Capers lose 1-0 nailbiter in CIS bronze medal game
November 11, 2013
TORONTO (CIS) – Shalla Kadima's goal in the second minute stood as the game-winner as the Alberta Pandas defeated the Cape Breton Capers 1-0 to claim the bronze medal at the 2013 CIS women's soccer championship on Sunday afternoon at the University of Toronto's Varsity Centre.
The Canada West champion Pandas earn their 10th medal in 12 appearances on the national stage and first since claiming silver in 2002. Alberta ends their 2013 campaign with an impressive 13-2-2 record and improves their overall CIS championship record to 22-8-4.
After defeating the Laval Rouge et Or 1-0 in quarter-final action, the Pandas dropped a narrow 2-0 decision to the Montreal Carabins, who take on the Trinity Western Spartans for gold in today's championship finale at 4:30 p.m.
"It was great to see that we came out to play and did our job early," said Pandas head coach Liz Jespen. "I'm amazed by this group of girls. I've had the pleasure of coaching many great teams and players but what's unique about this team, such a new team, is their coming together to get CIS bronze. I think it says a lot about their character."
A second-team all-Canadian this season, Kadima (Edmonton) notched the game's lone goal as she headed a Jessie Candlish (Edmonton) corner kick past Capers goalkeeper Tiffany O'Donnell (Cole Harbour, N.S.).
Cape Breton had a great chance to score in the 18th minute off a corner kick, but Pandas midfielder Laura Kautz (Edmonton) was there to make the save and kick the ball out of harm's way. The Capers continued to pressure and Tiffany Johnson (Sudbury, Ont.) sent a booming shot at Alberta's Kelti Biggs (Spruce Grove, Alta.), who had to dive to make the save in the 28th minute.
O'Donnell made three saves in the first half and the Pandas maintained the 1-0 lead at the half.
The Capers had a couple of chances to score in the final minutes of the match, but the Alberta back line held strong to hold on for the win.
The AUS champion Capers finish their eighth national championship in fourth place, their best results since winning the title in 2007.
"I'm very proud of our girls all the way through the year with an undefeated season in the AUS and a banner there," said Cape Breton bench boss Ness Timmons. "Coming into this championship, our performance was top notch. I think that after they get over the initial disappointment of today's loss, they'll feel great about themselves.
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS
Gunn Baldursson Memorial Award (Tournament MVP): Vanessa Kovacs – Trinity Western
R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award: Cape Breton Capers
Tournament All-Stars:
Goalkeeper: Rachel Bedek – Trinity Western
Defence: Shalla Kadima – Alberta
Defence: Allison Bell-Davies – Cape Breton
Defence: Mélissa Gougeon – Montreal
Defence: Colleen Webber – Trinity Western
Midfield: Laura Kautz – Alberta
Midfield: Laura Chénard – Montréal
Midfield: Laurianne Garant-Saine – Montreal
Midfield: Vanessa Kovacs – Trinity Western
Midfield: Natalie Boyd – Trinity Western
Striker: Krista Gommeringer – Trinity Western
The Canada West champion Pandas earn their 10th medal in 12 appearances on the national stage and first since claiming silver in 2002. Alberta ends their 2013 campaign with an impressive 13-2-2 record and improves their overall CIS championship record to 22-8-4.
After defeating the Laval Rouge et Or 1-0 in quarter-final action, the Pandas dropped a narrow 2-0 decision to the Montreal Carabins, who take on the Trinity Western Spartans for gold in today's championship finale at 4:30 p.m.
"It was great to see that we came out to play and did our job early," said Pandas head coach Liz Jespen. "I'm amazed by this group of girls. I've had the pleasure of coaching many great teams and players but what's unique about this team, such a new team, is their coming together to get CIS bronze. I think it says a lot about their character."
A second-team all-Canadian this season, Kadima (Edmonton) notched the game's lone goal as she headed a Jessie Candlish (Edmonton) corner kick past Capers goalkeeper Tiffany O'Donnell (Cole Harbour, N.S.).
Cape Breton had a great chance to score in the 18th minute off a corner kick, but Pandas midfielder Laura Kautz (Edmonton) was there to make the save and kick the ball out of harm's way. The Capers continued to pressure and Tiffany Johnson (Sudbury, Ont.) sent a booming shot at Alberta's Kelti Biggs (Spruce Grove, Alta.), who had to dive to make the save in the 28th minute.
O'Donnell made three saves in the first half and the Pandas maintained the 1-0 lead at the half.
The Capers had a couple of chances to score in the final minutes of the match, but the Alberta back line held strong to hold on for the win.
The AUS champion Capers finish their eighth national championship in fourth place, their best results since winning the title in 2007.
"I'm very proud of our girls all the way through the year with an undefeated season in the AUS and a banner there," said Cape Breton bench boss Ness Timmons. "Coming into this championship, our performance was top notch. I think that after they get over the initial disappointment of today's loss, they'll feel great about themselves.
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS
Gunn Baldursson Memorial Award (Tournament MVP): Vanessa Kovacs – Trinity Western
R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award: Cape Breton Capers
Tournament All-Stars:
Goalkeeper: Rachel Bedek – Trinity Western
Defence: Shalla Kadima – Alberta
Defence: Allison Bell-Davies – Cape Breton
Defence: Mélissa Gougeon – Montreal
Defence: Colleen Webber – Trinity Western
Midfield: Laura Kautz – Alberta
Midfield: Laura Chénard – Montréal
Midfield: Laurianne Garant-Saine – Montreal
Midfield: Vanessa Kovacs – Trinity Western
Midfield: Natalie Boyd – Trinity Western
Striker: Krista Gommeringer – Trinity Western