Friday morning at Masich Place Stadium, the UFV Cascades (5-1-2) earned a 3-1 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves (3-5-2).

Reigning Canada West Player of the Year Mateo Brazinha struck twice for the visitors, while Michael Beecraft added the other. The Timberwolves' lone tally came from Mark Talisuna, who buried a 63rd-minute penalty kick for his second goal in as many games.

With injuries and suspensions forcing roster changes, head coach Steve Simonson handed the first start of the season to local goalkeeper Yanni Ntapas and gave midfielder Kaiden Young his Canada West debut.

The wet, overcast skies didn't dampen the energy of more than 700 school-aged children in attendance, but the Cascades' disciplined defense smothered UNBC's attack early. In the 20th minute, Beecroft opened the scoring off a feed from Mondo Abay, before Brazinha doubled the lead 10 minutes later, heading home a curling cross from Adam Szymanski.

The Timberwolves came out energized after halftime and were rewarded when a handball in the box gave Talisuna a chance from the spot. The veteran calmly slotted his shot inside the left post, sending the keeper the wrong way and cutting the deficit to 2-1.

But in the 71st, Brazinha struck again in transition, restoring UFV's two-goal cushion and sealing the result.

In the late stages, Simonson subbed in Prince George product Kaiden Young marking the midfielder's first career Canada West appearance — a milestone moment despite the setback.

Next up: the Timberwolves look for a bounce-back performance in their Saturday noon rematch with the Cascades at Masich Place Stadium.