Thunder Open Exhibition Play With Win Over Eagles
EDMONTON, AB – The Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunder women welcomed the visiting King's University Eagles on Saturday to open their exhibition schedule. A tight game early on, the Thunder found their legs in the second half and went on to win 6-2.
The Eagles opened the scoring early in the first half, scoring in the 3rd minute to take a 1-0 on a goal from #9 Dani Irwin. The Thunder were able to settle in shortly after, and after a tightly contested back and forth half, the Thunder added two quick goals in the 44th minutes from #5 Sarah McClelland and #10 Breanna Callander to take a 2-1 halftime lead.
The Eagles were again able to grab an early goal to start a half, as Dani Irwin scored her second of the game from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half to level things at 2-2. After that, it was all Thunder as Breanna Callander added another one in the 60th minutes, and #7 Madison Gamache came off the bench to score a second half hat trick with goals in the 65th, 78th, and 82nd minutes.
Thunder assistant coach Phil Michailides commented after the game: "we did the math and it was 667 days since our last game in 2019, so we knew there would be rust and nerves, and it was evident but the skill and instinct of our team took over." After the game, fourth year Thunder forward Rebecca Leavell liked what she saw from her side: "we pressed well, kept possession, played well as a team and stayed connected."
The Thunder continue their exhibition schedule next Saturday as they head to The King's University for a rematch with the Eagles. The next home game for the Thunder is Friday, September 24th as they welcome the GPRC Wolves in regular season play.