Soorts Giridhar Krishnan Sports Editor he UNBC timberwolves soccer men's team started this year's campaign in a totally one sided battle against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, losing 7-O. The defense of the Timberwolves was looking totally out of place, and fouls leading to penalty kicks did not help. The Huskies star was third year midfielder Luigi Bekwayo, who got a hat trick. The other goal scorers for the Huskies were David Brown (38', 54’), Brett Levis (71') and Ryan Contenti (89’), From this disappointing performance the Timberwolves men came back strong in the next encounter against the Alberta Golden Bears holding the score at 1-1. There seemed to be a new sense of energy and the defensive lapses were fixed. Even though the Timberwolves could not create a lot of goal scoring opportunities, they were able to work as a team, and ensure that they held against Alberta until a deadly header from Mohamed Teliani rolled past the Timberwolves goalkeeper in the 4Oth minute. The Timberwolves did not lose hope though this time, and kept on track with their momentum to ensure that the Bears could not get past their defense once again in a similar fashion. When the match seemed to be ending UNBC Timberwolves Find in an |-O defeat for the wolves, game rookie striker Tofa Fakunle (Calgary, AB) was fouled in the box on an attempted header. Fakunle was awarded a penalty in the 9Oth minute. Amidst pressure and great hopes from the crowds Fakunle did not lose his cool and netted a goal for a thrilling victory for the Timberwolves. Special mention should go to the whole team for their terrific display of defense, midfield and attack coming back from such a slump. Especially Timberwolves’ midfielder Brett Bobier's immaculate passing to both the forward and defenses at the appropriate time set the tone for the entire match. The UNBC goalkeeper (and captain) Tyrone Venhola came back well from the first match saving four goals with good support from the defense. On catching up close for an interview with UNBC captain Tyrone Venhola alongside his teammate Connor Noftle, Tyrone seemed very pleased with the outcome of the golden bears match and said they were looking for a win next week after the weekend. When the captain was asked what really went wrong in the first match, he said that there were lot of defensive lapses, and the penalty kicks dented their confidence and the team gave up after a few goals. He also added that the coach's motivational speech and tactical changes made them put a fighting display for a draw against the Golden Bears. Tyrone, and all his teammates, said they wish to see the Timberwolves fans keep coming out and cheer for them as it would really help boosting their confidence and morale. On the other side the Timberwolves women started their campaign against The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades with a 2-O defeat. The first goal came in the 12th minute by Jade Palm, assisted by a corner kick from Paige Friesen. The Wolves managed to hold them back till the 75th minute when Danica Kump found the net assisted by a pass their Footing bears:ualberta.ca f Alberta)Bearsivss¥UNB@limberwolves from Carly Radomski. Jordan Hall the Goalkeeper of UNBC Timberwolves women was exceptional, saving 15 of the 17 shots on target. The second match against the University of Victoria Vikes women's soccer team made Sidney Roy of the wolves register the first goal for this season. Though the match ended in a loss, with the scoreline at 4-O, the Timberwolves played strongly. The vikes goal scorers were Jackie Harrison (4, 44’), Jaclyn Sawicki (33'), and Maryse Reichgeld (90). The Timberwolves will be playing their home matches this weekend, hosting Alberta and Mount Royal on September 13th and 15th respectively. Hopefully the home crowd should give them the cheer and momentum they need to register a win that is overdue. Raonic Loses Fourth Round: All Smiles after Defeat Giridhar Krishnan Sports Editor ( anadian tennis fans are coping with the US Open fourth round Cup. In the US open, he did not lose to an unseeded player, but to Richard Gasquet (one amongst the top ten in ATP singles rankings). There has been a lot of criticism that Raonic does not by all Raonic’s fans. As a great player who is currently ranked Ith in the ATP singles, Raonic could very well get into the top five if his confidence is boosted by his supporters. On the other hand, if or her life, but the player is losing a way of life. When a player wins then there is no shortage of crowds or media or die hard supporters. While winning people will always be there. loss of Milos Raonic against Richard Gasquet. The mentality of lot of people is to just see the results of matches, and perhaps do not even know much about the sport. Regardless of their interest level, a lot of Canadians wish for victory for their countrymen. A loss would be very disheartening for them, and at times quite emotional. What these people are missing is empathy; when fans spend a few dollars to come and watch the match, or spend their precious time being entertained by their passion, they could not bear the loss. One should imagine, however, the plight of the player who lost, after years of practise, toiling on the tennis court forever in his life. The pain, emotion and suffering are surely more for the players than the spectator. The viewer may be losing one day in his What really counts are the amazing supporters who are there with the player during the tough times of defeat. The fans are the best option for an athlete who needs a positive boost in morale. This should be kept in mind — a = ~~ ic) S a S OS AS} cS S Dy Ss 5S) oe a" a) Ss) S S e all he hears from his fans is complaints and negative vibes, there could be a great chance that his rankings take a slump. Raonic was the first Canadian since 1969 to get into the finals of Rogers have the stamina or fitness to play for long, and that his backhand needs to improve. These things are accurate, but asa 22 year old player, he requires encouragement from his supporters when he gets into action in the Davis Cup against Serbia. Milos Raonic will be leading the rally of the Canadian tennis racquets against Novak Djokovic. It will be an uphill battle for Canada to get into the tennis finals, and meet the winners of the other semi finals in a tie between Argentina and Czech Republic. So hope for the best and hopefully there will be an epic marathon encounter in Davis Cup semi-finals, similar to the five setter of Raonic-Gasquet in the US open.