NAIT Ooks Men's Soccer

October 28, 2009

The NAIT Ooks learned once again that regular-season success does not always translate into success at playoff time.

Entering the ACAC men's soccer championship as favorites because they won the Northern title and earned the right to host the six-team competition, NAIT controlled play for about 70 minutes in a semi-final against Mount Royal University but finally bowed 3-2 in sudden-death overtime.

Head coach Jeff Paulus made no excuses although wind affected the performance of both teams in the Saturday game.

On Sunday, after a 2-0 loss to Concordia in the Bronze Medal final, Paulus gave credit to all-star Thunder goalkeeper Tristan Ilko, who rejected several good NAIT scoring chances.

"I'm really proud of our lads," the coach said. "We laid back for awhile late in the second half and that gave Mount Royal a chance to come on.

"Obviously, the defeat was difficult for us to overcome the next day.

"In all, it was an excellent competition and the players gave NAIT students and staff a great deal to be proud of."