VANCOUVER - Gagandeep Dosanjh counted for the second time in as many matches with his first-half marker standing up as the winner for the UBC Thunderbirds in a 1-0 defeat of the Calgary Dinos Saturday night at Thunderbird Park.
The teams entered the match with identical records but the victory moves the T-Birds (6-2-2) three points clear of the Dinos (5-3-2) for sole possession of second spot in the Canada West.
Dosanjh's goal came in the 32nd minute, a result of a well placed cross by
Tyson Keam. The first-year striker received Keam's service on his chest then struck on the half volley past Calgary keeper J.P. Cresenzi and inside the left post for his team-leading fourth goal of the year.
Calgary, who threatened on corners all evening, nearly equalized on one in the 39th minute when Brian Delaney's ball found Devin Delany. However, his header was neatly cleared off the line by defender
Will Hyde.
UBC head coach
Mike Mosher credited his defenders for helping preserve the clean sheet.
"Our back line did well to fend off their attack and they took pride in keeping them off the scoreboard", said Mosher.
Thunderbird keeper
Richard Meister made four saves as he recorded his first clean sheet of the year and of his career in just his second start.
Brandon Bonfiacio, who tallied late in Friday's game, had another strong second half for the 'Birds. In the 59th minute the third-year midfielder was sent in alone by
Ryan Reynolds but Cresenzi challenged and knocked his shot wide. Bonifacio kept pressing and gained two more chances in the 76th minute. First, following an individual effort to gain space, he let fly a strike from 20 yards that was saved by Cresenzi. Moments late he missed just wide after taking a
Devin Gunenc delivery on the half-volley.
Calgary's best chance to level the match came in the 81st minute when Jeremy Jenkyns found space just outside the UBC penalty area. The substitute striker's effort curled for the top corner but was caught by Meister to preserve the 1-0 score line.
The T-Birds now take to the road for their final four matches. The first of which come against the Victoria Vikes on Saturday October 23rd followed by the Fraser Valley Cascades on Sunday October 24th. Kickoff for both matches is set for 2:15 p.m. Calgary returns home to face the Saskatchewan Huskies on October 23rd.
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