On Friday, October 25, the Thunderbirds started their weekend with a smashing 3–0 victory against the University of Lethbridge in the Canada West quarter-final. With a home-field advantage, the team had a lot on the line to return to the Canada West championship.
Their last match against each other ended with a 1–1 draw. But in a second half packed with events, including two yellow cards in the box, the T-Birds guaranteed their spot in the semi-finals for the winning title.
Both teams filled the first half with goal attempts, with the Horns strongly starting the match trying to score. However, after the ten-minute mark, the T-Birds responded, making a bigger effort to catch a glimpse of victory.
In general, the initial part of the game was full of close chances, but nothing decisive. Both teams played relatively similarly — UBC was powerful on offence, but it was not strong enough for Lethbridge’s strategic defence.
“We knew they were going to come in and try and make it difficult for us, and they did,” said UBC head coach Mike Mosher after the game. “They make it hard and it is a matter of when, and if, can you get that first goal.”
The second half was the highlight of the game. After UBC’s Henri Godbout was brought down in the box and a yellow card given to the Horns, the T-Birds got a penalty kick — a winning ticket for their first score. With a bottom right shot, Chris Lee marked the Thunderbirds’ first goal.
Only eight minutes later, the ref called another penalty due to a Lethbridge player handling in the box and receiving a card. Lee took the penalty kick and scored once again, doubling their lead over the Horns.
Even with an obvious advantage, it was clear the T-Birds remained hungry for more. Eric Kim, assisted by Oliver Herbert, scored the last goal in the 83rd minute, easily advancing the ‘Birds to the semi-finals and ending Lethbridge’s season.
“Changing Ollie [Herbert] for Asvin [Chauhan] was the way forward in that second half, and it made a big difference," said Mosher.
The T-Birds played the University of Fraser Valley on Sunday at the Thunderbird Stadium in the Canada West semi-final, winning 4–2. With the victory, UBC will be going to the final of the Canada West championship, looking to become champions three times in a row.
They are facing the Mount Royal Cougars at Thunderbird Stadium this Friday at 7 p.m., before heading to the U Sports national tournament hosted by Ontario Tech from November 7–10.
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