With two weeks left in the PACWEST regular season, it is a safe bet to think that Justin Wallace of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack would be considered front runner for MVP. Wallace has led the league in scoring from the opening weekend. Saturday (Oct 12) against the Douglas College Royals, He had a goal and one assist as the ‘Pack downed the Royals 3-0 before over 200 fans at Hillside Stadium. The victory, coupled with Langara’s win over Vancouver Island University, put the WolfPack into a three way tie for first with Douglas and Langara. TRU does have a game in hand. “We tried not to build too much into this being a battle for first place, ‘said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace. “This was just another game. It is the first of three at home. We just wanted to focus in on today and get a good result. I think the guys came out and really battled hard. They deserved the result.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Jacob Kaay heads ball vs Douglas (Allen Douglas photo)[/caption] The WolfPack got their first goal on a strange play in the three minute mark. Jacob Kaay (4th year, forward, Kamloops ,BC) broke in on the left side from a sharp angle and slid the ball across the goal mouth. Douglas keeper Marc Mincielli (3rd year, Surrey, BC) stretched out his arm but the ball had already crossed the line. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] WolfPack goal !!! (Allen Douglas photo)[/caption] In the second half, Minicelli was replaced by Indy Pamma (1st year, Surrey, BC). In the 68 th minute, Justin Wallace went to work. On a play which started when Brendan Mendez (3rd year, midfield, Calgary, AB) used his speed to break through the Douglas defence on the left side, Mendez almost had his shorts pulled down by a Royal defender. He slid the ball over to Wallace who, took the ball on his right foot---deked four Douglas defenders to the right, stopped, moved the ball to the left and blasted a rocket which went top corner from the top of the 18 yard box. The Royals could only stop and go silent in disbelief. It was Wallace’s ninth goal in 10 outings. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Dion Gouldsborough releases ball vs Douglas (Allen Douglas photo)[/caption] “He has enough skill that he can freeze a defense,” said Coach Wallace. “ That is what he did on that one. To pull it back with his left foot and fire it over the goalies head.” The WolfPack added an insurance marker in the 78 th minute. Again, Justin Wallace putting on a display of finesse and speed. He took the ball off a give and go with PACWEST all-star Ashley Raynes (3rd year, midfield, Manchester, UK) deep into the left hand zone near the Douglas goal. Dancing along the line, he shoveled the ball out front where Oriol Torres (3rd year, forward, Barcelona, Spain) had to just tap it past a startled Pamma for his sixth goal in eight games. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Oriol Torres vs Douglass (Allen Douglas photo)[/caption] “ That is kind of his office,” said Coach Wallace about Justin’s pass. “ He helped Mike Harvey (1st year, midfield, Calgary, AB) in that same spot against Douglas earlier this season. He is so composed on the ball and find that guy open. Oriol was there where he should be to finish it off.’ [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Travis Froehlich gets the shutout (Allen Douglas photo)[/caption] Travis Froehlich (3rd year, Revelstoke, BC) notched his third shutout of the season. He was tested a few times and even took one off the face late in the first half. The WolfPack entertain the Kwantlen Polytechnic Eagles Sunday afternoon (Oct 13) at Hillside Stadium. Douglas moves to Kelowna to meet up with the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. Kick off for TRU is 2 pm. The WolfPack have one more game this weekend---coming up Thanksgiving Day Monday (Oct 14) against Capilano University Blues. Kick off is 2:30 pm.