VANCOUVER - The no. 7 ranked UBC Thunderbirds men's soccer team and the no. 10 ranked UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team are both off to Edmonton this weekend for their respective Canada West Final Fours. The conference banner will be on the line as well as the chance to book a spot at their respective CIS Championships scheduled for the following weekend.
CW FINAL FOUR SCHEDULES & UBC PREVIEWS
Women's seeding
1. Alberta
2. Trinity Western University
3. University of Fraser Valley
4. UBC
Women's schedule
Saturday, November 6, 2010
12:00 PM Semi-Final - #2 TWU vs. #3 UFV on Foote Field Turf
12:00 PM Semi-Final - #1 Alberta vs. #4 UBC on Foote Field Grass
Sunday, November 7, 2010
12:00 PM Bronze Medal on Foote Field Turf
12:00 PM Gold Medal on Foote Field Grass
A LOOK AT THE WOMEN
The T-Birds maintained their status as one of the elite team's in the Canada West during head coach Mark Rogers' first season at the helm of the program. UBC finished in a tie for third with an 8-5-1 record but earned the fourth seed at the final four since UFV owned the season tie-break between the two schools.
UBC's mission this weekend is clear but definitely not easy. In order to secure a spot at the CIS national championship, they must defeat the host and CIS no. 4 Alberta in their semi-final. The two teams split the season series 1-1, with each squad notching a 2-0 win on the road.
Janine Frazao and
Lisa Furutani lead the T-Bird offence with seven and six goals apiece. Furutani has been lethal when she gets her opportunities, tallying a career-high in goals with only 12 shots on target. Fellow forward Rachel Sawer has three goals and a pair of assists to add to UBC's scoring punch.
The T-Bird midfield is patrolled by veterans
Caitlin Davie,
Natalie Hirayama, Carmen and
Diane Rizzardo while
Kelly Cook and
Alisha Penev provide stability at centre back for the 'Birds. Fullbacks
Jordan Kitagawa and
Jessica Briker have started all 14 games for UBC this season and like to get involved going forward.
Meghan Best, who missed three games with injury earlier in the season, is the team's number one keeper. She has five clean sheets and an .857 save percentage in 11 starts.
Men's seeding
1. Alberta
2. UBC
3. Calgary
4. Saskatchewan
Men's schedule
Saturday, November 6, 2010
2:15 PM Semi-Final - #2 UBC vs. #3 Calgary on Foote Field Turf
2:15 PM Semi-Final - #1 Alberta vs. #4 Saskatchewan on Foote Field Grass
Sunday, November 7, 2010
2:15 PM Bronze Medal on Foote Field Turf
2:15 PM Gold Medal on Foote Field Grass
A LOOK AT THE MEN
UBC was near the top of the table the entire season but couldn't close the gap enough over the final weeks to catch Alberta, who earned one of the two CW berths for nationals with the conference regular season title. With only one spot at the CIS Championships up for grabs this weekend, a win over Calgary may not be enough to secure UBC's ticket. The T-Birds would go through to Toronto on a semi-final win if Alberta defeats Saskatchewan in their semi-final. If Alberta loses to the Huskies, UBC must win the conference title in order to continue their season.
First-year Gagandeep Dosanjh was a revelation up front for the 'Birds, tallying a team-best seven goals in 12 matches. UBC has received goals from throughout their roster in support of Dosanjh's effort, with eight other T-Birds scoring at least twice. Brandon Banifacio has been a workhorse for UBC's midfield and has three goals and a pair of assists for his efforts. Late addition
Alejandro Isern has been a solid contributor in the middle with a pair of assists in only seven games.
In net,
Zach Kalthoff was UBC's number one keeper with four shutouts in eight starts, however, he has missed a number of games recently with injury. First-years
Richard Meister and
Matt Robinson have been more than capable in relief, giving up only nine goals in six combined starts.
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