BURNABY, B.C. – The No. 8 ranked (CIS) University of British Columbia Thunderbirds men's soccer team took advantage of a Simon Fraser University Clan defensive miscue in the opening four minutes to win their first Adidas Soccer Express Challenge Cup in eight years, defeating No. 5 ranked (NAIA) SFU 2-0 on Tuesday night. SFU leads the all-time Challenge Cup series 12-10-4.
"I was really happy with our performance tonight," said UBC head coach
Mike Mosher. "I wanted the guys to take the game seriously and it was an opportunity to play a very quality opponent in a meaningful game. These are the type of games we need to find ways to win, especially as we get into the playoffs in a few weeks time."
UBC opened the scoring in the fourth minute when
Miguel Michelena capitalized on a Clan turnover inside the box, and quickly generated a goal while SFU keeper Hide Ozawa was out of position. The remainder of the first half was played almost entirely in the midfield.
The Thunderbirds added to their lead when William Hyde bent a high arching cross just inside the far post in the 58th minute. While the Clan added pressure in the latter stages, UBC was able to hold on to win the game 2-0.
"It all starts at the back for us," added Mosher in talking about the strong play of the UBC defensive unit. "We know by now our strengths and our weakness and for us keeping a clean sheet against a solid team is what we are going to have to do to win games."
SFU out shot UBC 8-to-7, while the Thunderbirds led in corner kicks 5-to-4. UBC's
Elliott Usher earned the victory in goal, making one save, while Ozawa was dealt the loss for the Clan despite making two saves.
The T-Birds play just one game this weekend, as they welcome the no. 1 ranked (CIS) Trinity Western Spartans to Thunderbird Park on Friday night in a battle of the top two teams in the Canada West. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
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