On a sunny Sunday afternoon at Thunderbird Stadium, the UBC women’s soccer team continued their four game winning streak, defending their title as U Sports champions, with a 1–0 win over the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.
The ‘Birds started out on a strong foot and found their attacking rhythm almost instantly. Holly Whelan created the first chance five minutes into the game, but it was saved by TRU goaltender Cassandra De Amoral. UBC’s offence wreaked havoc up the pitch frequently using a one two interplay to cut through Thompson Rivers’ defence.
Possession was evenly distributed, but the Thunderbirds edged out the WolfPack when it came to composure and organization on the ball. Jayda Thompson, Nisa Reehal and Whelan combined to create more shots on target, but they were denied by De Amoral.
The Thunderbirds kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a breakthrough in the 29th minute of the game. Assisted by a through ball from Jade Taylor-Ryan, Thompson was clinical from close range and scored the T-Birds' only goal of the game. Off the rebound, she caught the goalie at the edge of her box and fired the ball in the back of the net, much to the delight of the roaring crowd in the stands.
Going into the second half, the ‘Birds ramped up the pressure and almost found another goal with Bailey Doerksen's cross, but it was saved by De Amoral. Around the 60th minute, the WolfPack began to push up field but were met by the wall of the T-Birds' defence. Both teams were quick on possession turnovers and made key use of counterattacks, however the Thunderbirds’ defence kept the WolfPack at bay with no-nonsense clearances.
The pressure intensified in stoppage time with a shot by T-Bird Sofia Peckenpaugh that went just wide of the goal. Although the Thunderbirds couldn’t find the back of the net, they clinched a 1–0 victory, continuing their unbeaten run against Thompson Rivers (15–0) and keeping their top spot in the Canada West standings.
The Thunderbirds were unmatched in attacking play, creating a total of 26 chances, of which 11 were on target. On defence, the T-Birds kept a clean sheet against the WolfPack with clearances and only drew four fouls compared to TRU’s nine.
“I thought that was actually a very good performance and we kept the ball exceptionally well,” said UBC head coach Jesse Symons after the game. “We created in lots of different ways, but the final product wasn't there today for some reason.”
And it’s still early in the season, but Symons said the team is aiming for a repeat of last season.
“We have big goals this year again, like last year, and I think everyone’s very motivated to do well this season.”
The UBC Thunderbirds look unstoppable as they face Trinity Western University next at Ken Woods Field on Friday, September 20 at 5 p.m.
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