and create offence.
Barrett received that message loud and clear, scoring two goals and leading the team to a 4-2 victory over the visiting Falcons at Hillside Stadium.
“She is really beginning to believe that she can beat people now,” said McManus of Barrett. “Her speed and ability to score goals are top-notch. She seemed to get away from it a bit last year as she tried not to be selfish. But as a striker you have to be selfish.”
Her fourth and fifth goals of the year, the WolfPack upped their record to four wins, three ties and a loss, while Langara, who entered the weekend in first place in the PAC WEST Group ‘A’ fell to six wins and three losses. It is the second time this season the WolfPack has knocked off a team ranked in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association top 15.
It was a wild start to the game with three goals in the first 11 minutes. Just three minutes in, Barrett capitalized on a setup by Alanna Bekkering, beating a startled Langara keeper. Six minutes later, Langara scored with a long shot from outside the top of the 18-yard box.
Regaining their lead at the 11-minute mark, Ashley Piggot passed the ball to Barrett for her second of the afternoon.
“When they scored at nine minutes I said ‘oh my goodness,’ said McManus, who felt it was a great team effort by his club, who led 2-1 after the first half, saying Barrett “was on fire.”
The final score was 4-2 for TRU.
“They are such a good team and they come back hard. But our girls were up for it today and we are pushing for playoffs,” said McManus.