The Women’s Soccer Team had a productive season; from winning against division rival – Calgary Dinos to having the opening game in the new semester.
“Canadian soccer has been super supportive of women’s games.” said the head coach Mark Pennington. The coach talks more about the team’s seasons. The Wolfpack Women’s Soccer team (5-7-2) had a productive season; finishing seventh in the Canada West Pacific Division. Rookie Lillie Pearson talks about adaptation to university soccer. Senior Emily about her experience with the ‘Pack.
“We are in our best season in history from the results perspective,” said Pennington. The women’s soccer team scored 16 goals in the 12 games throughout the season. Clark has one of the leading positions on the team, with two goals and two assists.
Compared to the 2022-23 season ‘Pack starts improved by 20 per cent, from last year’s season being 6-6-2 and at 1.22 goals per game.
The Kamloops-born forward has been playing for the Wolfpack for the last four seasons. She has been an amazing contributor to the team. Off-season she has been playing for the Rivers FC. The Football Club is affiliated with the Wolfpack and has a team primarily consisting of Kamloops players.
“The last two years were highlights for me.” Clark said. The team has gone through significant improvements in the past two years. Last season they almost got the bronze medal but also to Calgary Dinos 1-0.
“It’s been a really good development in the last few years. I’ve seen them come a long way. We want to keep moving forward” Pennington said. The team definitely went through many improvements. In 2021, they were at 0.286 per cent win and this season they are at 0.417 per cent. “We have played some really good soccer. Some of the results haven’t gone the way that we hoped.” Pennington said. “At this level, you’re always in a state of transition.”
Clark scored 10 goals in her career at TRU, with being on an assist at almost every game. She received the Academic All-Canadian Academic Achievement by Canada West.
“You have seniors going out every year.” Pennington said. As Clark is playing her last season the future of the ‘Pack starts their first years at TRU. One of them would be Lillie Pearson from Sherwood Park, Alberta.
Pearson received Alberta Summer Games team, grade 12 Female Athlete of the Year and Facey Women’s Soccer MVP.
“I was definitely in an adaptation stage. From high school level to university level. I felt like I clicked right away with the girls.” described Perason her first-year experience at the university.
“With our team, we all get along the same and we don’t have those groups that exclude anyone.” mentions Pearson. “With high school soccer, you get groups of girls and their clingy.” Indeed, looking at the women’s soccer team there’s a feeling of sisterhood. The seniors share their knowledge with the rookies; nobody feels excluded.
“This year we had a little more expectation because of the success we had last year.” Pennington said. This year for the first time in the history of the program Wolfpack won against the Calgary Dinos. ‘Pack won with a 2-1 score. Alexis Virgo got the opening goal and Berea Woldeyes with the assist of Emily Clark scored the game-securing goal.
Pearson mentions that game being one of the highlights of the season for her. “Beating Calgary for the first time in program history was definitely memorable. We really played together as a team. Won that game all together” Pearson said.
For the first time since 1970, the home opener for the new semester was played by the Women’s Soccer team. Previously all of the home openers were played by the Men’s team. Clark can remember that the attendance last season was much lower for their games rather than this year.
Earlier this year the Canadian Soccer Association cut funds for the Women’s National Soccer team. Not only did they cut funds for the team but also the salary for the men and women teams were different. This issue was concerning for the association, as the women’s team refused to play. Some of the athletes claimed that there were cases of sexual assault and different treatment between players. A month ago the Canadian Women’s Soccer team qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“We want to give as many opportunities to female athletes, coaches, and officials as we can.” said Pennington. Starting this year the goalkeepers are coached by Emily Edmundson.
“Sometimes it would be nice to have a female figure. Just to talk to her about other stuff that a male coach wouldn’t understand.” Clark said.
Wolfpack will face UBC Thunderbirds and UNBC Timberwolves this weekend. Both games are on the road for TRU. “It’s really difficult coming out of our conference. Our conference is the strongest in the country.” Pennington said. Currently, UBC is number one not only in the division but overall in Canada. UNBC finished last in the Pacific Division.
Support your TRU Wolfpack at The Den, second floor of the Campus Activity Centre. Both games are going to be on air there or you could get access to the games from the Canada West website: https://canadawest.org/landing/index
Go Wolfpack!
