VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy, the defending champions, opened their 2023 League1 BC season with a 2-0 victory against Victoria Highlanders FC at Thunderbird Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
In the first half, ‘Caps forward Ashley Roberts sent in a corner delivery attempt in the 30th minute of the match. The ball found its way into the area and deflected off of a defender for an own goal to open the scoring.
While the 'Caps were largely on the front foot, Highlanders FC forward Paige Payne made a run through midfield 39th minute of the match. Her quick pass connected to Kjera Hayman, as her strike would roll just past the cage.
The 'Caps pressed feverishly for a second goal, only to be thwarted countless times by Victoria goalkeeper Milena Ramirez.
The young ‘Caps finally doubled their advantage in the final minutes of the game, as substitute forward Ava Jackson converted her own rebound inside the box.
The full time whistle blew at Thunderbird Stadium as the defending League1 BC champions claimed their first victory of the season.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Benjamin Ritzen
Scoring Summary30’ – VAN – Avery Nystedt (own goal)
90’ – VAN – Ava Jackson
Whitecaps FC Girls Elite1.Leah Parsons; 3.Iba Oching, 22.Tea Mayson (16.Ire Omotayo 73’), 20.Keira Martin, 17.Nyema Ingleton ©; 10.Anna Hauer, 9.Kierra Blundell, 11.Noelle Sather (8.Sonya Mehta 65’); 18.Emma Yee (7.Ava Jackson 82’), 13.Joy Kimwemwe, 15.Ashley Roberts (19.Aja Turner 65’)
Substitutes not used
31.Carly Uchacz, 24.Keelyn Stewart, 25.Taegan Stewart
Victoria Highlanders FC1.Milena Ramirez; 11.Meaghan Faulkner, 2.Avery Nystedt, 18.Taiya Scorey, 3.Lily Mannell-Fretwell (4.Julia Mannell-Fretwell 62’); 5.Camryn Curts, 10.Sophie Miranda, 17.Kjera Hayman (16.Brynne Smith 62’); 13.Mariel Solsberg © (8.Lily Wray 79’), 7.Paige Payne, 15.Sofia Jones (12.Alexis Van Den Bulk 62’)
Substitutes not used
6.Kalista Kirkness, 9.Haley Macarthur
