Michael Henman's hat assortment continues to grow exponentially.
The 23-year-old UNBC Timberwolves striker has captivated the Canadian university soccer scene, scoring goals at an unprecedented pace.
After netting three of the T-wolves four goals Friday in a 4-0 victory over the visiting Saskatchewan Huskies - his fourth hat trick in the eight games - Henman found his scoring touch again Sunday afternoon against the visiting MacEwan Griffins of Edmonton. In the 85th minute he booted in the T-wolves' third goal to cap off a 3-1 victory. Anthony Preston scored the other two for the T-wolves, who improved their record to 5-4-1 at the expense of the Griffins (2-4-2).
Henman, who assisted on Preston's second goal of the game, now has 15 goals in the nine games he's played this season and leads the Canada West Conference in goals and points (17). His three-goal game Friday marked the first time in Canada West history one player has reached the three-goal plateau in four games in the same season.
His first goal against the Huskies gave UNBC a 2-0 in the 57th minute. Henman took a pass from Julian Daduica in the box and deposited the ball in behind Huskies goalie Jaron Slopinski. Seven minutes later, Koby Greaves found Henman at the top of the box, and the Victoria striker did the rest. Henman corralled it, turned, and crushed a ball past Slopinski.
One minute after that, Abou Cisse sprung Henman on a breakaway, but Slopinski came out and took the striker down the box. The official awarded the T-wolves a penalty kick, which are normally handled by captain Cody Gysbers. Gysbers stepped aside, allowing Henman to step to the mark and he made no mistake.
Cisse opened the scoring 45 minutes in, set up by Preston. It was the fourth assist for Preston, a Prince George youth soccer product, which left him tied for the league lead with Mohamed El Gandour of Mount Royal.
Daniel Zadravec made three saves in goal for UNBC for his fourth shutout of the season.
Following the men’s game on Sunday, the women T-wolves lost 4-1 to the Victoria Vikes at Masich Place Stadium. Ruby Nicholas scored twice for Victoria. Emma Skalik and Emma Dewit also scored for Victoria (3-4-2). Kiana Swift had the goal for UNBC (2-5-1).
The T-wolves lost 2-0 Friday to the top-ranked UBC Thunderbirds.
- with files from Rich Abney, UNBC Sports
