Tuesday marked the start of the knockout round at the 2017 Canada Games women's soccer tournament with BC playing its quarter-final against a strong squad from Nova Scotia. It was a tightly-contested match that went to penalties where Nova Scotia prevailed 5-3 in the shootout. BC is now eliminated from medal contention and will move into the consolation side of the draw.

In the first 15 minutes, both teams traded chances which included Nova Scotia coming inches from scoring off a corner that the BC defenders were able to clear off the line. After being shutout in their previous match, BC finally put the ball into the back of the net when Saje Brar (Surrey) finished off a great run and cross by Julia Grosso (Vancouver) to get her first goal of the tournament at the 20-minute mark.

Nova Scotia answered back with one of their own 15 minutes later on a well struck half-volley over the head of BC keeper Caitlin Arbuckle (North Vancouver). And in consecutive games, BC allowed their opponents to score right before the halftime whistle when Nova Scotia blasted a shot past the outstretch arms of Arbuckle in added time.

BC came out hard in the second half looking for the equalizer and came through in the 52nd minute when Grosso lobbed a ball over the Nova Scotia defense when the ball fell to her off a Kaela Hansen (Burnaby) corner. With the wind at their backs, BC continued to be aggressive and nearly took the lead five minutes later when Grosso sailed the ball just wide of the net. Nova Scotia nearly stole a regulation time victory from BC however, Arbuckle made a tremendous stop by deflecting a shot off the crossbar to preserve the tie.

Due to the tightened competition format, no extra time was played and the two teams went directly to a penalty shootout. BC missed on its first attempt which ended up being enough for Nova Scotia as the team went a perfect five for five from the mark.

Next up for BC is the loser of the Quebec – Prince Edward Island quarterfinal being played at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex Wednesday, August 2nd at 16:30 (CDT) as BC looks for a top five finish at the 2017 Canada Games.

Results/Stats:

Goals
• Saje Brar, #9 (20’)
• Julia Grosso, #10 (52’)

Penalty Shootout
1. Madeline Moore, #17 (Miss)
2. Julia Grosso, #10 (Goal)
3. Danielle Steer, #11 (Goal)
4. Emma Regan, #8 (Goal)

Next Up:

Wednesday, August 2nd 16:30 (CDT)
British Columbia vs. TBD [Consolation Semi-Finals]