Nelson Youth Soccer grad Julia Burkart scored her first career goal as Thompson Rivers University WolfPack rallied for a 5-3 come from behind victory over the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat Wednesday in the final exhibition match of the 2019 Canada West season.

Burkart, a second-year defender from Nelson, scored her first Canada West career goal to tie things up on a long range strike as Thompson Rivers rallied from a 3-0 halftime deficit.

“It was definitely a game of two halves,” said WolfPack head coach Mark Pennington.

“We were poor in the opening stages as we missed two clear cut chances then not clearing our lines. We were punished going down 3-0 from UBCO’s first three attempts on goal. We struggled to get to pressure properly and UBCO dominated the first half.”

Marisa Mendonca, fifth-year midfielder from scored twice while Rylee Mugridge of Maple Ridge and Taylor Miller of Kamloops added singles.

The WolfPack return to the practice pitch and have their Canada West regular season opener on Thursday, September 5th in Prince George against the UNBC Timberwolves.

TRU’s home opener is Friday, September 13th on the Warner Rentals field at Hillside Stadium when the McEwan Griffins pay a visit.

Kick off is 5:30 p.m.

Burkart comes to TRU after a successful youth soccer campaign.

Burkart won gold and silver at the BC High School AA Girl’s level as member of the L.V. Rogers Bombers as well as two gold and one silver medal while playing for Nelson Selects at Provincial B Cup competitions.