The Simon Fraser University women’s soccer team hopes to be the host with the most.
But without some good fortune this week, they could just be playing host to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships next week.
The Clan entered yesterday’s contest against at St. Martin’s trailing fourth place Montana State Billings by three points, with a game in hand. They close out the regular season on Saturday when they host Western Oregon, 5 p.m. at Terry Fox field on Burnaby Mountain.
Getting that fourth-and-final berth to the GNACs took on extra meaning when the program was given the privilege to host the event – the first time the tournament has been held outside of the U.S.
“We want to win, we want to make it to that GNAC Final Four tournament and that’s what it’s all about for us,” said Brianna Morrison, a senior midfielder.
A three-game losing skid threw what appeared to be a good bet into a down-to-the-wire operation.
SFU dropped decisions to No. 5-ranked Western Washington (4-0) and Central Washington (5-2). In the second game, Sierra Leung gave the Clan a quick lead just 1:59 into the contest, but Central counted five straight goals to take control. Burnaby North alumna Christina Dickson netted her team-high seventh goal, placing her second overall in the GNAC.
The GNACs begin Nov. 5 at SFU with semifinals at 4 and 7 p.m. The final is slated for Nov. 7, 1 p.m. The winner advances to the NCAA Div. II championships.
