The slim playoff hopes of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men's soccer team were dashed in stoppage time on Saturday (October 18).

The WolfPack needed to sweep the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat this weekend to have any hope of finishing fourth in the Canada West Pacific Division.

However, TRU gave up a goal in the 93rd minute as they lost to the visiting Heat 1-0 at Hillside Stadium. That dropped TRU's record to two wins, eight losses and a tie.   UBCO moves to five wins, five losses and a tie.

The winning goal was scored when the WolfPack turned the ball over and Austin Jones (fifth year, forward, Vernon, BC) capitalized and slid it over to Enzo Paal (second year, forward, Coldstream, BC).  He beat WolfPack keeper Travis Froehlich (fourth year, Revelstoke, BC) to the lower right side of the net.

Ironically, Jones, Paal and Froehlich spent this summer as teammates playing for the Kamloops Heat of the Pacific Coast Soccer League Premier Division.

"I thought the first half we didn't come out with a solid effort," said WolfPack head coach John Antulov. "In the second half we really played much better as we created goal scoring opportunities and carried the play.  At the end we made a big mistake. We tried to dribble and they punished us for it."

UBCO had 20 shots in the contest including 12 in the first half. Froehlich made five saves while Heat keeper Christopher Cuthill (second year, Delta, BC) made two.

Antulov said the turnover was made by an inexperienced player - one of many in the WolfPack line up this year - but they will learn from it. "It is going to happen.  We tried to reiterate the basics this year. A rookie mistake."

The match was the final one at home for Jacob Kaay. The 6'2" midfielder from Kamloops, BC played his heart out. He was especially dangerous in the first half. "That was Jake," said Antulov. "He put in a solid effort. I am sad his last home match was a loss. I am sure we'll try and get him a win in his last match tomorrow."

The two teams will conclude their inaugural Canada West seasons on Sunday (October 19) in Kelowna, BC.

The Heat will honor their two fifth year players,  Jones and Joe Gill (defender, Abbotsford, BC) during that match.