ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The University of the Fraser Valley men's soccer team kicked off the 2008 regular season on a winning note with a 2-1 victory over Calgary on Friday afternoon at Bateman Park.

The Cascades jumped out to an early lead thanks to a goal by second-year midfielder Ethan Claibourne-Collins (Chilliwack, B.C.) just 13 minutes into the match. Fifth-year defender Simon Crocker (Abbotsford, B.C.) posted the assist for UFV.

Fourth-year midfielder Milan Francisty (Maple Ridge, B.C.) added to the Cascades lead during the 26th minute on a great assist from fifth-year defender James Giebelhaus (Abbotsford, B.C.).

The Dinos, who had just three shots on goal during the match, scored late in the game as second-year forward Jeremy Jenkyns (Calgary, Alta.) brought Calgary to within one goal on a pass from first-year forward Alex Hanne (Calgary, Alta.) during the 77th minute.

“It was a good start to the season,” said UFV head coach Alan Errington.

“I thought we made hard work of it in the end as we let them back into it - that was a bit sloppy. But, other than that, I thought we controlled the ball pretty well.”

“They (Calgary) are a good side, so credit them. They always work hard on the set plays, long throw-ins and corners, so it was a bit frightening near the end. But, we pulled it out and we're happy with the win.”

Fourth-year goal keeper Kristjan Johannson (North Delta, B.C.) secured the victory for UFV, making two saves. Third-year goalie #J.P. Crescenzi# (Calgary, Alta.) registered six saves in the loss for the Dinos.

“He's just a steady and calm influence for us,” said Errington of Johannson's play in net. “He's got height and has a presence in the box.

"He had no chance on the goal today, but everything that comes near him, you're just confident that he's there. He's a good goal keeper and I think one of the reasons that he's doing so well is because of the guy sitting on the bench – Jacob Kubanski (Chilliwack, B.C.). He (Kubanski) is just as good as Johannson. Today, that's the best he's been (Johannson), so I think Jacob gets a reward for that.”

The Cascades (1-0-0) host Lethbridge at 3:15 p.m. tomorrow at Bateman Park while Calgary (0-1-0) travels to Trinity Western for a 7 p.m. showdown in Langley.

-UFV-