Lethbridge – Despite a slow start the CIS #2 Trinity Western Spartans scored twice in the second half to down the Lethbridge Pronghorns 2-0 at the University Community Stadium.

Boxscore

Natalie Boyd broke the deadlock early into the second half and Caitlin Haines scored the other Spartan goal in the 70^th minute.

With the win the Spartans improve to 11-1-1and maintain their one point lead over the UBC Thunderbirds for top spot in the conference. The ‘Horns fall to 0-9-3 on the season.

While the Spartans held the possession and territorial advantage throughout the opening 45 minutes, the ‘Horns defence held solid and limiting the charging Spartans to very few quality chances
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Daniela Gerig had the two best Spartan chances in the first half but was not able to convert. First, off a corner kick that went untouched to the back post, a volley that went just wide of the post. Then just past the midway point of the half, Gerig found herself alone just outside the six-yard box after a pair of ricochets, but ‘Horns keeper Taura Willoughby’s sliding challenge turned her away.

The ‘Horns lone dangerous  opportunity came off a long free kick but Shannon Clark’s shot sailed over the bar.
Trinity Western finished with nine shot attempts but only forced Willoughby into making three saves, meanwhile the ‘Horns only directed  three shots towards the Spartan goal and only one finding the net.

The Spartans pressure continued into the start of the second half and they were finally rewarded in the 53^rd minute. After a great run from Melissa Mobilio, her cross was deflected by Willoughby but right to the foot of Natalie Boyd, who hammered it home.

Immediately following the Spartans marker, the ‘Horns did respond well with solid push back but struggled to find their range and penetrate the Spartans defence. Jenna Kleebaum’s shot from deep in the offensive zone flew over the crossbar.

Janelle Groten did force Spartan keeper Kristen Funk to make a nice diving save off a long free kick.

In the 70^th minute, the Spartans doubled their lead and Mobilio was the creator again; her cross found Caitlin Haines near the penalty spot, who chipped it over a charging Willoughby.

The final score could have been more lopsided if not for the goaltending of the Willoughby, who made two spectacular saves late. Her best came off a header of Colleen Webber from a Spartan corner kick, diving to her right.

The ‘Horns will wrap up the 2011 campaign tomorrow afternoon hosting the UBC Thunderbirds, while the Spartans will travel to Calgary to face the Dinos in their regular Season finale with their sights set on hosting the Canada West final four with a win.